Why They're the Sport's Greatest Function

Xbox is on a little bit of an upward trajectory, particularly in relation to each its first-party exclusives and the plethora of unimaginable video games it manages to get on day one for Sport Move. Those that’ve invested closely within the Xbox infrastructure shall be happy not simply with the latest output of each triple-A and indie initiatives spearheaded by the studio, but additionally its upcoming slate of titles. From RPGs to FPS video games, Xbox actually has one thing for everybody coming in 2025 and past.

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In fact, most of the most-anticipated 2025 Xbox games are nonetheless to return, together with one gem that has lots of people speaking. Whereas some have been a tad skeptical, and for good cause, many are outwardly excited, myself included. Nonetheless, I’ve a sense that even the most important detractors are prone to have their curiosity piqued because of the sport’s newest replace, which spotlights not solely its best asset but additionally the precise cause everybody ought to choose it up when it launches later this 12 months.

The Outer Worlds 2’s Companions Look Nice

They’re The Greatest Half Of The Sport

All of the companions in The Outer Worlds 2 in a circle. — All the companions in The Outer Worlds 2 in a circle.

The Outer Worlds 2 obtained a brand new trailer uploaded to YouTube throughout Gamescom 2025 that showcased what’s, no less than for my part, the good side of the sport: the companions. Because the trailer slightly humorously states, companions are all the time the perfect components of an RPG, and that’s completely the case with Obsidian Leisure video games. It simply is aware of easy methods to craft compelling companions you fall in love with – though you sadly, relying in your outlook, cannot sleep with The Outer Worlds 2’s companions.

The Outer Worlds 2 is borrowing features from New Vegas, and its fascinating and distinctive roster of companions, one in all which is a floating robotic named Valerie, is undeniably one in all them. Frankly, my love of The Outer Worlds stems nearly completely from the escapades and adventures I embarked upon with its mesmerizingly good solid of companions. The Outer Worlds 2 wants equally engrossing buddies to have enjoyable with, and the brand new trailer actually appears to promote that.

Whereas we solely obtained a handful of new Outer Worlds 2 details on this trailer, it’s simply thrilling to see not solely a various and distinctive solid of characters becoming a member of us as we discover the sport’s many planets, but additionally so a lot of them. RPGs can typically really feel restricted in what number of distinctive characters be a part of your quest, however The Outer Worlds 2, no less than that we see on this trailer, has six. That is vital, as these companions might want to do a number of heavy lifting to avoid wasting The Outer Worlds 2.

Companions Might Save The Outer Worlds 2

They Make The Expertise Extra Memorable

Valerie shooting an enemy with the player behind it in The Outer Worlds 2. — Valerie taking pictures an enemy with the participant behind it in The Outer Worlds 2.

The Outer Worlds 2 is completely aiming to repair the first game’s biggest problems, however that does not imply that it is not with out its personal set of points. For all of the minor and main gripes it’s addressing, it retains many extra and even seemingly provides its personal set of frustrations. Loading screens persist, regardless of them being totally antiquated in 2025, and fight, whereas actually an enormous step up from the unique, seems a tad stilted.

These points have been compounded by The Outer World’s weird and controversial $80 price tag, one thing that Obsidian later needed to renege on as a way to appease followers and guarantee individuals really purchased the sport it had invested a lot money and time in. The backlash to the value tag occurred, no less than partially, as a result of The Outer Worlds 2 simply does not appear to be the expertise it’s providing is price that a lot cash.

That is why it’s so vital for the companions to not solely play a vital position within the expertise, however a memorable one too. For all of its flaws, Avowed has some actually wonderful companions that may keep on with you lengthy after the credit roll. They will fully remodel an expertise, particularly one with open-ended content material like The Outer Worlds, as they make an in any other case solitary exercise really feel like an epic journey price embarking on.

The Outer Worlds 2 Wants To Be Nice

Obsidian’s Popularity Is not What It Used To Be

Inez holding a rifle in The Outer Worlds 2.

The Outer Worlds 2 must be nice. It does not must be a masterpiece, however it does must each promote the IP as one thing followers and newcomers ought to get hyped about and renew individuals’s religion in Obsidian Leisure as a developer. In fact, it’s nonetheless producing superb and critically acclaimed video games. Nonetheless, its greatest video games, like Grounded and Pentiment, typically go neglected, whereas its greater, extra bold experiences, like Avowed, get panned by followers and critics alike.

I really loved rather a lot about Avowed, if solely as a result of I am so determined to play games like Skyrim. Nonetheless, I can perceive why so many individuals dislike it, particularly because it fails to seize the magic that each Obsidian is so well-known for, and its direct competitors – and, admittedly, compatriot – Bethesda. Folks need really spectacular RPGs from Obsidian, and it does not really feel prefer it has delivered in that regard.

The Outer Worlds 2 is its probability to show to the world it’s nonetheless the perfect within the enterprise and keep away from the identical destiny as BioWare. I would like The Outer Worlds 2 to be good, and I would like Obsidian Leisure to proceed to make video games for so long as attainable. These fascinating companions – Tristan particularly – may very well be the saving grace that makes The Outer Worlds 2 not solely one in all 2025’s greatest RPGs, but additionally one of many best Xbox video games in latest reminiscence.