Outriders! A Deep Dive into People Can Fly's Thrilling Co-op Shooter!
Outriders is a game that bursts onto the scene with the raw energy of a double espresso shot and leaves you gasping for more. Developed by People Can Fly, the studio behind Gears of War Judgment and Bulletstorm, Outriders seamlessly blends third-person shooter action with role-playing game (RPG) elements, crafting a truly captivating experience. Released in 2021, it transported players to the desolate planet of Enoch, a world teeming with both promise and peril.
The narrative unfolds in a future ravaged by ecological collapse. Humanity, clinging to survival, embarks on a perilous journey aboard the “Starship Hope” towards Enoch, a distant planet believed to hold the key to mankind’s salvation. Upon arrival, hope quickly turns into despair as an unexplained phenomenon known as the “Anomaly” engulfs the world, transforming it into a hostile wasteland teeming with mutated creatures and powerful storms.
Players step into the boots of an “Outrider,” genetically modified super-soldiers equipped with extraordinary abilities. Each Outrider possesses unique powers derived from the Anomaly, granting them control over elemental forces, superhuman strength, and technological enhancements.
The game offers four distinct character classes, each embodying a different playstyle:
| Class | Abilities | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|
| Trickster | Temporal manipulation & teleportation | High mobility & damage |
| Pyromancer | Fire-based attacks & explosions | Area denial & burst damage |
| Devastator | Earthquake manipulation & ground control | Tanking & crowd control |
| Techomancer | Summoning turrets & drones | Support & ranged damage |
The beauty of Outriders lies in its flexibility. Players can freely customize their builds, experimenting with different skill combinations and weaponry to find a playstyle that resonates with them.
Outriders’ combat is fast-paced and visceral. Gunplay feels satisfyingly weighty, while abilities unleash spectacular displays of power. The game encourages tactical thinking as players strategically use cover, manage their abilities, and coordinate with their teammates in intense firefights against hordes of mutated enemies.
The co-op experience is at the heart of Outriders’ appeal. Teaming up with friends allows for a symphony of destruction, where each player’s unique abilities complement and enhance one another. Whether you’re controlling a time-bending Trickster warping around the battlefield or a Pyromancer incinerating foes with fiery wrath, cooperative gameplay elevates the experience to exhilarating new heights.
Beyond its action-packed core, Outriders boasts a world brimming with lore and intrigue. Scattered across Enoch are remnants of civilizations past, cryptic messages left behind by the Anomaly’s architects, and haunting encounters with mutated creatures that tell a story of survival and adaptation in a harsh, unforgiving environment.
The game encourages exploration and rewards curiosity. Discovering hidden stashes, deciphering ancient texts, and piecing together the mysteries of Enoch contribute to a deeper understanding of the world and its inhabitants.
Outriders: A Masterclass in Bulletstorm Ballet?
The visual presentation of Outriders is nothing short of spectacular. The game’s environments are richly detailed and diverse, ranging from overgrown ruins to sprawling urban landscapes ravaged by storms.
From the moment you step onto Enoch’s soil, the sense of scale is breathtaking. Towering structures crumble into ruin, colossal creatures stalk the desolate plains, and vibrant flora battles for survival amidst the debris. The use of dynamic lighting and weather effects further enhances the immersive experience, painting a world that feels both beautiful and utterly alien.
Character models are equally impressive, with expressive details and animations that breathe life into each Outrider. Witnessing your character unleash devastating abilities with explosive visual flair is truly rewarding.
The game’s soundtrack is a masterful blend of orchestral scores and electronic beats that perfectly complement the action on screen. Tense moments are underscored by pulsing synths, while epic boss battles erupt into thundering crescendos.
Outriders: A Worthy Contender in the Action RPG Arena?
Outriders offers players a truly captivating experience. Its fast-paced action, deep customization options, and compelling co-op gameplay make it a must-play for fans of third-person shooters and RPG enthusiasts alike. The game’s rich lore and stunning visuals further elevate the experience, immersing players in a world that is both breathtaking and brutal.
While Outriders may not reinvent the wheel, it does refine the formula with exceptional polish and execution. If you’re looking for a game that delivers adrenaline-pumping action, strategic depth, and hours of cooperative fun, then Outriders is definitely worth your time.