Where the wild things are

Have you ever played a video game that completely took your breath away? A game that, once completed, changed how you think about life? For many, this is Outer Wilds, an indie release from 2019 that’s grown a cult following thanks to its unique gameplay mechanics and profound storytelling.

Without giving away too many spoilers, Outer Wilds is an open-world mystery within a dynamic solar system caught in a time loop. What does this mean? It’s a first-person puzzle platformer that emphasises exploration. But that doesn’t really explain why Outer Wilds is a unique experience, especially when there are so many games themed around space travel, like Mass Effect, Destiny, Stellaris and No Man’s Sky.