Okay, let's be real. We're all hyped for The Outer Worlds 2, right? The first game was a quirky, fun, and surprisingly deep RPG. But something's been bugging me, and I think it's time we talked about it. I've been playing a lot of RPGs lately, and there's this… vibe. You know? It's hard to explain, but it feels like developers are all taking notes from each other more than ever. And the thing I can't shake is this: The Outer Worlds 2 only added this highly requested feature because of Avowed.
Specifically, the companion system. Or, more accurately, the potential for deeper companion relationships. In the first Outer Worlds, your companions were cool, sure. But their stories felt… detached from the main narrative, you know? They had their own side quests, their own motivations, but they rarely felt truly integrated into the big picture. You can read more about that here.
The Avowed Effect: More Than Just a Feeling?
So, Avowed. Obsidian's other big RPG, the one set in the Pillars of Eternity universe. From what we've seen (and I've been dissecting every trailer, every interview, trust me), the companion relationships seem… different. More dynamic. More reactive to your choices. More like they actually matter.
And that's where my little conspiracy theory comes in. I think Obsidian saw the buzz around Avowed's companion system – the demands from fans for deeper, more meaningful interactions – and thought, "Wait a minute… we can do that too!"
It's not a crazy idea, right? Game development is iterative. Developers are constantly looking at what works, what doesn't, and what players are clamoring for. And honestly, I think it's a good thing. Competition breeds innovation. If Avowed is pushing the boundaries of companion relationships, then that's only going to make The Outer Worlds 2 better.
Rethinking Companion Dynamics
Let me try to explain this more clearly. It’s not about copying Avowed wholesale. It's about recognizing a shift in player expectations. We, as gamers, are no longer satisfied with companions who are just glorified pack mules with a few witty lines. We want characters who feel like real people, with their own hopes, fears, and motivations. We want our choices to have a tangible impact on their lives, and vice versa.
Think about it this way: in Mass Effect (which, yes, I know is Bioware, not Obsidian, but bear with me), the relationships with your squadmates were a core part of the experience. Your actions shaped their loyalties, their beliefs, even their romantic interests. That's the kind of depth that players are craving.
And I think Obsidian gets it. I think they saw the writing on the wall and realized that if The Outer Worlds 2 was going to truly blow us away, it needed to step up its companion game. Now, I'm not saying they completely revamped the entire game based on Avowed. That's ridiculous. But I wouldn't be surprised if they tweaked a few things, added a few extra layers of complexity, all thanks to the… shall we say… friendly competition.
Will The Outer Worlds 2 Deliver?
Of course, all of this is just speculation. We won't know for sure until we actually get our hands on The Outer Worlds 2. But the signs are there. The interviews, the trailers, the overall vibe… it all points to a game that's taking its companion relationships much more seriously.
And honestly, that's exciting. Because while the first game was great, it had its flaws. The combat was a bit… simplistic. The story, while engaging, felt a little bit too straightforward. But the potential was there. The world-building, the humor, the characters… it all felt like the foundation for something truly special.
And maybe, just maybe, Avowed is the catalyst that's pushing The Outer Worlds 2 to reach its full potential.
FAQ: Outer Worlds 2 and Companion Speculation
How are companions different in the Outer Worlds compared to other RPGs?
Good question! In the original Outer Worlds, companions were primarily support characters, providing combat assistance and unique skills. Their personal storylines were often separate from the main plot, and their influence on your decisions was limited. Many players felt their potential wasn't fully realized, hoping for deeper interactions and more meaningful consequences based on companion relationships. It's this feedback, coupled with the buzz around games like Avowed, that suggests the sequel might significantly enhance companion dynamics. Ultimately, The Outer Worlds 2 only added this highly requested feature because of Avowed.
Why are companion relationships so important in RPGs anyway?
Here's the thing: RPGs are all about immersion. We want to feel like we're living in these worlds, making real choices, and forging meaningful connections. Companions are a crucial part of that. They provide companionship (duh!), but they also offer different perspectives, challenge our beliefs, and add depth to the overall narrative. Think about it: would Mass Effect be the same without Garrus and Tali? Would Dragon Age be the same without Alistair and Morrigan? I don't think so.
Could the improved companion system also be due to internal feedback at Obsidian?
Absolutely! Game development is a collaborative process. I'm sure the developers at Obsidian were already thinking about ways to improve the companion system in The Outer Worlds 2. But I think the success of other RPGs with strong companion relationships, like the anticipation for Avowed, probably amplified those internal discussions and pushed them to go even further.
Is it possible that I am overthinking this?
Probably! But where's the fun in not speculating? Seriously though, it's all conjecture until the game is released. However, given the history of game development and the clear trends in RPG design, it's reasonable to assume that Avowed (and other games) has had at least some influence on the direction of The Outer Worlds 2.
Disclaimer: The author is deeply invested in the success of The Outer Worlds 2 and has pre-ordered the collector's edition. Send help (and snacks).
