Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Director’s Bold Critique on Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds 2
In a rare move within the gaming industry, Daniel Vávra, the Game Director for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, publicly expressed his criticism of Obsidian Entertainment’s latest offering, The Outer Worlds 2. This commentary surfaced on his X account, where Vávra assigned the game a score of 7 out of 10. His most pointed remarks focused on Obsidian’s inability to innovate over the past 15 years, especially considering their acquisition by Microsoft in November 2018.
Stagnation Despite Financial Backing
Vávra lamented that despite the resources afforded by ‘Microsoft’s money’ and technological advancements, Obsidian failed to introduce any new gameplay mechanics that would deviate significantly from longstanding formulas. He particularly cited Fallout: New Vegas, one of his all-time favorites, as a benchmark for innovation that Obsidian has seemingly not matched since its release.
Finished.7/10. But what I find sad is that the company and the people who gave us one of my favorite games ever (Fallout: New Vegas) have been unable, even after 15 years and with all of Microsoft’s money and latest technological advances, to come up with a single new game mechanic that could take this proven but ancient formula somewhere new. Can any of you think of a single new game mechanic in The Outer Worlds that wasn’t already in Deus Ex or the original Fallout games more than 25 years ago? Unfortunately, I can’t. Give me a living, simulated world! True non-linearity! Give me something more than loot boxes, maintenance shafts, loading screens, and level grinding in a static, scripted world.
A Response to Criticism
In response to a follower who claimed that Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 lacks innovative mechanics, Vávra defended his game by highlighting its simulation of numerous NPCs and their daily actions. This aspect indeed sets KCD2 apart, providing a level of detail lacking in The Outer Worlds 2, where NPCs function without distinct routines, and player intrusion into their homes often goes unchecked.
The Challenge of Innovation in Gaming
While a richly simulated world is appealing, it’s worth noting that games like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion have incorporated similar elements since 2006. Thus, labeling KCD2 as purely innovative based on this aspect may be debatable.
Having recently completed The Outer Worlds 2, I share some of Vávra’s criticisms of the original but align with reviewer David Carcasole on the improvements seen in the sequel. Although it may not introduce groundbreaking mechanics, the game enhances player choice significantly, which amplifies both its role-playing depth and replayability.
Contemplating the Future of RPGs
Innovation in the gaming sphere is undeniably challenging. Games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have attempted to blend turn-based combat with real-time elements, yet it’s debatable whether titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 have truly innovated or simply excelled in execution and presentation of existing mechanics.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, publicly criticizing a fellow developer may not endear one to fans. Nevertheless, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 stands as a commendable RPG in its own right. As excitement builds for its final DLC, Mysteria Ecclesiae, set to release next Tuesday, players can also experience the game for free this weekend on PC and Xbox, providing an opportune moment for those contemplating a purchase.
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