The Outer Worlds presented players with one of the most diverse casts of companions found in gaming. The Outer Worlds 2 will likely continue this trend, with perhaps an even larger and more diverse cast to choose from. However, it may also deviate from this approach in a specific way.
Not much is known about The Outer Worlds 2 yet. Players can probably expect companions to be part of that equation, as they were one of the most beloved aspects of the first game. But with The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian Entertainment could go 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 companions and crews were so beloved in The Outer Worlds is because they each had their own story to tell. These stories were often intertwined with a tragedy that the player could help change. This, combined with the fact that companions often shared witty dialogue with both the player and other characters, made them incredibly interactive and distinct. For this reason, it’s hard to say which The Outer Worlds companion is the best. However, the ability to further customize a character’s appearance, similar to the player’s character, could improve the quality of this franchise.
Other games have done this to some extent before. For example, in Dragon’s Dogma, the player was able to fully customize their main pawn. For The Outer Worlds 2, this proposed system could be very similar. The player may be able to choose what hair, body type, and facial structure the companion has. They could even customize the companion’s stats, allowing them to cover where the player and other members of their crew might be lacking. This could grant a greater degree of flexibility in The Outer Worlds’ specializations and builds, allowing for more varied gameplay that also encourages more playthroughs.
It could also improve the player’s connection with teammates. Previously, the player had no control over how they looked other than what they wore. By creating the character from scratch, the player could develop a sense of personal attachment. It can 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 characters such as pop culture figures or celebrities for the comedic value of battling in space with these people. This customization idea would be new to The Outer Worlds 2 companions, but it would definitely add a layer of personal depth.
However, a personality problem comes along. If everything were customizable, that would mean their personalities could become obsolete. After all, statistics often reflected a companion’s abilities, but the crew’s personalities were often the most beloved part of them. Some might argue that a character’s visual design often also reflects the character’s personality, such as the prim and proper Vicar Max. For this reason, perhaps customizable companions should be separated from pre-made ones. This would also allow The Outer Worlds 2 to double the representation.
Whatever the outcome, hopefully The Outer Worlds 2 will be able to live up to or even surpass its companions in the first. With the rough estimate possible for The Outer Worlds 2 release date, fans may not see the results for a long time, but it could still be worth the wait.
Outer Worlds 2 is in development for PC and Xbox Series
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