Imagine a game like metroid prime giving you all of your tools right from the start. Sounds broken right? Now imagine you also have access to all areas right away. This may be a crude comparison - but Outer Wilds sort of takes this idea and crafts a genius game with it. Outer Wilds made me rethink everything I knew about progression in video games.
First off I’ll clarify that this game isn’t what I’d call a metroidvania - but I think comparing it to one will serve my purpose here. Metroidvanias involve the player freely exploring a map and acquiring items or abilities to help you reach new locations that were blocked off before. They have a huge emphasis on exploration and finding your way around the map. Outer Wilds is the epitome of an exploration game. As soon as you get your ship you are granted access to the entire universe. No distinct goal other than “find out what’s happening”.
Outer Wilds is brilliant because if you know the answers to this game, you can complete it in probably 10 minutes. You are able to reach the ending right away. Progression is not locked off by the lack of an ability or item - it’s simply blocked off by the player’s knowledge. The fact that the game is designed in a way where it’s almost impossible to accidentally find the final solution is also brilliant. There is a huge risk with a game like this because there is a possibility that players will miss out on a lot of your game. Upon watching others play - I too noticed things I missed when I played it. I’ve watched a few people play this and no 2 people progress the same way after a certain point. It’s truly a unique experience per player. A lot of games claim to have this kind of flexibility with the “player to player” experience, but I’ve never seen a game pull it off so perfectly. They make it seem easy. I had a moment where I asked a friend for help and he simply could not guide me in a sensible way without spoiling another part of the game because I had gone about things so differently than him. The challenge of what to do next can be daunting but is incredibly rewarding with the right amount of patience.
The point of this game is to be as intrepid as possible. To allow yourself to overcome fears or paranoias. One planet might seem intimidating or confusing. It’s not that you shouldn’t be there yet, but maybe you just aren’t ready to take on something new. Why not explore familiar territory for some guidance until you feel more confident? A person’s personality will shine through this game and how they approach it. Your experience isn’t dictated by items, mechanics, invisible walls etc. it is strictly dictated by you and how you want to approach things.
In metroid you get a grappling hook to reach a new location. In outer wilds - you obtain knowledge. You were always able to do that, but now you know. It’s a similar feeling to building your Arsenal in metroid, but now it’s all in the players brain. The design of this game is so tight that it can allow such freedom and still guide everyone towards the same goal.
Outer Wilds also has some of the most striking imagery I’ve seen in a game. It’s not graphically intense or mind blowing with its textures - but the art direction is bold and witnessing the natural movement of this universe is so enthralling. I encourage you to watch the making of documentary on YouTube. The technical achievements made by this development team is astounding.
Another crazy thing is that a lot of people end up with a similar play time. It took me around 12 hours to beat and that seems to be a common length for a lot of people give or take a couple hours. I’m sure there are plenty of variables out there, but it’s important to know that you likely won’t beat the game in 2 hours.
Obviously I need to touch on the music as well. It’s incredible. I’m a big fan of folk music so I love the focus on the instruments. I’m a big fan of how actual instruments are utilized in this world as well. There are even synth based tracks that provide a compelling sense of atmosphere. It’s a genius blend of styles that just works. Folk music in space seems like an odd combo, but this world is perfect for it. The music plays a good role in the game until the very end. No spoilers of course, but this also happens to be one of my favorite video game endings of all time now.
Honestly my only complaint with this game is that I can never experience it the same way again now that I know all of the answers. I envy people who have the opportunity to experience it for the first time. There are plenty of things I didn’t mention here, but I want this review to be as vague as possible. Please give this game a shot if you’ve ever so much as considered it because it ‘looked pretty cool’. It may not be for everyone, but I think this game will mean a lot to those who it’s for.