If you're looking for an open solar system with an intriguing mystery to be set loose on, this is the game for you!! Outer Wilds provides exactly what is promises to the fullest reasonable extent. A handcrafted solar system made of fascinating, sometimes terrifying, locations with puzzles that will grant you satisfying revelation after interesting clue after more satisfying revelations.

The game is incredibly open while offering just enough clues to always give you something to hunt down. And by the time you've found the answers you were searching for you'll have another lead ready and waiting for you.

Graphics: 3-4/5
Outer Wilds is a nice game to look at. Environments are all clearly distinct and landmarks stand out among the terrain they're settled in. Depending on what you're looking for this game's art may not blow you away, but it is more than up to the task of presenting this amazing solar system in all of its glory.

Gameplay: 5/5
I got exactly what I was looking for from Outer Wilds in terms of gameplay. The overarching mystery is strong enough that I was driven to chase down every clue and history log. Every planet has an entirely unique atmosphere and look and every one inspires awe in one way or another. Piloting the ship and jetpack are difficult to learn at first, but with the time loop mechanic you will have plenty of time to figure them out. Resource management and danger are balanced super well allowing you ample room for taking your time and making mistakes without allowing you to get too careless. Every problem had a solution and I was given just enough information to piece them together.

Writing: 4-5/5
Seeing as a fair amount of this game is reading old alien logs, the writing is super important. Outer Wilds keeps its text concise enough that I was never overwhelmed or bored, while maintaining enough character in the writing that I wasn't just reading to look for keywords. I was also enjoying the stories that played out. The characters you actually talk to are all interesting in their own ways as well.

Music: 3-4/5
Outer Wilds' soundtrack felt mostly atmospheric to me. Incredibly fitting for the type of game it is, but nothing that I feel I would listen to on its own. So depending how you judge a soundtrack your score will vary. Other than a few specific tunes and songs, most of the soundtrack seems to play at random while you are exploring certain areas creating a unique atmosphere and really immersing you in the game.

If you're looking for an open solar system with an intriguing mystery to be set loose on, this is the game for you!! Outer Wilds provides exactly what is promises to the fullest reasonable extent. A handcrafted solar system made of fascinating, sometimes terrifying, locations with puzzles that will grant you satisfying revelation after interesting clue after more satisfying revelations. The game is incredibly open while offering just enough clues to always give you something to hunt down. And by the time you've found the answers you were searching for you'll have another lead ready and waiting for you. Graphics: 3-4/5 Outer Wilds is a nice game to look at. Environments are all clearly distinct and landmarks stand out among the terrain they're settled in. Depending on what you're looking for this game's art may not blow you away, but it is more than up to the task of presenting this amazing solar system in all of its glory. Gameplay: 5/5 I got exactly what I was looking for from Outer Wilds in terms of gameplay. The overarching mystery is strong enough that I was driven to chase down every clue and history log. Every planet has an entirely unique atmosphere and look and every one inspires awe in one way or another. Piloting the ship and jetpack are difficult to learn at first, but with the time loop mechanic you will have plenty of time to figure them out. Resource management and danger are balanced super well allowing you ample room for taking your time and making mistakes without allowing you to get too careless. Every problem had a solution and I was given just enough information to piece them together. Writing: 4-5/5 Seeing as a fair amount of this game is reading old alien logs, the writing is super important. Outer Wilds keeps its text concise enough that I was never overwhelmed or bored, while maintaining enough character in the writing that I wasn't just reading to look for keywords. I was also enjoying the stories that played out. The characters you actually talk to are all interesting in their own ways as well. Music: 3-4/5 Outer Wilds' soundtrack felt mostly atmospheric to me. Incredibly fitting for the type of game it is, but nothing that I feel I would listen to on its own. So depending how you judge a soundtrack your score will vary. Other than a few specific tunes and songs, most of the soundtrack seems to play at random while you are exploring certain areas creating a unique atmosphere and really immersing you in the game.