Outriders! A Looter Shooter Where Humanity Fights For Survival Against an Alien World and Ruthless Corporations!

Welcome to Enoch, a seemingly hospitable planet teeming with promise, yet harboring monstrous anomalies and unforgiving landscapes. Outriders thrusts players into the boots of the titular Outriders, elite explorers sent ahead of the main colonization effort to tame this new world. However, a mysterious energy storm known as the “Anomaly” strikes, dramatically altering Enoch’s environment and unleashing unpredictable powers within those exposed to it.

This third-person shooter from People Can Fly, known for their work on Gears of War Judgement and Bulletstorm, blends intense action with deep RPG elements. You customize your Outrider by choosing from four distinct classes: the Technomancer (harnessing technological prowess), the Pyromancer (wielding fiery abilities), the Devastator (a brute force powerhouse), and the Trickster (manipulating time and space). Each class boasts a unique skill tree, allowing for extensive customization and catering to various playstyles.

The narrative unfolds through captivating cutscenes and dialogue interactions, painting a picture of humanity struggling for survival against both extraterrestrial threats and the greed of corporations vying for control of Enoch’s resources. You forge alliances with other Outriders, unraveling conspiracies and confronting formidable foes.

Unleashing the Power Within: Exploring Outriders’ Core Gameplay

The heart of Outriders lies in its frenetic, cover-based shooting mechanics. Expect satisfying gunplay punctuated by visceral explosions and a variety of customizable weapons. The game encourages players to utilize both ranged and close-quarters combat, rewarding tactical thinking and precise aiming.

But the Anomaly is more than just a plot device; it imbues your Outrider with extraordinary abilities. These “powers” enhance your combat prowess, ranging from unleashing devastating elemental attacks (fireballs for Pyromancers, ice shards for Technomancers) to manipulating time itself (slowing enemies down as a Trickster or creating temporal clones as a Devastator). Mastering these powers is crucial to overcoming Outriders’ challenging encounters.

Class	Signature Power Examples
Technomancer	Ironclad (creates protective shield), Gravity Lift (pulls enemies into the air)
Pyromancer	Inferno (unleashes a wave of fire), Tempest (throws a fiery spear that explodes on impact)
Devastator	Tremor (slams the ground, creating shockwaves), Earthquake (creates a localized earthquake, damaging enemies in its radius)
Trickster	Slow Trap (temporarily slows enemies), Hunt the Prey (teleports behind an enemy and deals significant damage)

Outriders’ world is beautifully rendered, showcasing diverse biomes from lush jungles to desolate wastelands. The environments are filled with hidden secrets, collectibles, and opportunities for exploration. While the core gameplay loop revolves around completing missions and defeating enemies, the inclusion of side quests and optional challenges adds depth and replayability.

Beyond the Bullets: Multiplayer Mayhem and Loot Grinds

Outriders shines brightest in its co-op multiplayer mode. Teaming up with two other players (either friends or random online matchmaking) transforms the game into a thrilling cooperative experience. Coordinating your abilities, flanking enemies, and reviving fallen comrades adds another layer of complexity and strategic depth to combat encounters.

Loot plays a central role in Outriders. Defeating enemies and completing missions rewards you with various weapons, armor pieces, and mods that enhance your Outrider’s stats and powers. Experimenting with different gear combinations and fine-tuning your build becomes an addictive loop, encouraging continuous exploration and progression.

The game also features World Tiers – a difficulty scaling system that adjusts the challenge level based on your progress. Ascending to higher World Tiers unlocks more powerful loot and provides a constant sense of progression, ensuring that even seasoned veterans will find a satisfying challenge.

A Bulletstorm in Disguise: Exploring the Pros and Cons

While Outriders delivers a captivating blend of action, RPG elements, and co-op mayhem, it’s not without its flaws. Technical hiccups, server instability issues, and occasional balancing concerns marred the initial launch. However, People Can Fly has been diligently addressing these issues through patches and updates, steadily improving the overall experience.

The Verdict:

Outriders is a thrilling looter shooter with a compelling narrative, satisfying gunplay, and a deep system of character customization. Its focus on co-op gameplay elevates the experience, while its loot grind encourages continuous progression. Despite some initial technical hurdles, Outriders has proven to be a worthwhile addition to the genre. If you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure with friends, set against a backdrop of a hostile alien world, Outriders is well worth checking out.