Outriders! A Grimdark Looter-Shooter that Shoots for the Stars

The world has gone to hell in a handbasket, literally. “Outriders,” People Can Fly’s ambitious third-person shooter, plunges you into the desolate and ravaged future of Enoch, where humanity fled Earth seeking refuge but found a landscape teeming with ferocious creatures and hostile anomalies known as the Anomaly.
Forget sunshine and rainbows; this is grim, gritty science fiction that revels in its bleak beauty and explosive encounters. “Outriders” isn’t just about shooting your way through hordes of mutated beasts – it’s about crafting your own legend, honing a unique set of superpowers, and uncovering the truth behind the cataclysmic events that crippled Enoch.
A World Crumbling Beneath Anomaly Storms
The game begins with you and your squad, the Outriders, traversing Enoch’s treacherous terrains. Imagine vast deserts scarred by apocalyptic storms, dense jungles crawling with mutated fauna, and crumbling urban landscapes haunted by remnants of a lost civilization. Every location feels distinctly unsettling, a testament to the devastating power of the Anomaly – an alien energy force that warped both nature and humanity.
The Anomaly manifests in various ways. Sometimes it bestows unimaginable powers upon individuals – superpowers like manipulating fire, telekinesis, or even temporal manipulation. Other times, it unleashes brutal storms capable of shredding anything in their path. Navigating this volatile world is a constant dance between utilizing the Anomaly’s blessings and avoiding its wrath.
Building Your Outrider: Choosing Your Path to Power
“Outriders” offers four distinct character classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles:
Class | Abilities |
---|---|
Trickster | Manipulates time and space for deadly attacks |
Pyromancer | Unleashes fiery destruction on enemies |
Devastator | Wields earth-shattering powers for close combat |
Technomancer | Controls powerful technology to decimate foes |
No matter your choice, you’ll have access to a robust skill tree allowing you to customize your Outrider’s abilities. Want to focus on pure firepower? Go ahead and max out your weapon damage. Prefer a more tactical approach? Invest in crowd control skills that weaken enemies before they even reach you. The flexibility allows for diverse builds catering to different playstyles, encouraging experimentation and strategic thinking.
Loot, Loot Everywhere: Gearing Up for the Grind
“Outriders” wouldn’t be a looter shooter without an arsenal of delectable weapons and gear to collect. As you progress through the story and tackle challenging side missions, you’ll uncover a plethora of guns, armor pieces, mods, and even legendary items that can dramatically shift the tide of battle.
Weapon customization goes beyond mere aesthetics – attaching mods to your firearms allows for further specialization. Want to imbue your shotgun with electricity? Done. Need to slow down enemies with every bullet fired from your sniper rifle? Easy peasy! The depth of customization encourages players to constantly refine their loadouts, seeking the perfect synergy between their Outrider’s abilities and their arsenal.
Cooperative Mayhem: Teaming Up for Glory (or Survival)
While “Outriders” can be enjoyed solo, the true experience shines when you team up with friends online. Imagine coordinating attacks as a squad of four Outriders, each utilizing their unique powers to dismantle hordes of enemies. One player unleashes a torrent of fire while another slows down time for a devastating headshots; another manipulates the earth for cover and control, while the last one unleashes technological mayhem upon the battlefield.
The game’s cooperative mode is not just about mindless carnage; it encourages communication and strategic thinking. Knowing your teammate’s abilities and exploiting enemy weaknesses through coordinated attacks becomes crucial for success, especially when facing off against the game’s formidable bosses.
A Grimdark Saga with Bite
“Outriders” isn’t simply about shooting and looting – it presents a compelling story exploring themes of humanity’s resilience in the face of extinction. The narrative weaves through flashbacks and character interactions, revealing a world consumed by desperation and greed as factions fight for control over Enoch’s dwindling resources.
As you progress through the campaign, you’ll encounter morally ambiguous characters, make difficult choices, and grapple with the consequences of your actions. “Outriders” doesn’t shy away from exploring complex themes like the nature of power, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to survive.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to Your Shooter Arsenal?
“Outriders” delivers a thrilling blend of action-packed gameplay, deep character customization, and a captivating grimdark narrative. While some technical hiccups may have surfaced at launch, People Can Fly’s commitment to ongoing support and updates has smoothed out many of the initial wrinkles.
If you crave a looter shooter with a dark edge, rewarding mechanics, and a cooperative experience that will test your teamwork and strategic thinking, then “Outriders” is definitely worth diving into. Just remember, Enoch awaits – and it’s not going to be a walk in the park.