Outer Wilds Reviews

Outer Wilds is ranked in the 93rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Unscored
Feb 23, 2024

This is the textbook example of exploration and every point of interest begs to be found as it creates a cohesive and captivating experience that is a constant feast for the adventurous soul.

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5 / 10
Jan 31, 2024

It's a lonely, cold planet over here. Mileage on Outer Wilds will depend largely on how much one enjoys exploration, discovery and extrinsic reward versus repetitive backtracking and restrictive (but also far too long and frequently-occurring-to-be-as-restrictive-as-it-is) time limits. It may certainly be a monkey brain desire for feedback and a more robust signposting of progress, but even knowing that the lack of it here is exactly the point, one can't help think there are examples within interactive media that have done lateral think puzzles better. Ones that would waste less time in between solving puzzles, too. Clearly, there's a majority disagreement for this view, so take it with a pinch of salt, but also go into it aware that it's not going to be for everyone. It is an experience that introduces a lot of mind-bending sci-fi concepts and a surprisingly emotional, if conflicting, conclusion. One just wonders if we like the scaffolding more than we like the building itself. Perhaps, though, it's just that some people really don't like time loop mechanics.

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7 / 10.0
Jan 25, 2024

When the credits roll on Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition, you'll feel sad that there's no way to experience it with fresh eyes again. You can play the main story for close to 15-20 hours, and the meaty DLC adds another 10 hours or more, but this isn't a game that you'll return to after completion because you've solved the puzzle. As cool as the little pocket galaxy is, if you have another system besides the Switch that can run Outer Wilds, I'd recommend playing the game on the other system instead. Outer Wilds simply isn't meant to be played on a handheld console.

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A
Jan 4, 2024

I could go on and on with praises for Outer Wilds. The atmosphere, the sound design, the score, the overwhelmingly amazing attention to detail, clever puzzle design, the story. It is magical. Outer Wilds is a must on Switch. Yūgen is a Japanese concept that doesn’t have a direct English translation. It varies, but I particularly like this definition: “an awareness of the universe that triggers an emotional response too deep and powerful for words.” After looking away from my Switch screen once the final credits of the (main) ending finished only to find myself back on Earth in a room that felt too small to contain something intangible, I took a quiet moment to pause and reorient myself in this reality. I think I need some time on the roof to stargaze for a while.

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Unscored
Dec 27, 2023

Outer Wilds is still a brilliant game in its Nintendo Switch version, which also includes the Echoes of the Eye DLC, and we recommend visiting the small but fascinating universe Mobius Digital has given life to. It's just that this version is the worst of the bunch, and the other ones are much cheaper now, four years after the original release.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
Dec 20, 2023

Whether due to the mystery surrounding the Nomai, the secrets that permeate the universe, the diversity of unique planets or the freedom given to the player, the Mobius Digital game is, without a shadow of a doubt, extraordinary. The absence of clear indicators of progress and the need to cultivate active curiosity may initially pose challenges for some players; however, for those willing to become deeply involved in the plot and uncover the secrets of this intriguing cosmos, Outer Wilds offers a truly unforgettable experience, proving to be an unmissable game for authentic and curious explorers.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

7.8 / 10.0
Dec 20, 2023

Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition is the best chance Nintendo Switch players have at experiencing a truly innovative game, albeit one that isn’t best presented on Nintendo’s little console that could. There’s quite a lot stacked against Outer Wilds thanks to how quickly it lets players do what they want and the clunkiness of the early game. Acquired tastes aside, it’s worth a try and even worth to complete. That said, if you want the best experience, you’re probably better off choosing the PC/XB/PS versions.

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9 / 10
Dec 17, 2023

If you can overlook the technical challenges – and we could – Outer Wilds remains a wondrous experience on Switch. With almost no gating and a free rein to investigate a rich corner of the universe, it captures the quest for learning in the most direct way possible: the only reward for progress is knowledge. Starting with no information at all, you come to understand the intricacies of this little solar system better than its inhabitants. Having soared through such an epic, introspective, and existentially inquisitive adventure, we probably came to understand ourselves a little more, too.

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9 / 10.0
Dec 15, 2023

Outer Wilds is a masterpiece, and it's still a masterpiece on the Nintendo Switch. The unmatched sense of exploration and discovery is preserved on the platform. The superb soundtrack and excellent art direction persist despite some aliasing concerns. There are some minor performance issues in complex scenes, but none of those detract from the overall experience.

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7.8 / 10.0
Dec 12, 2023

Your enjoyment of this outer space adventure will mostly correspond to your comfort with a general lack of direction

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70 / 100
Dec 11, 2023

Outer Wilds: Archeologist Edition on the Switch is obviously lacking in its graphical presentation and controls remain as trying as ever. But the call to explore, discover and find a story remains a solid call to take up the game. But for the best and most immersive experience, other consoles or PC are your best bet.

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9 / 10.0
Dec 11, 2023

Also on Nintendo Switch, just like on other gaming platforms, Outer Wilds is a visual and profound spectacle that goes far beyond expectations. It is a dense and emotionally charged journey, capable of bonding the player and showing how creativity can actually give an experience waiting to be discovered.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Lee Mehr
Top Critic
10 / 10.0
Nov 4, 2022

A timeless classic.

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Oct 5, 2022

Outer Wilds is an indie space exploration game, with a fascinating and deadly mystery to unravel at the heart of the universe. The experience is both addicting and charming.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 26, 2022

If there's one game that I would go back and play over again as if it were the first time, it would be Outer Wilds. It's a fantastic space exploration experience that rewards your curiosity to explore and desire for knowledge. The Echoes of the Eye expansion further enhances your journey by introducing horror twists to the classic formula. Now that Mobius Digital has released a 4K60FPS patch on next-gen consoles, there's no reason not to blast off on your spaceship and start your adventure.

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9.5 / 10.0
May 6, 2021

Outer Wilds is an immersive space exploration experience that oozes originality. Its vibrant world design works as a great puzzle full of beauty and charm that always aims to stimulate the player's curiosity, while transmitting the fear of the new and the inhospitable. Even with occasional failures, here we have an experience marked by creative excellence that exposes the true concept of freedom in electronic games.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8.8 / 10.0
Jan 16, 2020

Outer Wilds is a great piece of work, one absolutely deserving of titles and high praise.

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8 / 10
Nov 21, 2019

Outer Wilds is a meditative, slow, but ultimately rewarding sci-fi extravaganza that everyone looking for an adventure should play — but be prepared for some frustration and repetition.

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7 / 10
Nov 2, 2019

This is a game that presents itself in a unique way, and trusts you to put together its compelling mystery without assistance

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76 / 100
Oct 29, 2019

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.

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