The Ultimate RPG Experience: Merging Bethesda and Obsidian
The idea of combining Bethesda and Obsidian RPGs into one game is so crazy it sounds like some mythical dish like turducken, but the idea has gotten more traction with the announcement of Starfield and the arrival of The Outer Worlds. As we wait to see what the Xbox Games Showcase has in store, we look at how combining the strengths of both would create the ultimate RPG experience.While Bethesda's upcoming spacefaring RPG, Starfield, promises a huge galaxy with planets to explore and bases to build, their previous games, Fallout and Elder Scrolls, have also pushed past their world boundaries to offer expansive worlds with interesting landmarks, robust tools for player customization, and a focus on choice and consequence.
Obsidian games, on the other hand, may be smaller in scale but they focus on interesting characters, compelling quests, and meaningful choices. The recent release of The Outer Worlds demonstrated the studio's ability to create a dense world with meaningful choices and a focus on narrative choices and impactful decision-making.
The Outer Worlds took a zone-based approach to traveling, breaking the world into smaller areas that players could explore at their own pace. This approach made the world feel more manageable and allowed players to focus on the areas of interest to them.
Obsidian's upcoming fantasy game, Avowed, will also follow a zone-based approach. Set in the vast region of Erehwyn, players will have the freedom to explore numerous villages, dungeons, and other areas at their own pace.
It's no coincidence that these similarities exist. Obsidian has stated that they've learned from The Outer Worlds and will carry that experience forward into Avowed, ensuring a seamless and immersive world for players.
Choice and consequence are another aspect that both Bethesda and Obsidian excel at. The Outer Worlds allowed players to make choices that affected their relationships with other characters, as well as the game's ending. Bethesda, too, has emphasized the importance of choice and consequence in their upcoming game, Starfield, aiming to make every decision have a significant impact.
The Xbox Games Showcase has showcased two upcoming RPGs, but it's clear that the idea of an RPG game that incorporates the best elements of both Bethesda and Obsidian is something people want. This article serves as evidence that the idea is more than just a joke.
Ultimately, whether it's through an official collaboration or a modder's ingenuity, the dream of merging Avowed and Starfield together to create the ultimate RPG experience remains alive. And who knows? With the right combination of talent and vision, it just might become a reality.
