Welcome to our latest IGN First, where we dive into a month of exclusive coverage in April, all dedicated to *The Outer Worlds 2*. This is your first glimpse into its real-time gameplay, showcasing a thrilling quest where you infiltrate the N-Ray Facility. This quest is a perfect showcase of several new features and mechanics, as well as a reimagined approach to level design. One of the most striking aspects is how *The Outer Worlds 2* deepens its RPG experience. Developer Obsidian Entertainment is drawing from its rich history and taking inspiration from immersive sims like *Deus Ex* and *Dishonored* to enhance the gameplay.
Compared to its predecessor, *The Outer Worlds 2* introduces more sophisticated systems, including a true stealth system with enhanced tools that make this playstyle more viable. You now have access to effective melee weapons and skills for silent takedowns. A new feature shows a purple-colored health bar above enemy heads, indicating the potential damage from a stealth attack, allowing you to decide if a one-hit kill is possible. Enemies can detect dead bodies and alert others, but with a new skill, you can disintegrate bodies to avoid detection.
The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots
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As you progress through the quest, you acquire the N-Ray Scanner, a device that lets you see through walls to spot objects and NPCs/enemies. This tool is essential for solving complex environmental puzzles and crucial for stealth and combat strategies. The N-Ray Facility is home to cloaked enemies who are invisible to the naked eye but can be detected using the N-Ray Scanner. Failing to use this gadget diligently can result in surprise attacks from these hidden foes, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay.
The game features several interlocking systems that enhance your gameplay experience, focusing more on RPG elements to create unique character builds. Stealth and immersive sim elements are not the only improvements; gunplay has been significantly enhanced, with *Destiny* serving as a benchmark for what good gunplay feels like. While *The Outer Worlds 2* isn't turning into a full-blown shooter, the first-person firearm mechanics have been refined for a more satisfying experience.
You can see these improvements in action during the N-Ray Facility mission, where you can go in guns blazing. Movement mechanics have been tweaked to complement gunplay, allowing for more dynamic actions like sprint-sliding while aiming down sights. The return of Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) adds to the bullet-time fantasy, making it an integral part of your combat strategy. Additionally, the introduction of throwables adds another dimension to your arsenal, allowing for creative tactics like tossing a grenade, activating TTD, and shooting it midair to cause explosive chaos among enemies.
While there isn't much to reveal about the story yet, including the context of the N-Ray Facility quest, we've seen how conversations have evolved in the sequel. In the gameplay video, you encounter an NPC named Exemplar Foxworth, who's survived a cultist takeover. Depending on your Medical, Guns, or Melee stats, you can choose to help her or respond accordingly. This segment also introduces a new companion, Aza, a former cultist who joins your team to help rectify past actions.
While many elements were present in the original *Outer Worlds*, this sequel aims to fully realize the vision Obsidian set out to build. Through early access and discussions with Obsidian, we've gained insights into the new features and the guiding vision behind *The Outer Worlds 2*. The game draws on Obsidian's RPG heritage and looks to modernize the first-person RPG genre, often referencing *Fallout: New Vegas* as a key influence.
This is just a glimpse of what's in store for *The Outer Worlds 2*, and what we'll be covering throughout this month's IGN First. We'll be delving into character builds, the new flaws system, the array of wild and wacky weapons, and exploring how much larger this sequel is. Stay tuned for interviews with key figures like 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 exciting updates!
