The Outer Worldspresented players with one of the most diverse casts of companions found in gaming.The Outer Worlds 2will likely continue this trend, with possibly an even larger and more diverse cast to choose from. However, it could also deviate from this approach in one specific way.
Not much is really known aboutThe Outer Worlds 2as of yet. Players can likely expect companions to be part of that equation, as they were one of the most beloved aspects about the first game. But withThe Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian Entertainment could take it a step further and allow companions to be fully customizable.
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The Case For a Customizable Outer Worlds Crew
Part of the reason that companions and crews were so loved inThe Outer Worldsis because they each had their own story to tell. These stories were often woven with a tragedy that the player could help amend. This, along with the fact that companions often shared witty dialogue with both the player and other characters made them incredibly interactive and distinct. For that reason, it’s difficult to saywhichThe Outer Worldscompanion is the best. However, the ability to further customize how a character looks, similar to the player character, could enhance this franchise’s quality.
Other games have done this to an extent before. For example, inDragon’s Dogma, the player was able to fully customize their main pawn. ForThe Outer Worlds 2, this proposed system could be very similar. The player might be able to choose what hair, body type, and facial structure the companion has. They could even customize the stats of the companion, allowing them to cover for where the player and other members of their crew may lack. This could grant a greater degree of flexibility inThe Outer Worldsspecializations and builds, allowing for more varied gameplay that also encourages multiple playthroughs.
It could also enhance the player’s connection with the companions. Before, the player had no control over what they looked like aside from what they wore. By creating the character from scratch, the player could develop a sense of personal attachment. It may also add a level of hilarity to the game in many ways. Some players may choose to recreate their loved ones within the game, but others may replicate more well-known figures like pop culture characters or celebrities for the comedy value of battling through space with these people. This idea of customizability would benew for the companions ofThe Outer Worlds 2, but it would certainly add a layer of personal depth.
However, there does come an issue of personalities. If everything were to be customizable, this would mean that their personalities may become obsolete. After all, stats often reflected a companion’s skill set, but the personalities of the crew were often the most beloved part about them. Some could argue that the visual design of a character also often reflects the character’s personality, such as the prim and proper Vicar Max. For that reason, perhaps the customizable companions should be made separate from the pre-made ones. This would allowThe Outer Worlds 2to double down on representationas well.
Whatever the result may be, hopefullyThe Outer Worlds 2will be able to live up to or even surpass the companions of the first. With the roughpossible estimate ofThe Outer Worlds 2’s release date, fans may not get to see the results for quite a long time, but it could still be worth the wait.
The Outer Worlds 2is in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
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