Outer Wilds - Echoes of the Eye review

Recommended

by Zhang Xueliang

I purchased the bundle option for Outer Wilds and had actually visited the radio tower early on and had no idea that was the starting point for the DLC. I enjoy when they just casually insert the content into the game without it being an end game or separate option. The introduction and new area are awesome. The story is good but not as compelling as the base game. I really like the new alien race as well, love their design. The only complaint I have is with the new stealth in the 'other world'. It really feels out of place within the game. When you come across a stranger they have the same toolset as you. They can focus and conceal the lantern same as the player and they use the same 'go dark and move' tactic that most horror fans are familiar with. What I found when playing was even though I was doing this, they would know where I was. I also just don't like when a game uses complete darkness and the player stumbling around in the dark as it's crutch for scares. That said, it accomplishes it's goal of unease and dread. The strangers are mix of an owl and an elk and when looking at them with the lantern they appear ghostly with bright eyes. First time getting caught was terrifying and I love how it looks like they are going to bite you but they just blow out the lantern. I remember one moment that reminded me of a section in Outlast where you just barely escaped an area only to learn you needed to go back through for your next goal. I really enjoy that they have multiple sections that evolve as you do different things. The scariest thing was the first time hearing sounds from the outside within the 'other world' and how it's changed to be more frightening. I was literally hiding before I even knew there was stealth sections. I do feel the stealth parts were forced and felt uneven to the rest of the game but there is so little of it that it doesn't detract from the rest of the experience. When paired with the base game, it is really an amazing experience. I can't wait to see wat Mobius does next.