

Not content with the usual character development path, Obsidian has also incorporated the flaws system.

Your companions have perks too, which you choose to complement your own. Every two levels you also get a new perk point, which can be applied to gain a permanent bonus. Each level gives you 10 upgrade points to spend on stats that max out at 100 but allow you to specialise more deeply once they pass 50.

It’s inspiring, and the writers’ ability to keep throwing fresh and often hilarious new personalities at you remains a delight throughout.Īs you win fights and complete objectives you earn experience points to level up your character. The result is that each encounter is captivating, as well as furthering both plot and mission objectives. Some responses will be kind, some rude, and some magnificently absurd. You’ll regularly have five choices of what to say, some of which come from your intelligence, perception, or, say, medical skills, and others that are available to all. The Outer Worlds’ character interactions are central to most missions. And they don’t have to be locked away in soporific cut scenes either. If you’ve recently been playing Ghost Recon Breakpoint, this won’t so much be refreshing as a reaffirmation that conversations in video games can be compelling rather than soul-crushing. It’s supremely well written, with eccentric characters proving to be funny, articulate, and well-acted. The sheer quantity and quality of dialogue for each is astounding, given the huge number of missions and conversations you undertake and the range of crew members you have available to you. As well as backing you up in a fight they also chip in on conversations and chat amongst themselves as you’re exploring. Each companion comes with his or her own backstory, character arc, and personality.
