The Outer Worlds base game was originally released in 2019, but the game also had DLC planned for a later date. The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon debuted in September of 2020 with the option of buying it individually or as part of the Expansion Pass. The Expansion Pass included Peril on Gorgon and Murder on Eridanos, though not much was known about the latter DLC. Until today, players could only expect that Murder on Eridanos would follow Halcyon Helen’s “finest and final adventure.” The Outer Worlds released a new teaser trailer today for Murder on Eridanos that gives players a better idea of what’s to come.
The trailer makes the audience feel as though they’re watching one of the serials mentioned in The Outer Worlds. Halcyon Helen is one of the most well-known serial stars, though players don’t really see her in-game. Instead, she can be found on the loading screen that advertises Terror on Monarch, a show warning the citizens of Halcyon about the dangers of a world without The Board. Halcyon Helen is played by Ruth Bellamy, but the trailer makes it seem that neither the character nor the actress will exist for much longer.
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Many players of The Outer Worlds were fans of Peril on Gorgon and its unique approach to DLC. Peril on Gorgon was an immersive DLC that felt like a self-contained story without being out of place in The Outer Worlds. It was set up like a “pulp noir” story, with the Stranger in the role of a detective piecing together clues to uncover the truth of the Gorgon asteroid. There were lots of details to bring this genre to life in the game, including new music, sound effects, and mysterious atmosphere and lighting.
Murder on Eridanos seems to follow a similar style, though it might not be as “pulp noir” as the last DLC. The trailer remarks that a “special investigation” must be completed regarding Halcyon Helen’s murder, which may mean a few things for players. From what fans can glean from the trailer, the character of Halcyon Helen is dead, and possibly her actress Ruth Bellamy. This doesn’t exactly make sense because Murder on Eridanos is advertised as an aetherwave serial, meaning it’s an Odeon Pictures production and therefore fake. However, there wouldn’t be a breaking news announcement interrupting the moment Halcyon Helen is killed if it wasn’t a real murder and not scripted.
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Peril on Gorgon mainly focused on a deeper look at the Spacer’s Choice facility on Gorgon and its dark past, and Murder on Eridanos seems to take a similar approach. This time, though, it will focus on Rizzo’s — the company that mainly produces Spectrum Vodka or things solely made from “purpleberry.” Rizzo’s also produced the Halcyon Helen series with the help of Odeon Pictures, making the immensely popular character the spokesperson for the company.
From the trailer, Halcyon Helen has lost a few people in her investigation including her partner and ex-partner. She’s fighting against “the Brain-Eaters,” which seems to be a new enemy for players to encounter on their trip to Eridanos. However, it’s possible these are just costumes and players will face regular enemies like Board soldiers behind the masks. The end of the trailer shows a door unlocking and Halcyon Helen’s face shifting before saying “it’s you.” This could mean that players should be on alert for the real villain hiding in plain sight during the Stranger’s investigation of Halcyon Helen’s murder.
For now, players can only guess what Murder on Eridanos will hold as far as plot and gameplay goes. However, one thing is certain — this special investigation is bound to hold a few surprises.
The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos releases March 17, 2021 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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