The Outer Worlds 2: Exclusive 11-Minute Gameplay Revealed - IGN First

Welcome to our latest IGN First – a month of exclusive coverage in April, and it's all about The Outer Worlds 2. This is the very first look at its gameplay in real time, showcasing a quest where you infiltrate the N-Ray Facility. This demo highlights several of the game’s new features and mechanics, as well as its innovative approach to level design. One of the most exciting aspects is how The Outer Worlds 2 aims to deepen its RPG experience, drawing inspiration from Obsidian's rich history and immersive sims like Deus Ex and Dishonored.

The game introduces more sophisticated systems than its predecessor, including a true stealth system and better tools to support this playstyle. Effective melee weapons and skills enable silent takedowns, enhancing the stealth experience. A notable feature is the health bar above enemy heads, which includes a purple-colored readout showing the potential damage from a stealth attack. This helps players decide if they can achieve a one-hit kill or if it's even worth attacking. Additionally, enemies can detect dead bodies and alert guards, but players with the right skill can disintegrate bodies to avoid detection.

The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots

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Later in the quest, players acquire the N-Ray Scanner, a device that allows them to see through walls, spotting objects, NPCs, and enemies. This tool is essential for solving complex environmental puzzles and is crucial for stealth and combat strategies. Cloaked enemies within the N-Ray Facility become visible with the scanner, emphasizing the importance of this gadget in gameplay.

The game features several interlocking systems that influence player choices, deepening the RPG elements that define specific character builds. Stealth and immersive sim elements aren't the only areas seeing expansion; Obsidian has focused on improving gunplay, taking inspiration from Destiny for a more satisfying shooting experience. While The Outer Worlds 2 isn't turning into a full-blown shooter, it offers a more refined first-person combat experience.

An example of this refined combat is seen when approaching the N-Ray Facility with guns blazing. Movement mechanics have been tweaked to complement gunplay, allowing for more agile actions like sprint-sliding while aiming down sights. The return of Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) enhances the bullet-time fantasy, making it an integral part of combat strategy. Players can now use throwables, weaving them into their arsenal for tactical advantages, such as tossing a grenade, activating TTD, and shooting it midair to cause an explosion among enemies.

While details about the story are sparse, the gameplay video showcases tweaked conversation mechanics. In a scene with an NPC named Exemplar Foxworth, who has survived a cultist takeover, players can choose actions based on their Medical, Guns, or Melee stats. This scene also introduces a new companion, Aza, a former cultist who joins the player to help rectify past wrongs.

Many elements from the original Outer Worlds return in an evolved form, reflecting Obsidian's vision for a more fully realized sequel. Through early access and discussions with the developers, it's clear that The Outer Worlds 2 aims to blend the studio's RPG heritage with modern first-person RPG expectations, often referencing Fallout: New Vegas as a guiding influence. This bodes well for the game's potential.

This month's IGN First will delve into character builds, the new flaws system, unique weapons, and the expanded scope of the sequel. Stay tuned for interviews with key figures such as original Fallout developer and creative director Leonard Boyarsky, game director Brandon Adler, and design director Matt Singh. Keep checking back at IGN all April long for more in-depth coverage of The Outer Worlds 2!