
Welcome, fellow gamers, to an exploration of a title that bursts onto the scene with exhilarating combat and a story brimming with both intrigue and raw power – Outriders. This third-person shooter from People Can Fly (known for their work on Bulletstorm and Gears of War: Judgement) plunges you into a brutal world ravaged by a mysterious anomaly known as “The Anomaly.” As an Altered, a human imbued with superhuman abilities due to exposure to this strange energy, you’ll face off against hostile wildlife, mutated creatures, and even other Altered who have succumbed to the corrupting influence of The Anomaly.
Outriders’ plot unfolds through missions across diverse environments. You start in Enoch, a planet deemed humanity’s last hope after Earth becomes uninhabitable. Upon arrival, you are caught in the middle of The Anomaly’s devastating effects. You and your squadmates – known as Outriders – embark on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets behind this phenomenon while battling for survival against both the environment and formidable enemies.
Delving Deeper: Gameplay Mechanics and Character Customization
One of Outriders’ greatest strengths lies in its engaging combat system. The third-person perspective allows for tactical positioning, flanking maneuvers, and strategic use of cover. Players can choose from four unique classes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles:
- Trickster: A master of time manipulation, the Trickster excels at close-quarters combat, teleporting behind enemies for devastating attacks or slowing down time to gain a tactical advantage.
- Pyromancer: Commanding the element of fire, this class unleashes scorching flames upon their foes, melting armor and incinerating enemies with fiery explosions.
- Devastator: A walking tank capable of unleashing earth-shattering blows, the Devastator can absorb damage while dishing out immense punishment through powerful tremors and boulder projectiles.
- Technomancer: This class harnesses technological prowess to dominate the battlefield. The Technomancer summons turrets and drones for support fire, manipulating shields and energy fields to protect themselves and their allies.
Beyond choosing a class, players can further customize their Outrider’s appearance through a variety of skins, armor sets, and emotes.
Outriders’ loot system is designed to reward exploration and combat prowess. Enemies drop weapons, armor pieces, and mods that significantly enhance your character’s power. Crafting allows you to dismantle unwanted items and combine materials to create new gear with desirable stats.
Exploring the World of Enoch: Environments and Story Progression
Enoch, the setting for Outriders, is a world ripe with both beauty and danger. Lush forests teeming with hostile flora and fauna give way to desolate wastelands scarred by The Anomaly’s devastating power. Ancient ruins hint at lost civilizations that once thrived on this planet, while hidden settlements offer glimpses of hope amidst the chaos.
Outriders’ story unfolds through a mix of cutscenes, in-game dialogue, and environmental storytelling. You encounter diverse factions with their own motivations and agendas – some seeking to rebuild civilization, others driven by greed and power.
Co-operative Mayhem: Playing With Friends
Outriders embraces co-operative gameplay at its core. Up to three players can team up online to tackle missions and challenges together, combining their unique skills and abilities to overcome formidable obstacles. Communication is key in this game as you coordinate attacks, revive fallen comrades, and strategize against powerful enemies.
A Noteworthy Technical Achievement: Visuals, Sound, and Performance
Outriders delivers impressive visuals thanks to its use of Unreal Engine 4. Environments are richly detailed, with atmospheric lighting that enhances the immersive experience. The character models are well-designed, conveying a sense of personality even through their futuristic armor.
The sound design in Outriders is equally commendable. The soundtrack amplifies the intensity of combat encounters with its pulsating electronic rhythms and haunting melodies. Weapon sounds are weighty and satisfying, adding to the visceral feeling of every shot fired or grenade launched.
On the technical side, Outriders offers a variety of graphical options for players to fine-tune the visual experience according to their system specifications. The game generally performs well on PC and consoles, though some users may encounter occasional performance hiccups depending on their hardware setup.
Overall Impression: An Action-Packed Ride Worth Taking
Outriders is a compelling action shooter that delivers a satisfying blend of high-octane combat, engaging storyline, and deep customization options. The co-operative gameplay adds another layer of enjoyment, allowing players to team up with friends and experience the thrill of conquering challenging missions together.
Whether you’re a veteran of third-person shooters or looking for a new adventure, Outriders offers a thrilling ride through a post-apocalyptic world filled with both danger and hope. Prepare to unleash your superhuman abilities and face the trials that await in Enoch!