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With few exceptions, I almost never replaygames.
I think about it a lot, but I never do it.
But I never do.
These games are hundreds of hours long, and who has the time?
The Outer Worldsis another RPG in the Bethesda mold.
This debate is exacerbated by the existence of 2011sFallout: New Vegas.
Longtime series fans hold it up as the gold standard for many reasons, but chiefly its writing.
If theyre strong enough, they might find a different solution or shortcuts.
If they bring the right companion, maybe theres yet another option.
(Others have argued thatNew Vegasisoverratedandromanticized.)
Obsidians newest game,The Outer Worlds,adds a new wrinkle to this debate.
ButOuter Worldsalso tacks away from the Bethesda models in important ways.
Its not incredibly glitchy, for one thing.
What struck me the most as I played throughThe Outer Worldswas how many different conversational options I was given.
Sometimes, lying is the nice thing to do.
Sometimes, intimidation tactics backfire.
Depending on what teammates you bring with you, youll unlock new beats and quips.
Even simple interactions get options.
Even still, I could complain, call his bluff and ask for the forms, or respond sarcastically.
All of these options eventually got me to the same result and through the checkpoint.
Details that seem like throwaways might factor in later on.
There is a soulfulness to it that similar Bethesda titles lack by compensating for lower quality with higher quantity.
Its a game that feels like it is constantly adapting to the choices you make.
