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Outriders Review – A Dark Fantasy Co-op Shooter

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Outriders Review – A Dark Fantasy Co-op Shooter

Outriders Review

Outriders Review
5.5

Score

 5.5/10

Pros

  • Varied Class System: With four unique classes, the game offers multiple approaches to combat.
  • Engaging Storyline: The dark fantasy setting provides a deep, layered narrative.
  • Dynamic Combat: Quick ability cooldowns encourage ability combos and strategic play.
  • Multiplayer Flexibility: Easy to join co-op mode and single-player options cater to all types of players.
  • Graphical Fidelity: High-quality graphics enhance immersion.

Outriders, developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix, offers a blend of cooperative shooting mechanics and dark fantasy storytelling. Released in 2020, the game sets its stage on the hostile planet Enoch and places a lot of emphasis on squad-based action and character development.

Gameplay

Outriders is set in a grimdark fantasy universe on the mysterious planet of Enoch. Players find themselves as part of an expeditionary force, looking for a mysterious signal behind a colossal gate. The storyline weaves in environmental collapse, existential threats, and uncovers the secrets that Enoch holds.

As a third-person shooter with RPG elements, the game allows players to create unique characters and select from one of four classes—Trickster, Pyromancer, Devastator, and the unmentioned fourth class. Each class offers a unique set of abilities with quick cooldowns, which means players can combine different abilities to maximize their combat effectiveness. Character progression happens through a skill tree, allowing for fine-tuning of abilities and playstyle.

Outriders offers a diverse range of weapons, from shotguns to assault rifles, as well as customizable, unique weapons with special abilities. The game’s combat dynamics are unique in that health only regenerates when damaging or killing enemies. As players progress, the ‘world level,’ a variable that adjusts the game’s difficulty, increases. A higher world level correlates with better loot.

Beyond its core shooting mechanics, Outriders also includes RPG elements. There are hub areas where players can interact with NPCs, engage in trade, and take on side quests. While the game features a dialogue tree during cutscenes, these choices do not majorly affect the game’s ending or progression. The game supports both single-player and co-op modes for up to three players.

Cooperative gameplay is where Outriders truly shines. Players can join games at any point, and the game’s story is designed to be fully enjoyed in a co-op setting. This makes it ideal for squad-based action and enhances the overall experience.

Graphics

Outriders features a rich, detailed world, showcasing the bleak yet intriguing landscape of Enoch. The character designs, weapon models, and environmental textures are all top-notch, contributing to an immersive gaming experience.

Conclusion

Outriders successfully merges third-person shooting mechanics with dark fantasy elements, providing a rich co-op experience. While the game may have some complexities and require a bit of grinding, it offers a rewarding gameplay loop that should appeal to fans of both shooting and RPG genres.