Okay... I don't even have the words to describe how incredible this game is. Outer Wilds was as life-changing of an experience for me as any game can be. A true 10/10 game, and I do not say that often. Fans of Outer Wilds have said this before, but I would give anything to be able to forget this game, play it again, and relive the experience I had the first time. It's a one of a kind adventure. I can confidently say it is the best non-replayable game I have ever played.
Outer Wilds holds up PERFECTLY in 2026. The base game (pre-DLC) took me about 18 hours to complete, but I haven't explored every detail yet and I definitely want to. Outer Wilds is unique in the fact that there is no progression, no upgrades... the only thing you take with you between each time loop is knowledge (aside from the ship's log, though that is your knowledge). Once you learn enough about what the Nomai were doing in the solar system, you can piece together what you can do to complete the game, though it was technically possible from the very start...
The sense of adventure in this game is a combination of the exhilarating rocket mechanics, the profoundly deep visuals, music, and dialogue, the masterful planet design, and so much more. Outer Wilds is an open world game, an adventure game, and a story game all at once. The story is in the sweet spot. Not overwhelming, but enough to fulfill your thirst for knowledge and teach you everything you need to know. At any given time, if you get stuck in the weeds, you can explore a new planet and pick at a different section of the mystery. There are five overarching events you have to piece together, and there is no correct order. Have fun exploring and learn on the way.
Certain mechanics also amazed me. The quantum stones and objects were oddly chilling to me, and the ship's construction is more in depth than you would think. I was really fascinated by the shifting sand of the Sunless City, and flying through Giant's Deep was so fun and refreshing! So much thought was put into every detail.
I really could go on and on, but I'll stop myself here. If you're reading this review, I NEED you to buy this game and play it through, no spoilers. It's an experience I PROMISE you won't regret and if you don't you will be missing out more than I can describe. Outer Wilds will CHANGE you.
