In this standalone segment of the Outside is Overrated Podcast, the gang breaks down The Outer Wilds by Mobius Digital.
The Outer Wilds is a combat-free space exploration game. You’re stuck in a time loop. At the start of each loop you blast off into space to explore the solar system. What starts as a mission to gather information on a long-last race evolves into a mission to free the universe from the loop.
During the adventure, you visit different planets and explore ancient ruins. Due to different environments in the biomes, some areas of planets are only accessible at certain times. In one instance, two planets orbit each other and siphon sand from each other. Certain areas are only available when the sand is on the sister planet. On another world, tornados shoot unexpecting explorers back into space.
As you uncover new information your ship logs entries, allowing you to carry information from one run to the next. While you may start off mindlessly wandering the galaxy, eventually you will see the complex net of many different story threads intertwining.
I enjoyed many aspects of this game. The exploration was mostly fun, especially using your jetpack to boost over gaps and accomplish different environmental puzzles. I enjoyed the art style and loved having the freedom to chart my own path.
My frustrations with the Outer Wilds were primarily driven by user error and personal taste. I frequently crashed into other planets, particularly if I was frustrated with how the last run ended. I never mastered the art of touching down gracefully.
My other gripe is purely personal preference. Being a self-paced exploration game, I struggled with how to progress the story along. I have limited time for gaming, I’d much rather head to Giant’s Deep with some idea of what I needed to accomplish – rather than randomly heading out to see what I see.
Opinions on the game varied on the podcast. Hobby Box Joe Burns pointed out how seamlessly the game blends lore, exploration and questing. If you enjoy cerebral games that allow you to explore at your own pace and gradually chip away at an overarching mystery, there is a lot to enjoy in the Outer Wilds. If you are not interested in narrative or struggle with less-than-perfect controls, it may be best to avoid this title.
Next Month – Sunset Overdrive
Next month on Game Pass Forever we will discuss Sunset Overdrive by Insomniac Games.
Description: Sunset Overdrive transforms an open-world apocalypse into your tactical playground. Zip, grind and wall-run across Sunset City with an unconventional arsenal. Hyper-agility, unique weapons, and customizable abilities deliver an explosive and irreverent adventure in the end times.
Outside is Overrated is presented by Premier Health. This standalone segment is supported by backers on Patreon. Please consider supporting our show, starting at $2 per month.