I loved a lot aboutAvowed, but there was one major gameplay feature that I felt it was lacking. Luckily, it looks like Obsidian’s other Action RPG this year,The Outer Worlds 2, will be solving that problem for me. As a huge fan of Obsidian’s games, I’m absolutely thrilled to be getting two of them in the same year, and previews ofThe Outer Worlds 2have me excited to return to its dystopian, but also often silly, corporatist future.
In general, I was mostly pleased with howAvowedhandled its combat, and I didn’t even mind that itsacrificed some immersive elements for streamlined gameplay. However, it felt a little strange that a game with so many story choices would take away a major choice of how to handle combat encounters.Avowedmay have nailed its fast-paced combat, and made it satisfying to square off against a room full of enemies, but it failed to deliver some engaging stealth mechanics. Luckily,it looks likeThe Outer Worlds 2will be stepping up to fix that issue.
Outer Worlds 2 Features Real Stealth Mechanics
Outer Worlds 2 Reportedly Features Stealth Takedowns And Immersive Sim Elements
IGNrecently showed off some exclusive gameplay fromThe Outer Worlds 2, and in it highlighted the game’s new stealth mechanics. While you’re hidden, if you look at an enemy,The Outer Worlds 2shows you a health bar over their heads. The amount of damage you can do is highlighted in purple, and if you’re able to kill the enemy while in stealth, the game shows a little skull, sothere’s no questioning whether your attack will be lethal or not. From the gameplay shown, it appears that attacking an enemy point-blank from stealth is typically a guaranteed kill.
Xbox Sets Date For Summer Showcase And Closer Look At The Outer Worlds 2
Microsoft has announced the date and time for the 2025 Xbox Summer Showcase, and The Outer Worlds 2 will get its own Direct stream after the event.
IGNwriter Michael Higham, who tested the game, also notes thatThe Outer Worlds 2includes immersive sim elements similar to games likeDeus ExandDishonored. This would have me believe that stealth isn’t just a good way to take out enemies, but also a viable way to explore entire levels without having to get into any head-on fights. A lot of games can kneecap their stealth builds by forcing players into some fights, so I’m hoping Higham’s comments mean thatThe Outer Worlds 2will be more supportive of a stealthy approach to missions.
Avowed’s Lack Of Stealth Was Disappointing
Avowed’s Stealth Mechanic Was Neither Mechanically Nor Narratively Satisfying
AlthoughAvoweddid feature a takedown of sorts, it was nowhere near as fleshed out asThe Outer Worlds 2’s stealth mechanic seems to be. Most encounters inAvoweddealt with a group of enemies, and even if you managed to sneak up on one and deliver a powerful stealth blow, the others would immediately jump into combat with you. This meant thatstealth wasn’t so much a viable option for approaching full encounters as it was just a way to score some extra damage before a fight. While not nothing, this felt disappointing given the game’s many other options.
This Rare Achievement Proves Avowed Understands How Players Think
I earned an Avowed achievement that not many other Steam players have, and it showed me that the game’s developers understood their players well.
Avowedfeels like a game built for stealthand immersive sim elements.A more robust stealth system would have paired nicely withAvowed’s many ways to talk yourself out of a conflict, allowing for a more peaceful run. One example that comes to mind is when you’re pursuing Ygwulf early in the game.
I pretty much knew right off the bat thatI didn’t want to kill Ygwulfif I had the chance. I understood where he and the Paradisian rebels were coming from, and I wanted the game to give me a chance to peacefully resolve things between us. Although the game does offer you the chance to forgive your would-be assassin,you have to fight through several rooms full of rebels to get there. Being able to sneak in, and smooth things over would have felt more narratively satisfying than cutting through rebels only to convince them I mean no harm.
Obsidian’s Games Are Perfect For Stealth Options
Obsidian RPGs Offer A Lot Options For Solving Problems
My issue withAvowed’s lack of stealth from a story standpoint is exactly why I thinkObsidian’s games would be perfect for a full stealth option. Obsidian does a great job allowing you to approach tasks from multiple angles, often including a less violent choice for handling conflicts. I would love to see a more robust stealth system, coupled with immersive sim elements, that let me do a full pacifist run that relies on sneaking and smooth-talking.
Avowed: 10 Mods That Will Improve Your Experience
Avowed is a fantasy RPG that has great gameplay and a beautiful world, but using mods allows players to enhance it based on their general preferences.
While I understand making a game likeDishonoredthat allows for a full pacifist run could be difficult to do while also juggling RPG elements and allowing for other gameplay styles. Still, I’d love it ifThe Outer Worlds2at least gives me the chance to sneak past certain conflicts when it makes sense in the story. The example ofAvowed’s rebels is the perfect case of the type of scenario I hope Obsidian will let us avoid in their upcoming game.
