The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition

The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition is a visually enhanced version of The Outer Worlds, an action RPG released in 2019, including all of the game's DLC. It was developed by the same studio as the original game, Obsidian Entertainment (responsible for such critically acclaimed games as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords, Fallout: New Vegas and the Pillars of Eternity series), alongside Virtuos, a studio specializing in remasters.

Plot

The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition takes place in retrofuturistic future, more specifically in the 24th century, at a time mankind mastered interstellar travel and colonized far corners of the galaxy. One such colony is the Halcyon system, intended to be colonized by two vessels filled with settlers. That was, at least, the intention, as one of these ships goes off course and disappears for a few decades, along with its payload - thousands of settlers held in cryosleep. The ship is eventually found by scientist Phineas Welles, who manages to awaken one of the colonists. Welles quickly informs them of Halcyon's dire situation caused by mismanagement by incompetent corporations. To save the colony, the scientist intends to awaken the brightest, most skilled people on the ship. Whether he succeeds depends on our actions and choices.

The player can shape the story as they see fit. We can help Welles, turn against him and join one of the corporations, or simply wreak havoc across Halcyon, murdering everyone in sight. It's worth adding that though the plot itself is rather serious, the game is filled with dark, often absurd humor.

In addition to the base version of The Outer Worlds, the new edition includes two story expansions. In Peril on Gorgon we explore the titular asteroid, where an ambitious and groundbreaking scientific endeavor ended in disaster. Our task is to uncover the truth about the events that took place here: we also must learn more about the project's leader, Dr. Olivia Ambrose. In Murder on Eridanos we must solve the murder case of Halcyon Helen, a spokeswoman for the Rizzo corporation, killed right before the launch of a new brand of vodka - Spectrum Brown. Finding the culprit isn't easy, as the suspect list includes... pretty much everyone.

Mechanics

The gameplay of The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition is shown from the first-person perspective (FPP). The game proper begins after creating our character. The player gets to visit numerous locations all across Halcyon; different planets, moons, asteroids or space stations. Our main means of transportation is our spaceship, the rather creatively named Unreliable. It also serves as our headquarters and can be visited in-between different escapades.

Throughout the game we get to know Halcyon's inhabitants, complete quests to progress the story and make choices, affecting our character, other characters and the future of the entire colony. We'll also encounter companions who can join us during our travels; each have their own backstory and motivations, as well as optional conversations that let us learn more about them.

Regardless of the path we decide to follow, we'll face plenty of enemies. Combat is dynamic, letting us wield less or more futuristic weaponry, both melee weapons and firearms (aside from regular pistols, shotguns and rifles we'll also wield laser carbines or plasma cannons). The player can also temporarily slow down time, which comes in handy both during combat and stealth, letting us sneak behind enemies and take them by surprise. More pacifistic players can resolve conflicts with persuasive skills (although it's not always possible).

Speaking of skills - progressing through the game lets us develop our character, acquire new abilities, upgrade already owned ones and gain useful perks. If the game detects we're having trouble with a specific aspect of the game, it offers us a choice: we can impose a negative trait tied to said aspect on ourselves in exchange for an additional perk. Acquiring new, more powerful equipment also increases our combat potential.

The included DLC raises the level cap and introduces new perks; Additionally, Murder of Eridanos features a brand-new gadget, the investigation focused Discrepancy Amplifier, which reveals and analyzes normally invisible details.

Technical aspects

Compared to the original game, the enhanced visuals of The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition stand out. The textures and the lighting have all been improved; additionally, the game now runs in 4K and 60 FPS on consoles.