The Outer Worlds 2 Promises a “Darker” Tone Than Its Predecessor

Alright, let’s dive in. So, I was chatting with a buddy when I stumbled on this piece about “The Outer Worlds 2.” And gotta say, things are sounding a bit more, how should I put it, intense? Or, like, less goofy? Anyway, the game folks, including this dude Brandon Adler, told PC Gamer that the sequel’s taking a darker turn. Makes sense though; Leonard Boyarsky’s kind of steering the ship now.

Boyarsky, mind you, has this habit of making things edgy. He and Tim Cain were the big brains behind Fallout, which—funny enough—had its own dark vibe at times. But Cain’s kinda stepped back, so Boyarsky’s moodier vision gets the spotlight now. Honestly, I’m all for it. Maybe it’s the mysterious allure? Or I just need change? Can’t really say.

Now, here’s a fun tidbit. While the first game gave us laughs with action, sometimes it was too kooky. Almost like watching a serious movie and someone just drops a random pie gag. I dunno. Anyway, having tightly placed macabre bits might actually make everything gel better without that comedy yanking you out of the grim moments.

And oh man, the factions! So juicy. You decide how to deal with these, uh, questionable groups. Got The Protectorate enforcing peace (imagine signing up for peace with a fine-print), Auntie’s Choice—happy-go-lucky but maybe more merchant than messiah, and The Order of the Ascendant. Scientists-turned-prophets? That’s rich. Picture lab coats but with, I dunno, some weird chanting?

The companions this time, they’re… something. Aza, who’s all about that violent life—persuasion might work, if you’re feeling charitable. Marisol, the assassin, probably has a hit list a mile long. Even the seemingly “good guy” Tristan’s got some serious Judge-Dredd vibes going on. You might steer them off their paths or lean into the chaos, à la Baldur’s Gate 3 style. Choices, choices.

This big shift to a somber tale might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it could make the ride more, how do you say, engrossing? So, mark your calendars for October, ’cause that’s when things get real. Or, at least, less slapstick. It hits PCs and consoles, with Game Pass day one – love that for us.