Outriders! A Looter Shooter Forged In Fire and Fury

Picture this: you’re trekking across an unforgiving alien world ravaged by a cataclysmic storm, known only as “The Anomaly.” Your goal? Survival. You are one of the Outriders, genetically altered humans with extraordinary abilities granted by The Anomaly itself. These powers, ranging from telekinesis to elemental manipulation, will be your lifeline in this harsh and unforgiving landscape.
Outriders is a third-person looter shooter developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix. Released in April 2021 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Stadia, it garnered considerable attention for its intense action gameplay, cooperative multiplayer experience, and deep loot system.
The Anomaly: A Catalyst For Change and Chaos
At the heart of Outriders’ narrative lies The Anomaly, a mysterious storm that forever altered Enoch, the planet humanity sought to colonize after Earth became uninhabitable. This celestial event granted extraordinary powers to some, while leaving others mutated or dead. You, as an Outrider, are tasked with restoring order and uncovering the secrets of The Anomaly, all while battling hostile factions vying for control over Enoch’s dwindling resources.
The narrative unfolds through a combination of in-game cinematics, environmental storytelling, and character interactions. The world itself is richly detailed, from the decaying industrial complexes to the overgrown alien landscapes, each location hinting at the tumultuous past of Enoch.
Choosing Your Path: A Diverse Roster of Outriders
Outriders offers four distinct classes, each with unique playstyles and abilities:
Class | Description | Strengths |
---|---|---|
Trickster | Manipulates time and space for aggressive close-range combat | High mobility, burst damage |
Pyromancer | Wields fire and heat for devastating ranged attacks | AoE damage, crowd control |
Devastator | Controls earth and gravity to create impenetrable defenses and unleash heavy strikes | Tanking, survivability |
Technomancer | Commands technological weaponry and support abilities | Long-range damage, utility |
Each class boasts a wide range of skills and modifications that can be customized to suit individual playstyles. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new skills and upgrade existing ones, allowing for extensive build customization.
The Grind Never Ends: Looting and Progression
Outriders is all about acquiring powerful weapons and gear. Every enemy encountered has a chance to drop loot, ranging from common pistols to legendary armor sets. The loot system is designed to be rewarding, encouraging players to experiment with different builds and constantly strive for better equipment.
Weapons come in various rarities, each with unique stats and mod slots that allow you to further customize their performance. Armor provides protection and boosts specific attributes, contributing to your overall build.
Playing Solo or With Friends: Multiplayer Mayhem
Outriders offers both single-player and cooperative multiplayer experiences. You can embark on the adventure alone or team up with up to two other players to tackle missions, boss encounters, and explore Enoch’s diverse landscapes together. The game scales difficulty based on the number of players, ensuring a challenging experience regardless of your party size.
Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses
Outriders delivers a visually stunning experience with detailed environments, realistic character models, and explosive special effects. From the swirling vortexes of The Anomaly to the desolate ruins of Enoch’s cities, the world feels alive and captivating.
The soundtrack complements the gameplay perfectly, building tension during intense firefights and providing a melancholic atmosphere while exploring Enoch’s abandoned settlements.
A Worthwhile Journey: Final Thoughts on Outriders
Outriders is a thrilling looter shooter that blends fast-paced action with deep character customization and a captivating narrative set in a post-apocalyptic world.
Whether you prefer solo adventures or battling alongside friends, Outriders offers hours of entertainment for fans of the genre. Its unique blend of class abilities, loot-driven progression, and intense combat encounters makes it a standout title worth exploring. So, gear up, choose your class, and prepare to face the fury of The Anomaly in this exhilarating sci-fi adventure!