Being able to romance an NPC is one of the features players are always eager to take advantage of in a video game because it allows for them to further connect with that particular character and start a relationship that can last all the way through the game. In games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, romance is taken one step further by allowing players to marry companions. However, in the latest action RPG, The Outer Worlds, players will not have the opportunity to romance their companions whatsoever.
Obsidian Entertainment's latest entry has a robust collection of choices and dialogue decisions which can branch out the story based on what players say to those around them. Combined with the RPG formula and the ability to travel to other planets and interact with their inhabitants, The Outer Worlds is a game many will appreciate, especially because it was developed by the same team that brought Fallout: New Vegas. Romance on the other hand, is something that is missing.
The decision to not include romance wasn't a mistake, nor something Obsidian Entertainment forgot about. On the contrary, it was completely intentional. As explained by Leonard Boyarsky, co-creator of the original Fallout games and co-game director of The Outer Worlds, to Polygon in an interview back in December 2018, the decision to remove romance was because the team wanted players to focus on role-playing their character, and any romance options would "funnel gameplay and temper the decisions." In other words, if romance was included in The Outer Worlds, it would affect a player's decision because they could potentially prioritize their affection towards their romantic partner rather than the entire role-playing aspect.
This is not meant to say that romance is completely missing from the game, however. One of the characters you come across in The Outer Worlds has some romantic dialogue tied to her. Without giving any spoilers, if players choose to complete Parvati Holcomb's Companion Quest, they will be able to express romantic feelings towards her at one point, to which she will respond accordingly.
Although romance is not present within The Outer Worlds, which is something some may find a little disappointing, it is not meant to say the game is poor. Obsidian Entertainment's title was met with critical acclaim, with TheGamer giving it a score of four out of five, praising it for its "predictably serviceable story that explores themes of work ethic, class divide, and the value of human life in compelling ways."
The Outer Worlds is currently available for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch release scheduled for 2020.
Source: Fanbyte