After getting a firsthand look at *The Outer Worlds 2*, it's evident that developer Obsidian Entertainment has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing the game's RPG mechanics. While the first game offered a more accessible approach with streamlined systems, the sequel pushes for a more diverse and specialized character development, encouraging players to experiment with unconventional playstyles. The goal isn't complexity for its own sake, but rather to foster creativity and specialization in how players build their characters, embracing unique and sometimes quirky choices along the way.
In a conversation with design director Matt Singh, he emphasized the team's desire to encourage players to explore different builds, whether traditional or not. "We're looking for ways to incentivize the player to experiment with different builds, either traditional or non-traditional," Singh explained. He highlighted the focus on synergies between Skills, Traits, and Perks, which allows for the creation of intriguing builds that interact with other game systems. This approach was demonstrated in an exclusive 11-minute gameplay showcase, which highlighted new elements like gunplay, stealth, gadgets, and dialogue. For our IGN First coverage, we delve into how these systems have been reworked and what players can expect from them.
Rethinking the Skill System
Lead systems designer Kyle Koenig reflected on the first game's tendency to produce characters proficient in everything, which diluted the unique experience of individual character development. To address this, Obsidian is shifting from the Skill categories used in the original game to individual Skills with significant differences. "We wanted to focus on making each individual level-up and investment really important," Koenig stated. This change allows players to tailor their characters more precisely, such as focusing on both guns and medical devices. By separating Skills, the game enables more specialized character builds.
Singh added that the new system supports a variety of builds beyond traditional ones. "There's more than just a traditional stealth-focused build, combat-focused build, or speech-focused build," he said. Skills like Observation can unlock environmental interactions, revealing secret doors or objects that lead to alternative paths, enhancing the gameplay experience.
The Outer Worlds 2 Character Creation - Screenshots
While this might seem standard for RPGs, *The Outer Worlds* was unique in grouping Skills together. The sequel, however, uses the revised Skill system to create more distinct character builds, particularly with the revamped Perks system.
The Perks of Getting Experimental
Obsidian is keen on providing specific and unique gameplay paths through an expanded Perks system, which now includes over 90 Perks. "We've significantly increased the number of Perks with over 90 of them – each of those requiring various Skills to unlock," Koenig explained. He cited the "Run and Gun" Perk, which benefits players using shotguns, SMGs, and rifles, allowing them to shoot while sprinting or sliding, and synergizes with Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) for bullet-time action. Another intriguing Perk is "Space Ranger," which enhances dialogue interactions and boosts damage based on Speech stats.
Singh highlighted the game's support for non-traditional playstyles, such as a build focused on eliminating NPCs. Perks like "Psychopath" and "Serial Killer" offer bonuses for this approach, such as permanent health boosts. "Especially in an Obsidian game where we allow you to kill anybody – the game's going to respond, it's going to roll with it, and you're going to still be able to complete the game," Singh noted. This encourages players to experiment with different playthroughs.
Koenig also discussed traditional builds that leverage elemental combat, allowing players to mix and match damage types for strategic advantages, such as using plasma to burn enemies while healing or using corrosive damage to strip armor for critical hits.
The Positive and Negative Traits
Koenig referenced the influence of *Fallout* on *The Outer Worlds*, where negative attributes could be chosen for extra points to spend elsewhere. The Flaws system from the original game, which offered permanent effects in exchange for Perk points, is being expanded in the sequel. The new system of Positive and Negative Traits encourages players to balance advantages and disadvantages. Examples include "Brilliant," which provides extra Skill points, and "Brawny," which allows knocking down targets by sprinting into them. Conversely, "Dumb" locks players out of five Skills, while "Sickly" reduces base health and toxicity tolerance.
The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots
The revamped Flaws system will be covered in more detail in a future article, but it's clear that *The Outer Worlds 2* is introducing more creative and sometimes humorous Flaws. The game will monitor player behavior to offer these Flaws, which can have both positive and negative effects, adding another layer to the Traits system.
Guiding Players and Ditching Respec
With the increased complexity in *The Outer Worlds 2*, Obsidian has focused on making these systems understandable through in-game explanations and UI enhancements. Koenig emphasized the importance of clear Skill differences from the outset, with short videos in the menus demonstrating gameplay impacts. Players can mark Perks as favorites before unlocking them, aiding in planning and progression.
A significant change is the removal of the respec option after the introductory sequence, ensuring that choices made in Skills, Perks, or Traits are permanent. "By removing respec, we really incentivize it to be your experience," Koenig said, highlighting the unique nature of each player's journey in RPGs. Singh reinforced this philosophy, stating, "All of your choices should matter. They should be meaningful changes to your gameplay experience." This approach encourages players to commit to their choices and explore the diverse outcomes they can bring.
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