The Outer Worlds marked a significant milestone for Obsidian Entertainment. After focusing on smaller-scale projects for several years, the Irvine-based developer delivered its first AAA first-person RPG since the acclaimed 2010 release of Fallout: New Vegas. While The Outer Worlds may not have been the much-anticipated Fallout: New Vegas 2 that fans wished for, it served as a compelling alternative, encapsulating many thematic elements reminiscent of the Fallout series. Its signature dark humor and choice-driven gameplay echoed Obsidian’s established legacy, and despite receiving some criticism online, the game performed well both critically and commercially.
Fast forward over five years since its debut, Obsidian is preparing for the launch of its next major RPG: Avowed. Set for release on Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC in February 2025, this ambitious title transports players into a fantasy realm enriched with a mix of guns and magic. While Avowed and The Outer Worlds share a similar grand scope, they diverge significantly in terms of their settings and combat mechanics. Interestingly, The Outer Worlds could differentiate itself even further if it explores avenues contrary to those found in Avowed.
Exploring New Directions for The Outer Worlds
Understanding Avowed’s Roots in Pillars of Eternity
At first glance, one might assume that Avowed is a completely new intellectual property. However, a deeper dive reveals its connection to the Pillars of Eternity franchise, a notable series developed by Obsidian Entertainment. Although Pillars of Eternity doesn’t carry the same recognition as titans like The Elder Scrolls or Fallout, it has carved out a respectable niche in the gaming community.
So far, the Pillars of Eternity series includes two main titles: Pillars of Eternity and its sequel, Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire. Released in the mid-2010s, these critically acclaimed games feature isometric perspectives and real-time combat with a pause option, drawing heavy inspiration from the beloved Baldur’s Gate series.
Despite their critical success, the Pillars of Eternity games struggled in terms of sales, most notably the second installment, which fell short of Obsidian’s expectations. This underperformance may explain the company’s shift in approach for Avowed, transitioning from an isometric gameplay style to an immersive first-person perspective. This change is poised to attract a broader audience, particularly fans of first-person RPGs such as Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds.
Could The Outer Worlds Benefit from an Isometric CRPG Spin-Off?
Given the rising popularity of computer role-playing games (CRPGs) following the success of Baldur’s Gate 3, Obsidian might consider revisiting the isometric genre. Instead of continuing the Pillars of Eternity saga, envisioning an isometric spin-off set in The Outer Worlds universe could be a strategic move. This would allow Obsidian to cater to the current demand for enriched choice-driven gameplay while drawing in fans of classic RPGs like the original Fallout titles.
Developing an isometric CRPG within the beloved framework of The Outer Worlds could tap into a new nostalgia, potentially revitalizing interest among gamers looking for more depth and complexity in their role-playing experiences.
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