Pros:
+ perhaps the first true MetroidBrania ever created
+ smart inversion of the monomyth and tired video game clichés
+ unique open universe setting and visual style
+ fresh interpretation of the time loop concept
+ deep integration of gameplay, setting, and story
+ often ingenious, four-dimensional puzzle design
+ if something looks possible, it usually is (Sun Station!)
+ idiosyncratic translation mechanic and good writing
+ optional areas of the universe enrich the narrative
+ secret endings are surprising and often meta-textual
+ easter eggs at every corner, even on the startup screen
+ fitting soundtrack and sound design
+ incredible central track that is deeply interwoven with the gameplay
Cons:
- controls are iffy and take a lot of time getting used to
- hidden "meditation" mechanic should be available from the start
- not all gameplay elements are properly explained (e.g. the ship's emergency button)
- ship log could offer more hints after a certain time without progress
- a customizable note or marker system would eliminate issues with orientation
- CO2 meter is often just a bit too limiting
- character design is an acquired taste
- final loop is exciting but exceedingly difficult to pull of
- the final image and its implications are a bit cynical
Magic Moment(s): Too many to count. The first landing and gravity mechanics on Giant's Deep, the complex mechanics and secrets of the Quantum Moon, the tense moments during the final loop, the final musical sequence.
Verdict: Outer Wilds takes place in its own unique universe, far beyond the tired heroic clichés of the medium, and rewards intelligence and curiosity in fresh, exciting ways. The incredible team at Mobius Digital here not only (co-)invents the new genre of the MetroidBrania, but almost perfectly presents its vision of the possibilities of video games. To think that this is their first outing is almost unbelievable, as is the pure quality in all departments on display here. A true milestone in the history of gaming and a must play.
+ perhaps the first true MetroidBrania ever created
+ smart inversion of the monomyth and tired video game clichés
+ unique open universe setting and visual style
+ fresh interpretation of the time loop concept
+ deep integration of gameplay, setting, and story
+ often ingenious, four-dimensional puzzle design
+ if something looks possible, it usually is (Sun Station!)
+ idiosyncratic translation mechanic and good writing
+ optional areas of the universe enrich the narrative
+ secret endings are surprising and often meta-textual
+ easter eggs at every corner, even on the startup screen
+ fitting soundtrack and sound design
+ incredible central track that is deeply interwoven with the gameplay
Cons:
- controls are iffy and take a lot of time getting used to
- hidden "meditation" mechanic should be available from the start
- not all gameplay elements are properly explained (e.g. the ship's emergency button)
- ship log could offer more hints after a certain time without progress
- a customizable note or marker system would eliminate issues with orientation
- CO2 meter is often just a bit too limiting
- character design is an acquired taste
- final loop is exciting but exceedingly difficult to pull of
- the final image and its implications are a bit cynical
Magic Moment(s): Too many to count. The first landing and gravity mechanics on Giant's Deep, the complex mechanics and secrets of the Quantum Moon, the tense moments during the final loop, the final musical sequence.
Verdict: Outer Wilds takes place in its own unique universe, far beyond the tired heroic clichés of the medium, and rewards intelligence and curiosity in fresh, exciting ways. The incredible team at Mobius Digital here not only (co-)invents the new genre of the MetroidBrania, but almost perfectly presents its vision of the possibilities of video games. To think that this is their first outing is almost unbelievable, as is the pure quality in all departments on display here. A true milestone in the history of gaming and a must play.