"Outer Worlds 2 Enhances RPG Character Customization - IGN"

[Note: All footage is from a work-in-progress alpha build.]

After experiencing The Outer Worlds 2 firsthand, it's evident that Obsidian Entertainment has prioritized enhancing the RPG elements, pushing players to engage more deeply and creatively with the game. While the first installment offered a more streamlined approach to character development, the sequel encourages players to break from the norm and embrace unique, specialized builds.

"We're looking for ways to incentivize the player to experiment with different builds, either traditional or non-traditional," explained design director Matt Singh, discussing the revamped RPG mechanics. The team's focus is on creating synergies between player Skills, Traits, and Perks, which was evident in our exclusive 11 minutes of gameplay footage showcasing new gunplay, stealth, gadgets, and dialogue. In this IGN First exclusive coverage, we delve into the intricacies of these revamped systems.

Rethinking the Skill System ---------------------------

Lead systems designer Kyle Koenig reflected on the first game, noting, "We would often see characters good at everything, which by the end of the game, minimized your personal experience with your character." To address this, the sequel moves away from grouped Skill categories to individual Skills with significant differences. "We wanted to focus on making each individual level-up and investment really important," Koenig added, emphasizing the importance of specialization. This shift allows players to focus on specific Skills crucial to their preferred playstyle, such as guns and medical devices, without the confusion of grouped stats.

Singh highlighted the diversity in build options, saying, "There's more than just a traditional stealth-focused build, combat-focused build, or speech-focused build. There's a lot of blending of concepts, playing with other systems and incorporating those into a pretty broad, but unique range of different player profiles." He mentioned Skills like Observation, which can reveal hidden elements in the environment, enhancing gameplay by offering alternate paths and interactions.

The Outer Worlds 2 Character Creation - Screenshots

4 ImagesWhile individual Skills might seem standard for RPGs, The Outer Worlds 2 uses this system to create distinct character builds, particularly when integrated with the revamped Perks system.

The Perks of Getting Experimental

Obsidian's focus on specificity and unique gameplay avenues is clear with the introduction of over 90 Perks, each requiring specific Skills to unlock. "As you invest in Skills, it changes how you can invest in Perks and leads you down many different paths," Koenig explained. For instance, the Run and Gun Perk enhances mobility with shotguns, SMGs, and rifles, allowing firing while sprinting or sliding. When combined with Tactical Time Dilation (TTD), it offers a bullet-time experience. Additionally, the Space Ranger Perk offers dialogue interactions and damage boosts based on the Speech stat.

"We have a lot of Perks that are catered towards non-traditional play styles," Singh noted, citing Perks like Psychopath and Serial Killer for players who prefer eliminating NPCs, which offer permanent health boosts. Koenig also highlighted traditional builds leveraging elemental combat, such as using plasma to burn enemies while healing, or shock damage to control automechs and paralyze foes.

Singh emphasized the game's experimental nature, suggesting players explore detrimental effects that can enhance other aspects of their character. "How do I construct a build where I'm actually incentivized to get in there and take damage so that I can then do other things effectively?" he asked, promoting creative builds that turn negatives into positives.

The Positive and Negative Traits

Koenig reflected on the original game's Flaws system, which allowed players to accept permanent effects in exchange for extra Perk points. In The Outer Worlds 2, this concept expands with Positive and Negative Traits. Players can choose a Negative Trait like Dumb, which locks out five Skills, or Sickly, which lowers base health, to gain additional Positive Traits such as Brilliant, granting extra Skill points, or Brawny, allowing for knock-downs while sprinting.

The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots

25 ImagesWhile a detailed discussion on Flaws will follow in another article, it's clear that The Outer Worlds 2 introduces more creative and engaging options. The game continues to monitor player behavior, offering Flaws with both positive and negative conditions based on playstyle.

Guiding Players and Ditching Respec

With many new elements, Obsidian aims to make these systems clear and accessible. "Right from the get-go, from character creation, we really wanted to put in the forefront what are the differences of these skills and what they do," Koenig stated. In-game explanations and UI elements, including short videos in menus, help illustrate gameplay impacts. Players can mark Perks as favorites, aiding in planning and progression.

The removal of respec post-introductory sequence emphasizes the importance of player choices. "By removing respec, we really incentivize it to be your experience," Koenig said, highlighting the uniqueness of each playthrough. Singh added, "Philosophy-wise, we really feel 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 resulting gameplay dynamics.