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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. wiiroy
    Mar 15, 2021
    10
    I don’t understand how anyone hasn’t given this game a 10. What is wrong with you people?
  4. ReKflYer
    Feb 27, 2022
    10
    - A rich, enthralling solar system to explore, with such varied planets and places that made me feel like the universe’s best archeologist.
    - A series of meticulously crafted puzzle mechanics and physics that interact with the player to pave the way for wild experimentation, not always successful, but always satisfying.
    - A soundtrack that literally could not be improved if you tried, it    - A rich, enthralling solar system to explore, with such varied planets and places that made me feel like the universe’s best archeologist.
    - A series of meticulously crafted puzzle mechanics and physics that interact with the player to pave the way for wild experimentation, not always successful, but always satisfying.
    - A soundtrack that literally could not be improved if you tried, it is PERFECT.
    - A story so well written and in such a bold, creative format that emboldened my sense of adventure that the game cultivates within you, leading you to discover things that will make you jump for joy or cry in earnest. The themes presented in Outer Wilds are ones of intense loneliness, inevitability’, and curiosity.

    Do not gloss over this game. It may not hold your hand like Pokemon does, but it will truly make you proud of your own achievements as an individual, because YOU landed there, YOU discovered that, YOU solved this. I have never experienced anything like it, and I doubt any other video game will touch me in the same way that Outer Wilds did. This game is a masterpiece, and may not be recognised as such, which is why I’m writing this review, to hopefully encourage someone to pick this game up on a whim and get completely and utterly lost in this game.    … Expand
  5. 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.
  6. AntrakosMC
    Jul 5, 2020
    10
    Simply put a masterpiece, a game like no other.
    It emphasizes on player's learning and reinforces the idea of power of knowledge.
    Visual story telling is top notch, there are only a handful of ways to interact with the world but it is put to its limit always interchanging different mechanics and using all of your arsenal. Game design is what puts this game above others with only one    Simply put a masterpiece, a game like no other.
    It emphasizes on player's learning and reinforces the idea of power of knowledge.
    Visual story telling is top notch, there are only a handful of ways to interact with the world but it is put to its limit always interchanging different mechanics and using all of your arsenal.
    Game design is what puts this game above others with only one shortcoming (yes, stealth mission, I am looking at you). There's very little hand helding and you are free to explore this vast and beautiful world at your own pace but there's always something pushing you in the right direction ever so slightly.
    This game is a must have experience for everyone especially if you love feeling if immersion and exploration    … Expand
  7. AlvaroK95
    Oct 4, 2022
    10
    No solo es una obra maestra, sino que es ÚNICO. No te informes sobre nada del juego, pues cuanto menos sepas más lo disfrutarás, ya que se basa en la exploración y el descubrimiento.
  8. puchinho
    Aug 18, 2023
    10
    Uno de los mejores juego de la historia para mi.
    Fanático del espacio y científico de profesión, me parece increíble la calidad de este juego en cuanto a la exploración y al misterio que ofrece.
    Que siente uno cuando se va de su casa? pues quizás lo que se siente cuando suenan las primeras notas mientras despegas por primera vez y te vas de tu planeta. No puedo decir mucho más de    Uno de los mejores juego de la historia para mi.
    Fanático del espacio y científico de profesión, me parece increíble la calidad de este juego en cuanto a la exploración y al misterio que ofrece.

    Que siente uno cuando se va de su casa? pues quizás lo que se siente cuando suenan las primeras notas mientras despegas por primera vez y te vas de tu planeta.

    No puedo decir mucho más de este juego porque es perfecto.    … Expand
  9. Zippyblip
    Feb 18, 2020
    10
    Fantastic, beautifully made game, takes a little time to get used to its rhythm but once you do it’s a unique experience.
  10. hello_world
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    There are a few games out there where people will say "It's best experienced going in knowing nothing." While there is usually good reason to say that, I always found that sentiment to be a bit hyperbolic. Outer Wilds, is perhaps the game that embodies that saying the most and it is with great difficulty to describe why I like it and who would enjoy the game without giving away too much.There are a few games out there where people will say "It's best experienced going in knowing nothing." While there is usually good reason to say that, I always found that sentiment to be a bit hyperbolic. Outer Wilds, is perhaps the game that embodies that saying the most and it is with great difficulty to describe why I like it and who would enjoy the game without giving away too much.

    Outer Wilds is a narrative focused, exploration/puzzle game. While the exploration and puzzles are enjoyable to figure out, it is the narrative that does the heavy lifting in this game. You as a player only care about the puzzles and exploring because of the narrative. The game starts off with a narrative hook. A mystery to solve. If that narrative hook doesn't draw you in, then unfortunately, you will probably find difficulty drawing any enjoyment from the game. If it does draw you in, you are in for one of the most unique experiences in video games. You are compelled to explore, not because you think you will get a power up or because the game tells you to. You explore because you are genuinely curious about what you will find there. The gameplay is all self-directed and once the game is over you will wish that you could play the game for the first time again.

    Be warned that the game is built on the feeling of curiosity and discovery. That's how the game motivates the player and once you beat the game and uncover the all the secrets the game has to offer, any subsequent play throughs will provide a much lesser experience. I would go so far as the game is downright boring on a second playthrough. A shame yes, but this is a result of the unique approach to the game that makes the game so memorable in the first place rather than an oversight in game design. Simply put, the thing that makes Outer Wilds so unique and memorable is also the thing that makes it unplayable a second time round. Personally, the experience is worth it.    … Expand
  11. adecarter
    Nov 1, 2019
    10
    Good writing, humour, minimal bloat. Old skool, but in a good way. Not perfect, but really enjoyed it
  12. 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
  13. Pastriof
    May 31, 2020
    10
    Mind blowing unique adventure, which will leave warm memories and unrepeatable expirience (heh, unrepeatable, you get it?).
  14. 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
  15. Salchipapa84
    Jan 18, 2020
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played. The first hour is frustrating, and then the narrative and sense of wonder builds. The writing is incredible as is the quality of the world building. To me it feels like a real place. The music design is also perfect - that instrumental that plays at the end of every cycle. Some of the puzzles are frustrating, but the rewards are well worth it. TheOne of the best games I've ever played. The first hour is frustrating, and then the narrative and sense of wonder builds. The writing is incredible as is the quality of the world building. To me it feels like a real place. The music design is also perfect - that instrumental that plays at the end of every cycle. Some of the puzzles are frustrating, but the rewards are well worth it. The end is unforgettable.… Expand
  16. ernestgeneral
    Feb 5, 2020
    10
    Outer Wilds has been one of the best surprises I have ever had with a game. I understand it’s not for everyone, but in my opinion it shines in everything it tries. Good visuals, an outstanding soundtrack (one of the best of 2019), an interesting story (that always makes you want to know more about it), and an incredible gameplay (difficult at first, but when you get the hang of it, it'sOuter Wilds has been one of the best surprises I have ever had with a game. I understand it’s not for everyone, but in my opinion it shines in everything it tries. Good visuals, an outstanding soundtrack (one of the best of 2019), an interesting story (that always makes you want to know more about it), and an incredible gameplay (difficult at first, but when you get the hang of it, it's jus a blast going from a planet to the other discovering the secrets of this mysterious solar system). As a conclusion, a masterpiece every fan of adventure games that doesn’t mind free exploration and getting lost should at least give a go.… Expand
  17. Rubje
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    If you want something new, something fresh, some great storytelling while delivering the best space exploration feeling in a game ever? Go play this game.
  18. rennah13
    Apr 12, 2020
    10
    I adore this game. It certainly has a slower pace, and I understand that will not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you enjoy the mechanics of the game you'll find an engaging and extremely satisfying mystery to be solved.
  19. yolo004
    Jun 16, 2023
    10
    I can assure you this game isn't like anything you've played before; really a breath of fresh air. The game mechanics and physics are spot on, the way the story unfolds is pretty creative and gives you a lot of liberty with the way you want to discover it (and it will probably leave you with teary eyes by the end), the visuals are nice and even though the map is huge and a lot of places inI can assure you this game isn't like anything you've played before; really a breath of fresh air. The game mechanics and physics are spot on, the way the story unfolds is pretty creative and gives you a lot of liberty with the way you want to discover it (and it will probably leave you with teary eyes by the end), the visuals are nice and even though the map is huge and a lot of places in it have complex mechanics, I can't recall experiencing any glitches in my whole run which is rare for games these days... Playing this game is an experience I highly recommend for anyone!… Expand
  20. Trustedreviewe
    Oct 18, 2020
    10
    this is a pure exploration game set in an alternative dystopian Sci-fy world (solar system), its story is intriguing and impactful and also based on mostly known scientific theories similar to the movie Interstellar.
    this game starts slow, I even got bored after playing 30min and quit; but I have to say when I came back to it the more I played the game the more I wanted to know, there is    this is a pure exploration game set in an alternative dystopian Sci-fy world (solar system), its story is intriguing and impactful and also based on mostly known scientific theories similar to the movie Interstellar.
    this game starts slow, I even got bored after playing 30min and quit; but I have to say when I came back to it the more I played the game the more I wanted to know, there is a really interesting story that you unravel its secret throughout the solar system, each planet has a peace of the puzzle to help you understand what is going on as the stakes get high when the solar system in which you and your species live is in danger of disappearing.

    This is one of the best games I have ever played, and in my list there is: The Witcher 3, The Last of us, MGS1 and 3, GOW.    … Expand
  21. xilef2007
    May 15, 2021
    10
    The story 10/10, gameplay 10/10, soundtrack 10/10, characters 10/10, world 10/10, atmosphere 10/10.
    One of my favourite games and it has a cool/sad ending.
    Hours played: 17
  22. pedroabib
    Jul 28, 2020
    10
    Jogo videogames a 2 anos, e nunca vi nada como esse jogo, uma obra de arte quase perfeita, onde sua curiosidade é combustivel para a história, com um roteiro incrível e toda uma história completa, fazendo vc se encantar a cada nova descoberta, todas interligadas, por mais que vc possa escolher aonde e quando explorar cada planeta, todas as informações são importantes, e levam a final MUITOJogo videogames a 2 anos, e nunca vi nada como esse jogo, uma obra de arte quase perfeita, onde sua curiosidade é combustivel para a história, com um roteiro incrível e toda uma história completa, fazendo vc se encantar a cada nova descoberta, todas interligadas, por mais que vc possa escolher aonde e quando explorar cada planeta, todas as informações são importantes, e levam a final MUITO emocionante, não podia ser melhor, o jogo da minha vida, e acho q é por experiencias como essa que jogo e consumo videogames.… Expand
  23. bergcamp101
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    This is one of the best games, ever created, and definitely the best game since Riven appeared. Everything here is perfect. Story telling is absolutely incredible, making you reading every note and every word. The puzzle-knowledge system is just shocking. Since Riven never have I imagined some game could bring so much beautiful feelings of adventure for me. Music is beautiful. Ending isThis is one of the best games, ever created, and definitely the best game since Riven appeared. Everything here is perfect. Story telling is absolutely incredible, making you reading every note and every word. The puzzle-knowledge system is just shocking. Since Riven never have I imagined some game could bring so much beautiful feelings of adventure for me. Music is beautiful. Ending is great too!
    I deeply grateful, developers of Outer Wilds! You have managed to create a truly masterpiece experience...    … Expand
  24. 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.
  25. Nouku
    Nov 1, 2020
    10
    I would say this game is probably in top 3 of my all time favorite games,never thought that such a simple game could engage me so much. There only thing in this game,go and explore.But the story so Interesting that you cant stop exploring.And the music in this game is just brilliant .
  26. TheEngineer1
    Jun 14, 2021
    10
    This game is amazing, one of the best I have ever played. I don't care if I'm biased, I'm biased for a reason, and that reason is the joy of playing this game.
  27. 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
  28. ShamesAlchemy
    Feb 26, 2023
    10
    An amazing space exploration adventure. Uncover the lore of an ancient alien race to solve puzzles and mysterious to this beautiful solar system. Completely open world with no hand holding. This is simply one of the best games of all time.
  29. OZONA
    Oct 24, 2021
    10
    Anyone who doesn’t think that this is the best game ever can fight me. (Review is supposed to be 75 characters)
  30. 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
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »