Outriders! A Looter Shooter Blast from the Past With a Futuristic Twist

Prepare for a thrilling ride into the ravaged world of Enoch with “Outriders,” a third-person action role-playing game that marries the addictive loot cycles of classic shooters with exhilarating combat mechanics and a surprisingly captivating narrative. Developed by People Can Fly, known for their work on the “Gears of War” series, and published by Square Enix, this title launched in 2021 and quickly gained traction for its intense firefights, diverse character classes, and intriguing post-apocalyptic setting.

A Story Forged in Desperation

The game plunges you into a dystopian future where humanity seeks refuge on the alien planet Enoch after Earth’s resources have dwindled. As an “Outrider,” a pioneer tasked with exploring and terraforming this new world, you embark on a mission to establish a foothold for civilization. But Enoch holds dark secrets. A mysterious anomaly known as “The Anomaly” grants extraordinary powers to some while wreaking havoc on others.

You awaken after a cataclysmic event, finding yourself thrust into the heart of a conflict between various factions vying for control of Enoch’s dwindling resources. The story unfolds through a series of missions and cutscenes, gradually revealing the complexities of this shattered world and the motivations driving its inhabitants. “Outriders” doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of survival, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement.

Unleashing Devastating Powers

The core gameplay loop revolves around battling ferocious creatures and rival factions while scavenging for powerful gear. “Outriders” distinguishes itself with its unique class system that allows players to customize their playstyle:

• Trickster: Manipulate time and space, unleashing devastating bursts of damage and teleporting through the battlefield.

  Skill	Description
  Temporal Blade	Throw a curved blade that slices enemies through time
  Slow Trap	Create an area where enemies move in slow motion
  Hunt the Prey	Teleport behind a target and unleash a powerful melee attack

• Pyromancer: Wield fire and brimstone, incinerating foes with fiery explosions and blazing projectiles.

• Devastator: Control the earth itself, smashing opponents with seismic tremors and unleashing shockwaves.

• Technomancer: Command powerful technological constructs, unleashing turrets, drones, and energy blasts.

As you progress, you unlock new skills and modify existing ones to create devastating combinations. Loot plays a crucial role in customizing your character’s build. Weapons and armor come with unique modifiers and rarities, offering countless possibilities for optimization and experimentation.

Multiplayer Mayhem: Embark on the Adventure Together

“Outriders” shines brightest in its cooperative multiplayer mode. Team up with up to two other players to tackle challenging missions, explore intricate environments, and take down formidable bosses. Coordinating abilities and strategizing attacks are key to success.

The game features a “World Tier” system that dynamically adjusts enemy difficulty based on your performance. This ensures a consistently engaging experience as you progress through the game.

Technical Prowess: Visuals and Performance

While not groundbreaking, “Outriders’” visuals effectively convey its bleak yet captivating world. Character models are detailed and environments feature diverse biomes ranging from lush forests to desolate wastelands. The game runs smoothly on various platforms, offering a stable framerate and responsive controls.

Verdict: A Thrilling Loot-Driven Experience

“Outriders,” while not without its flaws, delivers an engaging looter shooter experience with a distinctive blend of sci-fi action and RPG elements. Its diverse class system encourages experimentation, while the cooperative multiplayer mode provides countless hours of thrilling gameplay. The narrative may not be groundbreaking, but it effectively sets the stage for intense firefights and memorable encounters.

If you’re looking for a challenging action game with satisfying loot progression and exciting co-op gameplay, “Outriders” is certainly worth checking out.