Early review: A blockbuster priced at $60 is about to launch on Steam — but is it truly worth the hype?

Developed by Obsidian Entertainment — the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas — the game has the global RPG community on edge. The question now is: Will this be the most worthwhile role-playing blockbuster of the year?If the first The Outer Worlds was Obsidian’s statement of “We’ll do things our way,” then the sequel is their proof that the studio has truly returned to its finest form.

The game expands in every direction — world-building, narrative scale, and RPG depth — while retaining the sharp satire, dry humor, and philosophical undertones that defined the series.From the very beginning, the game radiates personality and cosmic adventure.
You are no longer a wandering outsider as in the first game — instead, you play as a commander of the Earth Directorate, leading an elite crew in the newly charted Arcadiastar system. The storytelling has been elevated, feeling grand and cinematic, yet still intimate and faithful to the classic free-form RPG spirit.What truly sets The Outer Worlds 2apart is that unmistakable Obsidian flavor— witty, sardonic, but quietly profound.

From character creation and dialogue choices to casual conversations with NPCs, every encounter carries that unique blend of charm and bite.
You might choose to play as a rebellious, sharp-tongued renegade — or a diplomatic strategist whose decisions ripple across entire factions and star systems.Combat has also seen clear refinement. The familiar FPS-RPG hybrid remains, but it now feels smoother, more flexible, and more accommodating of varied playstyles — stealth, persuasion, or all-out confrontation.
The companion systemcontinues to shine: each ally comes with unique skills, vibrant personality, and unpredictable moments of humor or heroism.At a price point of around $60, in line with modern AAA releases, The Outer Worlds 2genuinely feels worth the investment.

The upgraded visuals, vivid cosmic landscapes, voice acting, and richly crafted narrative all show deliberate care and polish.There are, however, a few minor blemishes:
some large areas feel sparsely detailed, with a handful of structures lacking depth or interactivity — leaving certain regions feeling a bit empty.
Yet these shortcomings are far from deal-breakers, especially when the game offers the freedom, depth, and personal expressionthat have become increasingly rare in modern RPGs.