Outriders

Outriders is a science-fiction action RPG developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix. Set on the hostile planet Enoch, players take on the role of an Outrider, a colonist with supernatural abilities known as ‘Anomalies.’ The game combines intense gunplay with deep RPG mechanics, allowing players to customize their character’s abilities and explore a rich, dynamic world filled with alien creatures and factions vying for control.

Outriders: Review

Introduction

In the crowded landscape of looter-shooters, Outriders stands as a bold, if flawed, entry from People Can Fly and Square Enix. Released in 2021, this third-person shooter blends elements of role-playing games with visceral combat, set against the backdrop of a desperate sci-fi universe. Outriders promised a fresh take on the genre, but did it deliver? This review will dissect the game’s development history, narrative, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and reception to determine its place in video game history.

Development History & Context

People Can Fly, the Polish studio behind Bulletstorm and Gears of War: Judgment, began development on Outriders in 2015. Square Enix, recognizing the potential of the project, agreed to publish it and encouraged the team to expand their vision. The studio grew from 40 members to over 200 to tackle this ambitious project. The game’s reveal caused critics to draw comparisons to Destiny and Tom Clancy’s The Division, but People Can Fly was quick to clarify that Outriders was not a live service title. Instead, it was designed as a complete, start-to-finish experience with a strong emphasis on cooperative gameplay and a mature narrative.

The game’s development was not without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed its release from late 2020 to April 1, 2021. Despite these setbacks, the game’s demo attracted 2 million players, generating significant buzz ahead of its launch. The decision to include Outriders in Xbox Game Pass on day one helped build an install base quickly, though it remains unclear whether the game was a commercial success. Square Enix claimed it was “on track to become the company’s next major franchise,” while People Can Fly suggested it hadn’t yet turned a profit, estimating sales between 2 and 3 million units.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Outriders is set in the 22nd century, where Earth has become inhospitable due to climate disasters. The Enoch Colonization Authority (ECA) launches two colony ships, the Caravel and the Flores, to preserve humanity on the distant planet Enoch. The Caravel suffers a catastrophic explosion, leaving the Flores as humanity’s last hope. The Outriders, a team of elite soldiers, are the first to land on Enoch, only to discover the Anomaly, a deadly energy storm that destroys all advanced technology and traps the colonists.

The player assumes the role of an Outrider who survives exposure to the Anomaly and is put into cryostasis. Thirty-one years later, they awaken to a world ravaged by civil war between the remnants of the ECA and the Insurgents, a militant rebel faction. The Outrider must navigate this fractured society, uncover the truth behind the Anomaly, and help humanity survive.

The game’s narrative is a mix of serious, dark sci-fi and moments of humor. The story explores themes of survival, the cost of power, and the consequences of human ambition. The dialogue and character development are often criticized for being wooden and clichéd, but the overarching plot and world-building are compelling. The expansion Worldslayer continues the story, delving deeper into the mysteries of Enoch and the Pax, the native species that once kept the Anomaly in balance.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Outriders is a third-person shooter with deep RPG elements. Players choose from four classes—Trickster, Pyromancer, Devastator, and Technomancer—each with unique abilities and skill trees. The game features a cover system, though health only regenerates when players damage or kill enemies. Combat is fast-paced and brutal, with a focus on aggressive playstyles.

The loot system is a central aspect of the gameplay. Players collect weapons, armor, and mods to customize their Outrider. The World Tier system scales difficulty and loot quality, encouraging players to push their limits. The crafting system allows for extensive gear customization, though it can be cumbersome due to the need to constantly return to base camps.

Cooperative play is a major draw, with support for up to three players. The game’s endgame content includes expeditions and bounties, providing long-term replayability. However, the game’s launch was marred by server issues and bugs, which have since been addressed through patches.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Outriders presents a dark and desperate sci-fi universe. The planet Enoch is a diverse and hostile world, featuring forests, mountains, deserts, and derelict human installations. The art direction is gritty and realistic, with a focus on environmental storytelling. The sound design enhances the atmosphere, with immersive sound effects and a score composed by Inon Zur that complements the game’s tone.

The game’s visuals are impressive, particularly on next-gen consoles. The Unreal Engine 4 powers the game, delivering detailed environments and fluid animations. The character models and creature designs are standout features, with enemies ranging from mutated humans to grotesque alien beasts.

Reception & Legacy

Outriders received mixed reviews from critics, with praise directed at its gameplay, customization, and visuals, but criticism for its story and characters. The game holds a Metascore of 73 on Metacritic, indicating “mixed or average” reviews. Critics highlighted the satisfying combat, deep RPG systems, and cooperative gameplay, while noting the game’s technical issues and lackluster narrative.

Despite its mixed reception, Outriders attracted over 3.5 million players by May 2021. The game’s inclusion in Xbox Game Pass helped build its install base, though its commercial success remains uncertain. The expansion Worldslayer, released in 2022, expanded the game’s content and addressed some of its shortcomings.

Outriders has influenced subsequent games in the looter-shooter genre, demonstrating that there is still an audience for complete, non-live-service experiences. Its legacy lies in its bold attempt to blend genres and its commitment to providing a satisfying endgame experience.

Conclusion

Outriders is a game of contrasts. It offers thrilling combat, deep customization, and a compelling world, but it is held back by a lackluster story, technical issues, and a clunky interface. Despite its flaws, the game provides a satisfying experience for fans of looter-shooters and cooperative gameplay. Its place in video game history is that of a bold experiment that, while not perfect, contributed to the evolution of the genre.

In the end, Outriders is a game worth playing for its strengths, but it is not without its weaknesses. For those who enjoy the looter-shooter genre, it offers a fresh and exciting experience. For others, it may be a missed opportunity. Regardless, Outriders is a game that will be remembered for its ambition and its attempt to carve out a unique space in the crowded market of looter-shooters.