Chapter 1: The Impact of Starfield on The Outer Worlds 2

The launch of Starfield has somewhat diminished my enthusiasm for The Outer Worlds 2, despite the original from Obsidian being among my top favorites. Both titles share a similar design philosophy, drawing heavily from the legacy of first-person open-world RPGs developed by their respective studios. With both companies now under Microsoft’s umbrella, the space RPG market has become quite competitive.

While The Outer Worlds 2's release is still some time away, the excitement can be rekindled. Bethesda has expanded upon many core concepts, leveraging their resources effectively to create a game with greater scope, complexity, and loot. Starfield’s implementation of mechanics, like the jetpack featured in The Outer Worlds 2's teaser, showcases its depth.

So, how does Obsidian market a sequel to a game with a smaller budget when its sister studio has launched a colossal title? Perhaps by emphasizing their strengths! Obsidian is renowned for creating some of the most exemplary RPGs, even in the shadow of such a massive game as Starfield.

Having experienced both games extensively, here are two significant areas where The Outer Worlds excels in comparison to its contemporary rival. While it's not entirely fair to compare two games with vast budget differences and release gaps, they both stem from a common design heritage, making such comparisons intriguing.

Section 1.1: Combat Experience

From the outset, combat in The Outer Worlds feels more engaging than in Starfield. The weapon mechanics are more enjoyable, and the "Tactical Time Dilation" feature is a fantastic alternative to Fallout’s VATS system.

Starfield lacks a comparable mechanic, which I previously discussed. While its gunplay is arguably the best Bethesda has produced, it requires time to reach its full potential. Players eventually acquire items that enhance elemental damage and abilities, compensating for the absence of a slow-motion mechanic, but it never achieves the same immediacy as Obsidian’s title. Fighting “elite” enemies in Starfield often devolves into a drawn-out battle of attrition, where players expend ammo watching health bars diminish with minimal feedback.

In contrast, The Outer Worlds offers a more responsive gameplay experience, with less aiming latency whether played on console or PC. Weapons provide clear visual and audio cues, and damage varies based on hit locations and character builds. The time dilation feature introduces tactical elements that can turn combat encounters in your favor right from the start, ensuring a fun experience throughout the game. If Obsidian capitalizes on this engaging gameplay and the time-slowing mechanic in their sequel, it could highlight the areas where Starfield’s combat falls short.

Section 1.2: Character Development

Despite Starfield's vast universe of procedurally generated planets, the narrative arcs of both games are comparable in length, with each featuring a similar number of well-developed companions. However, The Outer Worlds excels in pacing these character stories, possibly due to a clearer understanding of playtime compared to Starfield's vast potential.

Characters in Obsidian's game display greater depth and personality than those in Starfield. Without revealing spoilers, a major decision in Starfield's endgame divides companions into factions, while The Outer Worlds offers characters with more personal narratives and interactions that aren't solely focused on the main plot.

Although Starfield boasts one of Bethesda’s most diverse character casts, it’s somewhat disappointing how they split into factions rather than feeling like a cohesive team. Companions often interrupt critical moments to discuss personal issues, adding a layer of absurdity to the gameplay experience.

Final Thoughts

It is unfortunate that The Outer Worlds 2 will be measured against Starfield since both are products of Microsoft and belong to the same genre, crafted by developers with a legacy tied to the Fallout series. Marketing a space RPG amid the immense scope of Starfield will be challenging. Although some players may not prioritize size, mainstream audiences often equate "larger" with "better," a trend reflected in sales data.

Nonetheless, Obsidian can find solace in the fact that their next release, Avowed, might cater to audiences longing for a single-player RPG experience reminiscent of classic titles. I anticipate that Outer Worlds 2 will carve out a unique identity to avoid being overshadowed by Starfield or other upcoming titles.

Still, I can't shake the feeling that somewhere in Microsoft, executives are questioning the necessity of having two similar RPGs in their lineup, pondering the dreaded possibility of cancellation. That’s the reality of the gaming industry, isn't it?

Chapter 2: Video Insights on Starfield and The Outer Worlds

This video dives deep into the comparison between Starfield and The Outer Worlds, examining gameplay mechanics and storytelling elements.

Here, a direct comparison of Starfield and The Outer Worlds highlights their strengths and weaknesses, offering insights for fans of both games.