Outer Wilds

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 268 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 203 out of 268
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 268
  3. Negative: 39 out of 268
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  1. Skurttish
    Jan 12, 2022
    7
    A great idea that was too frustrating to finish. But it really is a game with great central ideas—excellent investigational elements, an interesting plot, brilliantly creative worlds.

    What I didn’t like was the stress of knowing you’re on a time limit every run, and that some of the puzzles were so hard, they’d take almost all my time—and then I wouldn’t be able to explore any of the    A great idea that was too frustrating to finish. But it really is a game with great central ideas—excellent investigational elements, an interesting plot, brilliantly creative worlds.

    What I didn’t like was the stress of knowing you’re on a time limit every run, and that some of the puzzles were so hard, they’d take almost all my time—and then I wouldn’t be able to explore any of the area past the puzzle. Plus, the fact that certain events only happen a certain amount of time after each run begins means that you’ll be sitting around waiting sometimes, and Lord help you if you mess something up and have to sit through that again. Ultimately this frustration was why I watched the ending on YouTube after getting about 85% of the way through—those last few steps were too finicky.

    But if you have a lot of patience and want a Myst-style space investigation game, this is absolutely for you.    … Expand
  2. tommydlbass
    Sep 19, 2021
    8
    One of the most original games I have ever played, and one of the most frustrating too. Is a masterpiece but the gameplay and performance of this game on a slim ps4 makes it difficult to put it higher. The story is really good and the surprises this game gives to the player sadly lost enchants after a few hours playing it and doing the same thing over and over. Overall is a game that youOne of the most original games I have ever played, and one of the most frustrating too. Is a masterpiece but the gameplay and performance of this game on a slim ps4 makes it difficult to put it higher. The story is really good and the surprises this game gives to the player sadly lost enchants after a few hours playing it and doing the same thing over and over. Overall is a game that you have to play if you like art and is a worth story to experience. Don't expect a shooting space game because this is not what it is.… Expand
  3. CossackGamer
    Jul 11, 2020
    9
    A wonderful, must play game.

    This game perfects a game mechanic perhaps only seen in Majoras mask. Despite a slow start, this game becomes a masterpiece of a puzzle game...or a puzzles within a puzzle game?!
  4. Photomodepurist
    Nov 8, 2022
    10
    The absolute best game I have ever played, without exaggeration or hyperbole. It touches emotions and captures feelings that no other game I’ve ever played has even thought about. Hell, no movie or book has made me feel the way this game has either. It’s an absolutely monumental achievement of game design, writing and music all operating in absolute harmony. A once in a generation, orThe absolute best game I have ever played, without exaggeration or hyperbole. It touches emotions and captures feelings that no other game I’ve ever played has even thought about. Hell, no movie or book has made me feel the way this game has either. It’s an absolutely monumental achievement of game design, writing and music all operating in absolute harmony. A once in a generation, or perhaps even once in a lifetime game. I’ve played the Metal Gear Solid series, Halo, Shadow of the Colossus, Dark Souls - all the classics, and nothing comes close. Not only has playing this changed how I think about video games, but has affected my outlook on life in a very profound way. Stop reading this and play it, I cannot put words to the height of my praise for this game.… Expand
  5. FrankTheTank08
    Sep 10, 2022
    10
    Outer Wilds is one of the best game ever made. It's one of those hidden gems, a diamond in the rough so to speak. The soundtrack of this game is a mixture of happiness, delight, joy, adventure, homeliness, hopefulness and also, fear, terror, and sadness. Andrew Prahlow created an amazing soundtrack that fits with this game so well that if it wasn't there then the game would lose most ofOuter Wilds is one of the best game ever made. It's one of those hidden gems, a diamond in the rough so to speak. The soundtrack of this game is a mixture of happiness, delight, joy, adventure, homeliness, hopefulness and also, fear, terror, and sadness. Andrew Prahlow created an amazing soundtrack that fits with this game so well that if it wasn't there then the game would lose most of it's value. The soundtrack is so emotional especially no really only if you've beaten the game, Generally The game is so emotional to the point that it can't be considered a casual video game for fun but a masterpiece of art. 99% of people who play the whole game through agree that it is an amazing experience and it must be played with as little knowledge of the game it's self before playing. I urge anyone who is reading this review to please go into the game blind. Don't look up guides for any of the puzzles. Trust me when I say this. Once you are done with the game you will wish to wipe your memory of the game and play it over again as if you were playing again for the first time.… Expand
  6. VcNuggets
    Dec 8, 2019
    8
    Certainly was not expecting the thrill I got from this game. It's hard to compare to any other game because it sits uniquely in its own little world. The heavy use of physics reminds me of Kerbal Space Program. It does a great job making you feel a sense of awe and terror as you fly around a solar system exploring.

    Expect to die a lot and in some brutal ways I would not wish on anyone.    Certainly was not expecting the thrill I got from this game. It's hard to compare to any other game because it sits uniquely in its own little world. The heavy use of physics reminds me of Kerbal Space Program. It does a great job making you feel a sense of awe and terror as you fly around a solar system exploring.

    Expect to die a lot and in some brutal ways I would not wish on anyone.

    I did near the end get a little fatigued after I thoroughly explored most of the world. It does not give you a lot of direction where to go so at some point you might find yourself looking up a video walkthrough to move forward in the story. The ending is trippy and makes you think.    … Expand
  7. adecarter
    Nov 1, 2019
    10
    Good writing, humour, minimal bloat. Old skool, but in a good way. Not perfect, but really enjoyed it
  8. Karass
    Nov 8, 2019
    9
    I had not heard of the game prior to buying it and must admit Im having a lot of fun exploring the different worlds and story. This is not new vegas or fallout but Obsidian did great once again, minus some minor bugs that will probably get fixed soon. Definitely one of the best of this genre to come out this year.
  9. GreatJew6370
    Nov 3, 2019
    7
    Good writing, humour, minimal bloat. Old school, but in a good way. Not perfect, but really enjoyed it
  10. Apoclucian
    Dec 3, 2019
    10
    This game is amazing. The sense of discovery and mystery is great and I love how empty and cold space feels. In a weird way, the game kind of reminds me of Myst or Riven. But it's an evolution of that genre, and I love it.
  11. Danni25
    Nov 14, 2019
    9
    Great game with a lot of paths you can go on, good story and a lot of dialogue for people who like that. Combat system could be better and feels a bit rushed. Items in this game are awesome but would like to see more options over armour. This game has one big flaw for me though as it has no grenades in it. For a game like that it must be a auto include for me, although there is a grenadeGreat game with a lot of paths you can go on, good story and a lot of dialogue for people who like that. Combat system could be better and feels a bit rushed. Items in this game are awesome but would like to see more options over armour. This game has one big flaw for me though as it has no grenades in it. For a game like that it must be a auto include for me, although there is a grenade launcher in this game.… Expand
  12. SuperDuck23
    Feb 11, 2020
    8
    Outer Wilds is a game that you should go into completely cold as there are lots of surprises to be had. It's a very intriguing exploration experience that can at times be very relaxing but can also give you moments of sheer awe. In a way, the game is nearly what I hoped No Man's Sky would be when it launched in 2016. I highly recommend that you give Outer Wilds a try to encounter all theOuter Wilds is a game that you should go into completely cold as there are lots of surprises to be had. It's a very intriguing exploration experience that can at times be very relaxing but can also give you moments of sheer awe. In a way, the game is nearly what I hoped No Man's Sky would be when it launched in 2016. I highly recommend that you give Outer Wilds a try to encounter all the mysteries for yourself.… Expand
  13. Logarifm
    Nov 9, 2021
    1
    Unpayable on playstation 5. input lag and frame rate give me a headache. game need fix
  14. Zeak
    Jan 11, 2022
    5
    I get why people like this game - the writing is decent, the gameplay and its exploration can be fun. But for me all of that is undermined by the clumsiness in how the game feels and looks. I get it's an indie title but man there are prettier indies out there. It jus feels like an early build prototype at times and looks like one too. All of this made me just drop it half way.
  15. RidingHeidi
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    I just loved this game. I enjoyed how it really made me care about the lore. Every detail important. PS4 version crashed every 10 resets or so, which was annoying.
  16. SunnyLessie
    Sep 13, 2020
    10
    Cross my heart, this is one of the best games I ever played. A completely innovative way of gameplay and story telling.
  17. Freshtbh
    Aug 9, 2021
    10
    I think you simply need to play this game. It's so well crafted and is simply unlike anything I've ever played. You need an open mind, to be able to think outside of the box and to enjoy a ride. One of the only games I though about when not playing. Many of the advancements you can make are simply working out sething while having a little think.

    I get the negative reviews, but if you play    I think you simply need to play this game. It's so well crafted and is simply unlike anything I've ever played. You need an open mind, to be able to think outside of the box and to enjoy a ride. One of the only games I though about when not playing. Many of the advancements you can make are simply working out sething while having a little think.

    I get the negative reviews, but if you play it like warzone and rush it you'll be worse off. Seasoned gamers and especially RPG players will get it straight away.    … Expand
  18. Adamantium01
    Apr 9, 2020
    0
    People needs to stop hypeing this game. I'm normally very open minded about games and got this one at full price because people were comparing it to Subnautica which I loved but it's nothing like it. OW is boring, annoying and even frustrating. There is no real gameplay here, you just explore maps to get rewarded with text and you keep doing the same and going the same places to get morePeople needs to stop hypeing this game. I'm normally very open minded about games and got this one at full price because people were comparing it to Subnautica which I loved but it's nothing like it. OW is boring, annoying and even frustrating. There is no real gameplay here, you just explore maps to get rewarded with text and you keep doing the same and going the same places to get more text. I've probably played for 5hrs or so hoping that maybe I get sucked in and see something special about it but there is nothing special here just small planets and sh*tty physics that the game seems to be so proud about.… Expand
  19. jameson95
    Jan 16, 2020
    6
    I really want to like this game, but I just don't, AT ALL. The game mechanics are just not fun. There is very little fun about dealing with the game's gravity and flying the ship. I get that the game is meant to be a journey about discovery, but I just found the maze's to be incredibly convoluted and frustrating. Some of this game felt like trying to solve Zelda's water temple in 15I really want to like this game, but I just don't, AT ALL. The game mechanics are just not fun. There is very little fun about dealing with the game's gravity and flying the ship. I get that the game is meant to be a journey about discovery, but I just found the maze's to be incredibly convoluted and frustrating. Some of this game felt like trying to solve Zelda's water temple in 15 minutes. What's fun about that? Nothing.… Expand
  20. PeterLangford
    Feb 10, 2020
    3
    Very slow game. I’ve played for about 5 hours and have given up. Lots of exploring of not overly interesting planets with lots of questions raised but very little closure or reward. I’m not patient enough to continue or hopeful enough that the long slog will be worth it.
  21. Pastriof
    May 31, 2020
    10
    Mind blowing unique adventure, which will leave warm memories and unrepeatable expirience (heh, unrepeatable, you get it?).
  22. Ice_Skeleton
    Jul 20, 2020
    3
    I played for nearly an hour, saw an auto-save, and quit ready to continue tomorrow.. However, it hasn't saved, and glancing at a few comments, this is in the design. There's no room for many of us to play for hours and hours between proper save points, some of us have work and other obligations. It's a crazy way to design a game and totally unnecessary, and also therefore a total waste ofI played for nearly an hour, saw an auto-save, and quit ready to continue tomorrow.. However, it hasn't saved, and glancing at a few comments, this is in the design. There's no room for many of us to play for hours and hours between proper save points, some of us have work and other obligations. It's a crazy way to design a game and totally unnecessary, and also therefore a total waste of money. I really wanted to get into this, what a pity.… Expand
  23. Gamer1988
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    WOW - there are some real IDIOTS reviewing this game and downvoting it. Honestly one of the best games I've played. Can't say too much as really the best way to experience this game is to go in totally blind. It is so completely different to anything I have EVER played in my life. I went in not expecting much, but after an hour or so I had to keep going to uncover the mystery of itWOW - there are some real IDIOTS reviewing this game and downvoting it. Honestly one of the best games I've played. Can't say too much as really the best way to experience this game is to go in totally blind. It is so completely different to anything I have EVER played in my life. I went in not expecting much, but after an hour or so I had to keep going to uncover the mystery of it all. The locations are absolutely distinct from one another e.g. a planet with a black hole at its core, a planet that acts like an hour glass, a planet with tornados - it's all so amazing. People complaining about the 22 minute time loop - my god man, it's a core part pf the game/story, think about it for more than 5 seconds (or go and play COD or something else actually). It reminded me of a video game version of Interstellar.

    If you want to, the game is perfect for short bursts of gaming if you dont have a lot of time - due to the 22 minute time loop. There is actually one idiot in these reviews who has complained about this, saying they dont have time to lose all their progress every 22 minutes - YOU DONT LOSE ANYTHING YOU DAMN FOOL.

    When you finally uncover all of the mystery it all comes together in such wonderful story - and the way it is told is incredible.

    And that soundtrack...oh my, just amazing.

    Do yourself a huge favour and pick it up, and prepare to be blown away/swept away by it.

    The one bad thing about this game? I can't erase my memory and do it all again - I'm jealous of anyone going into this game fresh.

    I'm now playing through the DLC which is just as good as/if not better than the base game.

    If you're into sci-fi/story telling - this is a MUST for you.    … Expand
  24. Rod-Olphe
    Jun 7, 2020
    1
    The concept of time loop was appealing but I was disappointed by the game-play and the 3D. I could never really enter the game and the story because of that ... it was a waste of money
  25. Mauron
    Oct 31, 2019
    0
    bad optimization, the game is not cheaper and on my opinion, the game is bored
  26. wiiroy
    Mar 15, 2021
    10
    I don’t understand how anyone hasn’t given this game a 10. What is wrong with you people?
  27. janettaplanetta
    Feb 10, 2021
    3
    I'm really pained to be leaving such a low score for this game....but since I find it unplayable I don't have much option. I was enthralled by the opening parts of the game and was really looking forward to getting into it but unfortunately I am simply unable to fly the ship, the controls are just awful. Possibly it is 'realistic' but for me it's just not possible to enjoy, or even play.I'm really pained to be leaving such a low score for this game....but since I find it unplayable I don't have much option. I was enthralled by the opening parts of the game and was really looking forward to getting into it but unfortunately I am simply unable to fly the ship, the controls are just awful. Possibly it is 'realistic' but for me it's just not possible to enjoy, or even play.
    Full disclosure here - I have a hard time with driving vehicles in games in general for some reason.. Some of them I can manage better than others but it's rarely easy for me. But I've never given up on a game before because of that personal failing, but this one has me beat.
    Having recently gained full PS5 glory I thought I'd give it another go as the controller on PS5 is so responsive, and there is a slight improvement in my piloting skills with it but not enough, sadly, to progress in the game.

    Consequently a complete waste of money, and I'm really disappointed.    … Expand
  28. Clockworknait
    Jan 26, 2020
    10
    Amazing freaking game . If you love exploring youll love this game, im not even halfway through and im hooked . I cant believe half the stuff they did in it let alone without loading screens...insane
  29. Eprom
    Dec 18, 2021
    1
    It begins boring with a lot of dialogue. But that time, i already lost interest and knew this game was not for me. After half an hour i completly stopped caring.
  30. Gfortus
    Jan 11, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Outer Wilds is one of the few games that blew me away in this decade, the amount of world building, and freedom that the game gives you is spectacular, the gameplay is unique and inovative and the game progresses gradually according to the players curiosity, truly an amazing experience… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best PS4 Game of 2019
47
#47 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Nov 18, 2019
    90
    Whether you want to play explorer, detective, or Bill Murray, Outer Wilds has you covered. We’ll say it again: one of the best games you’ll play this year. [Issue#169, p.93]
  2. Push Square
    Nov 2, 2019
    70
    This is a game that presents itself in a unique way, and trusts you to put together its compelling mystery without assistance.
    Read full review
  3. COGconnected
    Oct 29, 2019
    76
    In the end, Outer Wilds is all about exploring a mysterious solar system and finding out its secrets. I had a fun time flying around in space and it’s good for the gaming industry as a whole to have an adventure game like this that’s about exploring a world without having to shoot or fight enemies. However, Outer Wilds doesn’t do a great job at guiding players. Instead, you are left aimlessly exploring until you figure out what to do next.
    Read full review
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