Why They’re the Game’s Best Feature

Xbox is on a little bit of an upward trajectory, particularly in terms of each its first-party exclusives and the plethora of unbelievable 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 current 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.

After all, 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 motive, many are outwardly excited, myself included. Nevertheless, I’ve a sense that even the largest detractors are prone to have their curiosity piqued because of the sport’s newest replace, which spotlights not solely its biggest asset but additionally the precise motive everybody ought to decide it up when it launches later this yr.

The Outer Worlds 2’s Companions Look Nice

They’re The Finest Half Of The Sport

The Outer Worlds 2 bought 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 moderately humorously states, companions are at all times the perfect components of an RPG, and that’s completely the case with Obsidian Leisure video games. It simply is aware of 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 attention-grabbing and distinctive roster of companions, one among which is a floating robotic named Valerie, is undeniably one among them. Frankly, my love of The Outer Worlds stems nearly solely from the escapades and adventures I embarked upon with its mesmerizingly good forged 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 bought a handful of new Outer Worlds 2 details on this trailer, it’s simply thrilling to see not solely a various and distinctive forged 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 part of your quest, however The Outer Worlds 2, no less than that we see on this trailer, has six. That is essential, as these companions might want to do loads of heavy lifting to save lots of The Outer Worlds 2.

Companions May 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 totally 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 completely antiquated in 2025, and fight, whereas actually an enormous step up from the unique, seems a tad stilted.

These points had been compounded by The Outer World’s weird and controversial $80 price tag, one thing that Obsidian later needed to renege on in an effort to appease followers and guarantee folks 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 would not appear to be the expertise it’s providing is value that a lot cash.

That is why it’s so essential for the companions to not solely play a vital function within the expertise, however a memorable one too. For all of its flaws, Avowed has some actually wonderful companions that can follow 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 value 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 would not have to be a masterpiece, however it does have to each promote the IP as one thing followers and newcomers ought to get hyped about and renew folks’s religion in Obsidian Leisure as a developer. After all, it’s nonetheless producing wonderful and critically acclaimed video games. Nevertheless, its finest video games, like Grounded and Pentiment, typically go missed, whereas its larger, extra formidable experiences, like Avowed, get panned by followers and critics alike.

I really loved so much about Avowed, if solely as a result of I am so determined to play games like Skyrim. Nevertheless, 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. Individuals need really spectacular RPGs from Obsidian, and it would 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 potential. These fascinating companions – Tristan particularly – may very well be the saving grace that makes The Outer Worlds 2 not solely one among 2025’s finest RPGs, but additionally one of many biggest Xbox video games in current reminiscence.