Outer Worlds 2 Will Finally Fix Avowed’s Stealth Flaws!

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I had a great time with Avowed, but I missed one key gameplay aspect that was not present. Fortunately, it appears that Obsidian’s other Action RPG of this year, The Outer Worlds 2, will address that issue for me. Being an ardent admirer of Obsidian’s games, I am overjoyed to have two of them arriving in the same year. Previews of The Outer Worlds 2 have ignited my anticipation for revisiting its dystopian future, which is not only bleak but also frequently absurd due to corporate influence.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the combat in Avowed was mostly satisfying for me, even if it did trim down on some immersive aspects for smoother gameplay. However, what left me feeling a bit off-balance was the lack of choice when it came to dealing with combat situations – especially in a game that prides itself on multiple story paths. The fast-paced battles were thrilling, no doubt, but the stealth mechanics could’ve used some work.

But

Outer Worlds 2 Features Real Stealth Mechanics

Outer Worlds 2 Reportedly Features Stealth Takedowns And Immersive Sim Elements

In a recent demonstration, IGN unveiled some exclusive footage of The Outer Worlds 2, emphasizing its advanced stealth features. When you’re in hiding and focus on an adversary, the game displays a health meter above their heads. The potential damage you can inflict is marked in purple, ensuring that you’re fully aware if your attack will be fatal. If you manage to eliminate an enemy while remaining unseen, the game indicates this with a small skull symbol, eliminating any doubt about the success of your attack. It seems that striking an enemy directly in stealth mode usually results in an instant kill.

According to Michael Higham from IGN, who played the game, The Outer Worlds 2 appears to incorporate immersive simulation aspects reminiscent of games like Deus Ex and Dishonored. This suggests that stealth isn’t just an effective method for eliminating enemies but also a practical means of navigating entire levels without engaging in direct combat. Many games tend to undermine stealth gameplay by forcing players into fights, so I’m optimistic that Higham’s observations imply The Outer Worlds 2 will be more accommodating of a stealthy playstyle during missions.

Avowed’s Lack Of Stealth Was Disappointing

Avowed’s Stealth Mechanic Was Neither Mechanically Nor Narratively Satisfying

In contrast to the stealth mechanic in The Outer Worlds 2 that appears more comprehensive, the stealth element in Avowed is less developed and primarily functions as a means to inflict additional damage before an all-out battle rather than serving as a practical method for tackling encounters altogether. While it’s not entirely absent, its limited utility was somewhat underwhelming given the game’s diverse range of other features.

As a gamer, Avowed seems crafted for a stealth and immersive sim experience. A more refined stealth system would have complemented Avowed’s numerous dialogue options for avoiding conflict, offering a smoother, less combative playthrough. For instance, during the early stages of the game when pursuing Ygwulf, a more sophisticated stealth mechanic could have made a non-violent approach more feasible and engaging.

From the very start, it was clear that I had no intention of harming Ygwulf if a chance presented itself. I could empathize with his stance and those of the Paradisian rebels, and desired for the situation to be resolved peacefully. The game does provide an opportunity to forgive your would-be assassin, but there lies a challenging path filled with rebel strongholds that must be traversed first. Opting for stealthy infiltration and diplomacy over battling through waves of rebels before demonstrating my peaceful intentions felt more fitting narratively.

Obsidian’s Games Are Perfect For Stealth Options

Obsidian RPGs Offer A Lot Options For Solving Problems

My concern about Avowed‘s absence of stealth in its narrative has me envisioning that Obsidian’s games would be ideal for implementing a comprehensive stealth feature. Obsidian excels at offering various solutions to tasks, frequently presenting non-violent options to resolve conflicts. I yearn for a more sophisticated stealth system, merged with immersive simulation aspects, that allows me to embark on a full pacifist journey, relying on sneaking and diplomacy instead of violence.

In my opinion, it would be wonderful if The Outer Worlds 2 offers an option for stealthily bypassing certain conflicts when it fits the narrative context, similar to how the rebels in Avowed can be navigated around. This way, players who prefer a more stealthy approach could have their needs catered to as well.

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2025-04-11 04:57