Outer Wilds
Last updated: 2025-04-14
- Rewarding exploration and discovery is central.
- Innovative narrative explores profound, thought-provoking themes.
- Exceptional soundtrack enhances emotional impact.
- Time loop drives knowledge-based progression.
- Confusing, directionless initial experience.
- Obscure puzzles may require external guides.
- Reviews
(sample size) - 2000
- Helpful reviews
- 62%
- Unhelpful reviews
- 38%
- Protest reviews
- 0%
- 95%Helpful reviews with positive sentiment
- 5%Helpful reviews with negative sentiment
- Positive points
- 3634
- Negative points
- 1154
- Gameplay points
- 759
- Perf. points
- 45
- Rec. points
- 1464
- Misc points
- 230
| Point | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Rewarding exploration and discovery | The game emphasizes exploration and discovery, rewarding players for their curiosity and experimentation. Discovering new areas, piecing together the story, and solving puzzles independently provides a strong sense of accomplishment and makes the player feel intelligent. This point is important due to its focus on core gameplay mechanics and player experience. | 97% |
| Explores profound, thought-provoking themes | The game explores profound themes such as existentialism, time, death, and the meaning of life, prompting players to contemplate their place in the universe. The game encourages players to embrace emotions, value connections, and appreciate the present moment. This point is important due to its focus on the game's deeper meaning and its potential impact on players' perspectives. | 91% |
| Innovative, engaging, emotional narrative | The game's narrative is innovative, engaging, and emotionally resonant, often prompting deep reflection and leaving a lasting impression. The story is revealed through exploration and piecing together clues, with the ending being particularly impactful. This point is important due to its focus on a key element of the game and its impact on players. | 89% |
| Exceptional, emotionally impactful soundtrack | The game features an exceptional soundtrack that enhances the emotional impact and atmosphere. The music is often described as beautiful, moving, and perfectly suited to the game's various moments and locations, with some reviewers noting specific tracks that resonated deeply. This point is highly important due to its consistent mention and significant impact on player experience. | 75% |
| Time loop drives knowledge progression | The time loop mechanic is well-implemented and essential to the gameplay, allowing players to learn from each loop and progress through knowledge rather than traditional upgrades. This mechanic encourages experimentation and problem-solving, creating a dynamic and rewarding experience. This point is important due to its focus on a core gameplay mechanic and its impact on player progression. | 66% |
| DLC enhances story and depth | The DLC enhances the base game by adding more story elements, mysteries, and emotional depth. The DLC is often praised for maintaining the same high quality as the base game and seamlessly integrating into the existing world. This point is important due to its focus on the game's additional content and its impact on the overall experience. | 62% |
| Captivating story of the Nomai | The story of the ancient Nomai race is captivating and emotionally impactful, revealing their motivations, goals, and tragic fate. Discovering their history through scattered notes and diaries adds depth to the world and enhances the player's connection to the game. This point is important due to its focus on a key element of the game's narrative and world-building. | 53% |
| Unique, well-crafted world and physics | The game features a unique and well-crafted world with diverse planets, each having its own distinct characteristics and mysteries. The game's physics system is also praised for its realism and integration into the gameplay. This point is important due to its focus on the game's world-building and technical aspects. | 43% |
| Exploration without fear of failure | The game encourages exploration and experimentation without fear of failure, as each death is a learning experience. The game avoids hand-holding and allows players to progress at their own pace, driven by curiosity and a desire to uncover the mysteries of the universe. This point is important due to its focus on player agency and the game's unique approach to difficulty. | 3% |