“Outer Wilds” is a space exploration puzzle game developed by Mobius Digital, released on Steam in 2020 and later on consoles. It was released to critical acclaim, receiving the BAFTA Awards for Best Game and Best Design, and it received a 95% positive rating on the digital video game storefront Steam.
“Outer Wilds” occurs in an alien solar system stuck in a 22-minute time loop. You play as an alien called the Hatchling who is about to go on their first space flight for The Outer Wilds Ventures, the space program of your in-game home planet. As you loop, you will uncover the mysteries of the solar system and the mysterious alien race called the Nomai, who seem to have gone extinct long ago.
The game stands out for its impressive physics simulations. Usually, games with physics simulations, such as Human Fall Flat or Boneworks, simulate objects on a micro-scale, focusing more on how objects interact with the world and the player. However, “Outer Wilds” simulates objects on a macro-scale, concentrating on how celestial objects interact. The focus on simulating celestial objects makes the exploration more engaging, as a good understanding of the in-game physics helps you gain mastery over your spaceship and player character. For example, a good understanding of the game’s physics allows you to orbit closely around the sun without worrying about getting too close and burning or getting slingshotted out of its orbit.
The game also has extremely well-designed extraterrestrial technology and culture. Authors and game developers tend to write aliens as socially and culturally similar to humans, not considering how their physiology and environment would affect them and their culture. “Outer Wilds” does consider these things. An example would be how Nomai technology is primarily controlled through sight. This is because the Nomai have tiny hands and would have difficulty using anything with them. Another interesting aspect of their culture is how their writing system works. Their writing system works similarly to how an online forum works with a person starting a conversation and splitting off into different dialogue trees as people comment on each other’s statements. This writing system is good from a worldbuilding and character-writing perspective as it is unique and lets the player see each character’s personality even if they never actually meet the character.
The “Outer Wilds” is an extremely interesting and well-made game. Its attention to detail with its world, plot, and gameplay has solidified its place in my mind as one of the best games I’ve ever played.
