Backlog Chronicles: The Outer Worlds

I have a ton of games in my backlog. A TON. Games, for whatever reason, are really good but I just haven't stuck with them. I will be the first to tell you that I get caught in the trap of playing the same Call Of Duty maps with friends rather than finish God Of War. I'm not proud of myself for this, but it happens far too often.

So for 2022, I have decided to FINISH games that I have started. I got a jump on this by starting it this month. The game I wanted to complete first was The Outer Worlds.

I started this game when it released initially back on the Xbox. Then, without playing more than 10 hours of it, I bought it again on sale on Playstation 4. I have a problem. Leave me alone.

New save file, no problem. I'm glad I went this route because I could not remember a thing past the first 5 minutes of the game. All I know is I love Fallout New Vegas so I was SUPER interested in playing this.

I decided that if I was going to playthrough the game for the first time, I wouldn't use any guides or rush it since I felt it would tarnish the experience. What I did instead was bring my buddy, who has also not played, along for the ride. We started the game at the same time and progressed through together. We both took various routes and passed each other a few times in terms of Player Level and quests, but it helped me stay focused and on track.

Familiar Feelings

The Outer Worlds is exactly what you'd think it is coming from Obsidian. Space Fallout. Only, in my opinion, it has major advantages. There's not a crazy penalty for stealing, you can be both in good terms and feared by a company and you really feel like you're carving your own path.

All the way until the end, I had no idea what I wanted to do for end game decisions. Would I be the savior of humanity or would I allow it all to crumble beneath me as I became selfish? DECISIONS ARE HARD.

The Outer Worlds has some tough choices for you to make. Without spoiling anything, there were multiple times I second guessed myself for choosing something in hopes of a better reward. This in itself brought me back to the days of stressing over choices in Fallout and replaying the million and one save points I had to find out "What If"...

The story is pretty neat and builds up to a crucial point where you do get a satisfying payoff depending on what you've done in the game. Even the dialogue has made me laugh out loud multiple times at the things I have either overheard or the options that were presented to me. At one point in time, I had an option to punch a guy in the eye after he asked for it, when I did, he was surprised and shocked. Once he settled down I had the option to punch him in the other eye. Classic.

Even the VATS, I mean, TTD system is here. Allowing you to slow down time and shoot your enemies right in the groin. There's even a trophy for it.

Knowing I have the option to run and gun and destroy every single NPC in my path or be stealthy and diplomatic is great to have at my disposal. Upgrading my ability points after knowing I like hacking and lock picking way more the get my way gives me the freedom to feel like I'm actually honing my skills.

The companion system is here too. 6 total companions can be recruited and join you on your adventure to conquer the galaxy. Each with their own unique ability and skill set (they can be leveled up to add points to your abilities or beef them up to make them tanks). 

 These types of gameplay mechanics absolutely warrant multiple playthroughs with different playstyles and that's why I like them. Why did I ever stop playing? I'm not sure. I'm transported back to simpler times with my experience.

Worth The Wait

The edition I picked up awhile back included the DLC for the game so I am happy I waited at least a little bit. After finishing the main question, I already wanted more so the jump to the DLC was perfect. Knowing that there was more to be had was fantastic and now I'm even more excited for the sequel (On Xbox only this time around).

It was nice having some one to communicate with and share the "Oh my God" moments with throughout the play through. I'm not sure if my focus would have let me continue through otherwise. That's not the game's fault. That is entirely my own.

I'm truly glad I picked this to start off with first, although I'm not sure how it'll be topped with the games left for me to play (only like 300+).\

How Long Did It Take

Playing through the main campaign of The Outer Worlds took me about 40 hours or so. This was also with me doing all the side quests and exploring as much as I could. There are still some of the areas of the maps that I haven't even been to yet. The DLCs also add another 15+ hours to the game as well. There is plenty to do here.

Overall, I am extremely happy that I got to play through and enjoy The Outer Worlds. Initially releasing in 2019, this game holds up a few years later and makes me want to play it again and again. If you haven't had a chance to dive into the world