The Outer Worlds easily ranked as one of our favorite games of 2019, and it’s back now with a next/current version called The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition. Here’s a look at the PlayStation 5 version.
We actually enjoyed Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds so much that we went back to it several times after its initial release. We covered its Switch port, and also checked out the two DLC chapters that were released for it. Both of those chapters are included in the new Spacer’s Choice Edition, in additional to a few technical upgrades. And while it can be purchased as a standalone release, existing owners can also upgrade to the new version at a heavily discounted price.
Needless to say, The Outer Worlds is still every bit as brilliant as it was upon release. From the excellent writing to the vibrant and diverse world(s) you get to traverse and the freedom of choice you have, it’s a game that’s easy to go back to for additional playthroughs. The new gen version was a great excuse to do so, and although the visual quality hasn’t been bumped up too significantly there is a major change that you’ll almost instantly notice. Where in the past it would take quite a while for a new area to load, giving you a chance to chat with others for a bit, the transitions are near-instant now.
It’s not seamless – they’d have to implement cutscenes for something like that as you travel from planet to planet – but it’s a big improvement, especially on subsequent playthroughs where you already kind of know what you’re doing. Newcomers were always able to use the loading screens to process, but for returning players the upgrade does wonders for the pacing of the game.
Oddly enough, however, there seem to be little framerate stutters in the new PS5 build – an unwelcome sight especially because Obsidian did so much to improve the performance of the console versions post-launch last time. Let’s hope they follow this one up with a patch as well, so that this becomes the definitive version of the game.
The visual upgrades in the Spacer’s Choice Edition are more subtle than the technical ones, though improved lighting and enhanced detail do make things pop off the screen a bit more prominently – especially in scenes where neon signs and particle effects are part of the environment. Not to the point where it feels “next gen only” like Ratchet & Clank, Demon’s Souls and Dead Space, but there’s definitely been a small boost even though it’s not a complete overhaul.
The Outer Worlds is as impressive a game as it was back when it launched, and the Spacer’s Choice Edition is the best way to enjoy it thanks to its technical upgrades and the inclusion of all the post-launch DLC packs. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a post-launch update that optimizes the frame rate though.
Score: 9.0/10
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