Preview: Outward 2 aims to please fans of its predecessor
While the critical reception to Outward was mixed, it’s safe to say that it’s found a legion of fans in the seven years it’s been in existence. And it’s not surprising: being an open-world action-RPG with survival elements that doesn’t hold your hand, it’s pretty much designed to be divisive. It’s the type of game that some players just simply won’t get or find too frustrating, while those with a genuine sense of adventure and who put in the time and effort to learn its intricacies will fall in love with it. And now it’s getting a sequel.
Outward 2, launching into early access via Steam on 7th July, is set some 50 years after the first game. And with brand new areas to explore and a fresh story to unravel, you don’t need to have played the original to enjoy it. Returning players should be able to jump into Outward 2 and hit the ground running, though, as it doesn’t aim to revolutionise the format, just improve on it. And yes, that means no compromises have been made to make it more mainstream.
Playable alone or via co-op, including split-screen, those seeking a game that will allow them to feel like they’re really going on an adventure will likely adore Outward 2. Like its predecessor, it’s set to be a game that rewards those who take the time to go off the beaten path and explore, but at the same time there is a narrative to follow should you choose to do so. Also like its predecessor, it doesn’t hold your hand; this isn’t the game for you if you rely on fast travel to get around, or don’t like the idea of having to actually learn to use a map.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t changes here that many will appreciate, though. The introduction of a mule to carry loot will no doubt please those who like to pick up absolutely everything, like me. But be careful, as the mule can die if you put it in danger. Combat has also been improved, with it now being faster and more responsive. There are changes to the game’s unique magic system, too, but don’t worry, it will still give you a sense of actually casting spells rather than just firing them out like ranged weapons.
Perhaps one of the biggest changes to the game is the introduction of a season system, which will change the world around you. These will marry well with the game’s survival elements, keeping you on your toes even when returning to areas you’ve previously explored. These survival elements promise not to be too punishing, though – they’re there to add immersion rather than challenge, after all. Besides, Outward 2 is challenging enough in other ways, what with you having to live with your failures. And a Hardcore mode will be available for those who really want to test themselves, in which there’s a 20% chance their save will be deleted upon death.
When Outward 2 launches into early access in July, three of the game’s planed four areas will be available, and there’ll also be three questlines to follow. From there, more dungeons will be added, and Nine Dots will continue to develop the game while taking into consideration feedback from players. As such, it will stay in early access as long as is necessary. There’s a chance you can play a little sooner than that, too, as a closed beta is taking place between 26th May and 8th June that you can still sign up for. The icing on the cake is that while Outward 2 can look very nice indeed if you have the hardware, it’s been designed to even run on a potato.
Outward 2 launches via early access on Steam on 7th July.
