
In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, few genres boast the addictive thrill and replayability of looter shooters. These games tantalize players with a seductive blend of high-octane action, diverse weapon arsenals, and the irresistible lure of rare loot. While established franchises like Borderlands and Destiny dominate the scene, Outriders emerges as a worthy contender, offering a fresh take on the genre’s familiar formula.
Developed by People Can Fly, renowned for their work on Gears of War: Judgment and Bulletstorm, Outriders plunges players into a dystopian future ravaged by a cataclysmic storm known as “The Anomaly.” Humanity seeks refuge on Enoch, a distant planet teeming with both promise and peril. As an Altered – a human imbued with supernatural powers due to the anomaly’s influence – your mission is to survive, unravel the secrets of Enoch, and ultimately confront the forces threatening to destroy it all.
Outriders embraces the classic third-person shooter perspective, allowing for fluid movement and precise aiming. The game features four distinct classes, each wielding unique abilities that fundamentally alter gameplay:
-
Trickster: Masters of time manipulation, they can slow down enemies, teleport behind them for devastating attacks, and even create temporal duplicates to confuse their foes.
-
Pyromancer: Wielding the power of fire, Pyromancers incinerate enemies with flaming projectiles, engulf opponents in scorching infernos, and utilize molten shields for protection.
-
Devastator: Masters of brute force and earth manipulation, Devastators pulverize enemies with seismic tremors, shield themselves with rock formations, and unleash devastating close-range attacks.
Class | Signature Ability | Playstyle |
---|---|---|
Trickster | Temporal Blade | Aggressive, agile, and flanking focused |
Pyromancer | Inferno | Area denial, fire damage over time, and crowd control |
Devastator | Tremor | Tanky, close-range damage dealer, and battlefield manipulator |
Technomancer (DLC) | Scrapnel | Summon turrets, drones, and create toxic clouds for indirect damage |
- Technomancer: Introduced in the “Worldslayer” expansion, Technomancers harness technology to devastating effect. They summon automated turrets, deploy deadly drones, and unleash toxic cloud attacks to decimate their foes from afar.
The ability to freely switch between classes at any time allows players to experiment with different playstyles and find the perfect match for their preferences.
Beyond the captivating combat system, Outriders shines in its narrative design. The story unfolds through a combination of in-game cutscenes, dialogue interactions with other characters, and environmental storytelling. While the overarching plot is straightforward – humanity’s struggle for survival on a hostile planet – the game delves into complex themes of power, corruption, and the choices we make in the face of adversity.
The world of Enoch itself is a masterclass in atmospheric design. From desolate wastelands to lush biomes teeming with strange flora and fauna, each environment feels distinct and immersive. The attention to detail extends to the character models, which are strikingly realistic and imbued with personality.
Outriders embraces cooperative gameplay, allowing up to three players to team up online and tackle missions together. Teamwork is crucial for success, as each class brings unique strengths to the battlefield. Players can strategize their abilities, revive fallen comrades, and coordinate attacks to overcome formidable foes.
What Makes Outriders Stand Apart?
While sharing similarities with other looter shooters, Outriders distinguishes itself through several key features:
-
Emphasis on Storytelling: Unlike many games in the genre that prioritize gameplay mechanics over narrative, Outriders weaves a compelling story that keeps players invested in the world and its characters.
-
Deep Class Customization: The four distinct classes offer immense flexibility, allowing players to tailor their builds to suit their playstyle through a robust skill tree system.
-
Cooperative Gameplay: While playable solo, Outriders truly shines in cooperative mode, fostering teamwork and strategic collaboration between players.
-
Challenging but Rewarding: Outriders presents a steep learning curve, demanding precise aiming, tactical awareness, and mastery of each class’s abilities. Successfully overcoming the game’s challenges yields a sense of accomplishment and access to powerful loot that further empowers your character.
A Thrilling Looter Shooter Experience
Outriders is an exceptional looter shooter that delivers on all fronts – captivating narrative, deep gameplay mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and exhilarating cooperative action. Its willingness to embrace storytelling, coupled with its innovative class system and challenging yet rewarding gameplay loop, makes it a standout title in the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of looter shooters or a newcomer looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Outriders offers an experience that will keep you coming back for more.