The Outer Worlds: A Long Game or a Short One?

Introduction

The debate over the length of The Outer Worlds continues to thrive among gamers, especially those who have been compared with players of its predecessors, Mass Effect and Fallout. Many players, like myself, find the game's narrative and side quests engaging, but whether the final playtime of around 30 hours qualifies as a long or short game remains a point of contention. Let's delve into the reasons behind these differing perceptions and explore the factors that contribute to the overall gaming experience.

My Experience: Short but Filled with Engagement

Upon completing The Outer Worlds, I was both amazed and slightly disappointed. Amazed because of the rich narrative, deep companions, and the ability to explore a vast open world; disappointed because the game ended just as it was picking up steam. Here's a breakdown of my experience:

Completion Time: I managed to finish the game in under 30 hours. This was a significant contrast to my previous experiences with games like Mass Effect and Fallout, where similar runs could take about 50 hours. However, the reasons for this difference are quite interesting.

Exploration and Side Quests: A major mistake I made was exploring the world before completing the main quest lines. This led to spending many hours clearing out enemies and finding nothing of interest, only to come back later. The game's design encourages this pattern, as quest elements often don't load until you start the relevant task. This strategy proved to be a big oversight on my part, extending my playtime unnecessarily.

Personal Reflection: I micromanaged my gear, interacted with NPCs, and spent time getting to know my companions and exploring additional areas. In the end, I was left with a sense that the game's story could have been more prolonged, even though the core gameplay was quite immersive.

Opinions and Reviews

While my personal experience may vary, the reviews I've come across paint a somewhat different picture. Many gamers report completing The Outer Worlds in just about 30 hours, where they explore, complete side quests, and interact extensively with the game world. This shorter completion time is attributed to the efficient level design and clear quest structure.

Some gamers are quick to point out that a 30-hour playthrough is more than enough for a satisfying experience. However, this doesn't sit well with those seeking longer, more expansive gaming adventures. For instance:

"Of course! I am already spending time playing it. What good is a game that you spend about 60 on if you can beat it in a short amount of time? I love to play longer games, ones that you can't finish in a week, and ones that have a lot of play in them and you can replay. That is what I look for in games—BIG games and replay value. Anything else is just a short diversion."

This perspective emphasizes the value of extended gameplay and replayability.

Replay Value and Longevity

The Outer Worlds offers a robust replay value which is one of its strongest selling points. Multiple paths, branching storylines, and various companion options provide a fresh experience each time. However, the initial 30-hour runthrough doesn't necessarily equate to a shorter playtime in the long run. Gamers who enjoy exploring all corners of the game world and trying different approaches often find the repeat playthroughs rewarding.

The game's narrative is designed to engage and invite players to return, even after the initial completion. This is particularly evident in the quests and objectives that are not tied to the main storyline, encouraging further exploration and interaction.

Conclusion

The debate over whether The Outer Worlds is a long or short game largely depends on the individual gamer's preferences. While the game's core completion can be done relatively quickly, its rich narrative and expansive world offer enough content to keep players engaged for longer periods. The key is in how one approaches the game—whether it's through a focused fast-play or an exploratory and comprehensive playthrough. Ultimately, The Outer Worlds delivers a satisfying experience that offers both quick satisfaction and long-term replayability.

Keywords: The Outer Worlds, game length, replay value