Outriders! A Looter-Shooter Adventure Set on a Dystopian Planet

Outriders, a third-person shooter role-playing game developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix, burst onto the gaming scene in 2021, captivating players with its unique blend of intense gunplay, powerful abilities, and addictive loot system. Set in the distant future on the unforgiving planet Enoch, Outriders throws players into a desperate struggle for survival against hostile alien creatures, environmental hazards, and ruthless human factions vying for control.

The narrative kicks off with humanity’s last hope – a colonization effort to Enoch, a seemingly fertile world promising a fresh start. However, upon arrival, it becomes chillingly clear that Enoch holds many dark secrets. A cataclysmic anomaly known as “The Anomaly” ravages the planet, unleashing devastating storms and mutagenic effects on the colonists. Those exposed to The Anomaly develop superhuman abilities – powers they must harness to confront the relentless dangers of this hostile new world.

Players take on the role of an “Outrider,” a member of an elite group tasked with exploring Enoch, gathering resources, and battling both the monstrous creatures spawned by The Anomaly and the increasingly ruthless human factions struggling for dominance in the face of adversity.

Diving into the Gameplay: Gunplay, Abilities, and Loot

Outriders distinguishes itself through its visceral gunplay, amplified by a diverse arsenal of weaponry that can be customized with a plethora of mods. From rapid-fire assault rifles to devastating shotguns and precision sniper rifles, each weapon feels satisfyingly weighty and responsive. The game encourages experimentation by allowing players to fine-tune their loadouts with modifications that alter damage types, fire rates, accuracy, and even introduce elemental effects like fire, ice, or electricity.

Complementing the gunplay are four distinct character classes:

Each class boasts a unique skill tree allowing players to tailor their playstyles, unlocking devastating offensive abilities, defensive buffs, and utility options. The ability system adds depth to the gameplay, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations and find synergies that suit their preferred approach.

The Looter-Shooter Grind: Raids, Endgame Content, and Cooperative Play

Outriders heavily leans into the looter-shooter genre, rewarding players with a constant stream of powerful weapons, armor, and mods as they progress through missions. The game features a tiered loot system with rare and legendary items boasting exceptional stats and unique perks, encouraging players to constantly chase that next upgrade. This constant pursuit of better gear drives a significant portion of Outriders’ replayability, particularly in the endgame content.

Raids, challenging encounters against powerful bosses and hordes of enemies, are designed for cooperative play and require coordination, communication, and skillful execution. These raids offer the best rewards, pushing players to their limits while fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Technical Aspects: A Visually Impressive World with Room for Improvement

Outriders shines visually with its detailed environments ranging from desolate wastelands ravaged by The Anomaly to overgrown ruins hinting at a lost civilization. Character models are well-rendered and animations fluid, contributing to the overall immersive experience. However, the game has faced criticism regarding performance issues, particularly on PC and consoles, leading to stuttering frame rates and occasional crashes. Developers have actively addressed these concerns through patches and updates.

The Verdict: A Thrilling Looter-Shooter Experience with Room for Growth

Outriders is a solid entry in the looter-shooter genre, offering intense action, rewarding progression, and a captivating world ripe for exploration. While technical hiccups might dampen the experience at times, the core gameplay loop of gunplay, abilities, and loot acquisition remains undeniably addictive. With its unique blend of class customization and powerful abilities, Outriders presents a refreshing take on the familiar formula. Whether playing solo or joining forces with friends for cooperative raids, there’s plenty to enjoy in this post-apocalyptic adventure.

Potential improvements for future content updates:

• Further expansion of endgame content: introducing new raid encounters, challenging boss fights, and unique events could further extend the game’s lifespan and appeal to veteran players.

• Refining the matchmaking system: streamlining the process of finding groups for raids and other cooperative missions would improve the multiplayer experience.

• Addressing lingering technical issues: continuing to optimize performance on various platforms will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for all players.