Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast Episode: The Outer Worlds Review (2025) Release Date: May 29, 2025
1. Introduction and Context
In this episode, hosts Andy Cortez, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, and guest Stella Chung delve into a comprehensive review of The Outer Worlds, revisiting their initial impressions from its 2019 release. The discussion sets the stage for evaluating the game's evolution over six years, especially in anticipation of The Outer Worlds 2.
2. Revisiting the Original Outer Worlds Review
Andy Cortez initiates the conversation by reflecting on their first review of The Outer Worlds during its initial release. He humorously notes, “06:11 Greg, we talked about a whole bunch of different stuff including of course, good news and bad news for the Nintendo Switch. Huh? How about that?”
Greg responds by sharing anecdotes from their past episodes, remembering technical issues like overheating studios, which provided both challenges and memorable moments for the team.
Notable Quote:
Andy Cortez (06:11): “It was a typical kind of funny review where there was joy to be had in the video game. Hey, we recommend this game but also we want it to be more. So let's nitpick the fuck out of it.”
3. Gameplay Mechanics and Combat
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the combat mechanics in The Outer Worlds. Andy expresses his surprise at enjoying the game more upon replaying, highlighting improvements in responsiveness and fluidity, particularly when played on a keyboard and mouse setup.
Notable Quotes:
Andy Cortez (04:31): “I was like, dang, I like this more than what I'm playing with about right now.”
Greg Miller (15:32): “It really was like maybe I was too hard on this game. Maybe I was off base with it.”
The hosts compare the combat to other titles like Avowed and express a desire for more dynamic and satisfying fight mechanics in the sequel.
Notable Quote:
Greg Miller (24:34): “It's the fact that I don't think it feels good. I love the idea of bashing someone to death and that's the build a heavy blah. But I think...”
4. Build Personalization and Mods
Andy shares his experience with modding The Outer Worlds on PC, enhancing visuals and altering gameplay mechanics such as encumbrance. He emphasizes the importance of customization in improving the gaming experience.
Notable Quote:
Andy Cortez (12:21): “I'm adding the mod of turn off unlimited weight. And it doesn't in any way make me feel like I'm cheapening the experience because I'm just picking up a bunch of bullshit anyway.”
Stella concurs, appreciating the game's flexibility without the need for excessive modding.
Notable Quote:
Stella Chung (12:55): “You can hold more things.”
5. DLC Experiences: Peril on Gorgon and Murder on Eridanos
The hosts delve into the game's downloadable content (DLC), discussing both Peril on Gorgon and Murder on Eridanos. They commend the Murder Mystery DLC for adding depth and variety to the gameplay, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
Notable Quotes:
Greg Miller (34:31): “Murder on Eridanos [is] such a fun, like, oh, wow. I love that you're shaking it up this way and taking something that all...”
Andy Cortez (35:00): “I have not beaten the base game, okay? But I love me a murder mystery. I love me a whodunit.”
Stella highlights the investigative aspects of the DLC, praising its integration into the main storyline.
6. Comparisons with Other Games: Avowed, Starfield, Fallout
A vibrant discussion compares The Outer Worlds with other major RPGs such as Avowed, Starfield, and the Fallout series. The hosts express admiration for Avowed's combat, contrasting it with their critiques of Starfield's more sterile and less engaging shoot mechanics.
Notable Quotes:
Andy Cortez (16:08): “I think Stella’s mentioning the combat just a little bit more replayability with that.”
Greg Miller (25:11): “Starfield's shooting feels so good. I thought combat in Starfield felt good.”
They also touch upon the narrative and world-building strengths of The Outer Worlds, drawing parallels to beloved franchises like Futurama and Firefly for their humorous and character-driven storytelling.
Notable Quote:
Stella Chung (43:55): “I just love the retro future shit... Bring that more into like sci fi shit, please.”
7. Audience Feedback and Super Chats
Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with audience feedback through super chats, addressing varying opinions on The Outer Worlds. Comments range from praise for the story's engagement to critiques of combat mechanics.
Notable Super Chat Comments:
-
Cozy Bear ($10): “Played Outer worlds for the first time recently. For me, it's one of the more boring games that I was low key, addicted to. Story lacks oomph and combat is fine, but the loop of completing missions is addictive, fascinating.”
-
Gondor's Condor ($5): “Did anyone play the low intelligence build to get the unique dumb lines?”
The hosts respond interactively, adding humor and personal anecdotes to the feedback, enhancing the episode's relatability and engagement.
Notable Interaction:
Andy Cortez (44:48): “Did you also see the special low intelligence ending? That's another question about this special low intelligence.”
Stella Chung (55:44): “Yeah, I think so it's been a minute since I've played that long, but like, I think I did.”
8. Future Expectations for Outer Worlds 2
Looking ahead, the hosts express excitement and cautious optimism for The Outer Worlds 2. They hope the sequel will address previous shortcomings, particularly in combat and world expansion, while maintaining the original's strong narrative and character development.
Notable Quotes:
Greg Miller (63:05): “I think it will [Outer Worlds 2 improvements].”
Stella Chung (55:44): “Just give us more to explore. Right. Because that's...”
Andy draws connections between the writing strengths of The Outer Worlds and the gameplay mechanics of Avowed, hoping the sequel blends these elements seamlessly.
Notable Quote:
Andy Cortez (66:16): “Because Obsidian was able to do Avowed and see, you know, the different magic spells and how sometimes they can, you know, enemies can float...”
9. Closing Remarks
As the episode wraps up, Stella promotes her online presence, encouraging listeners to follow her on various platforms. The hosts briefly mention upcoming content and tease future discussions, maintaining the episode's energetic and community-driven vibe.
Notable Quote:
Stella Chung (68:52): “Parallax Stella everywhere on YouTube, Twitch, which I'm pretty much streaming every day.”
Conclusion
This episode of Kinda Funny Gamescast offers an in-depth and candid re-evaluation of The Outer Worlds, blending personal experiences with broader industry insights. The hosts effectively balance critique with appreciation, providing listeners with a nuanced perspective on the game's strengths and areas for improvement. Their anticipation for the sequel is tempered with thoughtful considerations, promising engaging discussions in future episodes.
Notable Summary Quote:
Greg Miller (63:08): “This is a sequel that deserves your time and attention. And I think again, as long as they double down on what they already do so well…”
Timestamp Reference:
- [00:00] - [02:00]: Introduction and initial banter
- [02:57] - [06:00]: Segue into Outer Worlds re-review
- [06:11] - [16:00]: Revisiting the original review and first impressions
- [16:08] - [26:40]: Detailed discussion on gameplay mechanics and combat
- [26:40] - [36:00]: Build personalization, mods, and more combat insights
- [33:00] - [37:00]: DLC experiences and their impact
- [37:00] - [43:00]: Comparisons with Avowed and Starfield
- [43:00] - [66:00]: Audience feedback through super chats
- [66:00] - [68:00]: Expectations and hopes for Outer Worlds 2
- [68:00] - [69:11]: Closing remarks and promotions
Note: All timestamps reflect the points in the transcript where the corresponding discussions occur.