Outriders! A Deep Dive into People Can Fly's Chaotic and Bullet-Riddled World

In the vast landscape of shooter games, where countless titles vie for attention, Outriders emerges as a unique and captivating experience. This cooperative third-person shooter, developed by the renowned People Can Fly (known for their work on Gears of War and Bulletstorm), plunges players into a dystopian future ravaged by an apocalyptic storm known as “The Anomaly.”

The Setting: A World Torn Asunder by “The Anomaly”

Outriders unfolds on Enoch, a distant planet deemed humanity’s last hope after Earth succumbs to environmental devastation. Colonists arrive with high hopes, ready to establish a new home amidst the alien landscapes. However, their dreams are shattered when “The Anomaly,” a powerful and unpredictable energy storm, ravages Enoch, reshaping its terrain and imbuing some colonists with extraordinary abilities known as “the Altered.”

As an Outrider, a hardened soldier equipped with advanced technology and wielding newfound powers, you’re tasked with unraveling the mysteries behind “The Anomaly” while battling hostile factions and mutated creatures. The story unfolds through a combination of cinematic cutscenes, environmental storytelling, and dialogue interactions with memorable characters.

Crafting Your Altered Identity: Choosing Your Class and Path

Outriders shines in its character customization and class system. Players can choose from four distinct classes, each offering unique playstyles and abilities:

Each class offers extensive customization options through a robust skill tree system, allowing players to tailor their build to their preferred playstyle. Experiment with different combinations of skills, mods, and gear to discover powerful synergies and create your ultimate Outrider.

Engaging Gameplay: A Symphony of Bullets, Powers, and Teamwork

Outriders delivers exhilarating third-person shooter gameplay with a strong emphasis on cooperative play. Engage in intense firefights against diverse enemy types, from monstrous creatures corrupted by “The Anomaly” to heavily armed human factions vying for control.

The game encourages tactical thinking and collaboration between teammates. Utilize your class abilities strategically to support your squadmates, crowd control enemies, or unleash devastating combo attacks. Whether you’re mowing down hordes of enemies with a Technomancer’s turrets or teleporting behind a boss as the Trickster to deliver a fatal blow, Outriders rewards skillful execution and teamwork.

Looting and Progression: A Cycle of Rewards and Refinement

Outriders features a compelling loot system that keeps players engaged. As you progress through missions and defeat enemies, you’ll discover weapons, armor, and mods with varying stats and unique perks. Experimenting with different gear combinations is crucial to optimizing your build and maximizing your Outrider’s potential.

The game incorporates a “World Tier” system that scales the difficulty based on your progression and chosen level. Higher World Tiers offer greater challenges but also yield more valuable loot. This encourages players to continuously push their limits, refine their builds, and strive for the ultimate gear setup.

A Visually Striking Experience: Immersing Players in Enoch

Outriders boasts impressive visuals that bring Enoch’s dystopian world to life. Detailed environments showcase the ravaged landscape, corrupted flora and fauna, and futuristic technology. The character models are well-designed, conveying the grit and determination of the Outriders while highlighting their unique Altered abilities.

The game utilizes a dynamic weather system that adds another layer of immersion, with intense storms and ethereal anomalies adding to the sense of danger and unpredictability. Coupled with a heart-pounding soundtrack that amplifies the adrenaline rush of combat, Outriders delivers a truly captivating sensory experience.

Final Verdict:

Outriders is a welcome addition to the shooter genre, offering a compelling blend of action-packed gameplay, deep character customization, and an engaging storyline set within a hauntingly beautiful world. Whether you’re seeking cooperative thrills or solo challenges, Outriders offers a rewarding and exhilarating gaming experience. Prepare yourself for relentless action, powerful abilities, and the fight for humanity’s survival on Enoch.