Outriders: A Thrilling Co-op Looter Shooter With Destructive Superpowers!

Imagine this: humanity on the brink of extinction, forced to flee a dying Earth and seek refuge on the hostile planet Enoch. This is the setting for “Outriders,” a third-person action role-playing game developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix. Released in April 2021, “Outriders” immediately captured attention with its promise of brutal combat, powerful abilities, and loot-driven progression – all wrapped up in a captivating sci-fi narrative.
The story centers on the Outriders, an elite group of explorers tasked with paving the way for colonization on Enoch. But things quickly go awry when a mysterious anomaly known as “The Anomaly” unleashes cataclysmic events, altering the planet’s ecosystem and bestowing extraordinary powers upon those who survive its touch. You play as one such survivor, awakening years after the initial catastrophe with newfound abilities and a mission to uncover the truth behind The Anomaly and forge humanity’s destiny on Enoch.
Understanding the Core Gameplay Loop
“Outriders” embraces the quintessential elements of a looter shooter – frenetic combat, customizable character builds, and an insatiable hunger for increasingly powerful loot. Players choose from four unique classes, each wielding distinct abilities that fundamentally shape their playstyle:
- Technomancer: Master manipulator of technology, summoning turrets, deploying protective shields, and unleashing devastating energy blasts.
- Pyromancer: Embraces the fiery wrath of Enoch, controlling flames to incinerate enemies, create explosive firestorms, and unleash a torrent of molten destruction.
- Trickster: Manipulates time and space, teleporting through battlefields, creating temporal duplicates, and slowing down enemies with gravitational anomalies.
- Devastator: A tank-like powerhouse capable of absorbing massive damage, manipulating earth elements to create tremors and shockwaves, and unleashing a relentless barrage of brute force.
Beyond these distinct classes, “Outriders” boasts an impressive arsenal of weapons ranging from futuristic rifles and shotguns to powerful heavy weaponry and devastating explosives. Every weapon features modifiable stats, allowing players to fine-tune their loadouts for maximum effectiveness.
Table: Outrider Class Strengths and Weaknesses
Class | Strengths | Weaknesses |
---|---|---|
Technomancer | Excellent crowd control, versatile abilities | Requires careful positioning and resource management |
Pyromancer | High damage output, area denial capabilities | Vulnerable to close-range attacks |
Trickster | Agile movement, ability to manipulate the battlefield | Lower base health pool compared to other classes |
Devastator | Exceptional durability, strong melee combat | Limited ranged options |
Exploring the World of Enoch and Its Dangers
“Outriders’” campaign takes players on a sprawling journey across diverse biomes – from lush forests teeming with mutated wildlife to desolate wastelands ravaged by The Anomaly. Every encounter poses unique challenges, forcing players to adapt their tactics and utilize their class abilities strategically.
Beyond the core storyline, “Outriders” offers a robust endgame experience featuring challenging expeditions designed to test your skills against increasingly powerful enemies. These expeditions provide opportunities to acquire legendary loot – the pinnacle of Enochian weaponry and gear – allowing you to further customize and enhance your character build.
A Co-op Experience Worth Sharing
One of the most defining features of “Outriders” is its emphasis on cooperative gameplay. Players can team up in groups of three, each controlling a different class, to tackle missions and expeditions together. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and strategic collaboration as players utilize their unique abilities to complement one another and overcome daunting challenges.
Production Values and Reception
“Outriders” boasts impressive production values, featuring detailed character models, immersive environments, and visceral combat effects. The soundtrack effectively amplifies the tension and intensity of each encounter, further drawing players into the game’s world. Upon release, “Outriders” received mixed reviews – praised for its engaging gameplay loop, diverse class mechanics, and satisfying loot progression but criticized for technical issues and a somewhat repetitive campaign structure. However, subsequent updates and patches have addressed many initial concerns, improving stability and enhancing the overall player experience.
Is “Outriders” Worth Playing?
Ultimately, whether or not “Outriders” is worth playing depends on your personal preferences as a gamer. If you crave adrenaline-pumping action, enjoy customizing character builds, and appreciate the thrill of co-op gameplay, then “Outriders” definitely deserves a spot in your gaming library. Its blend of satisfying combat mechanics, intriguing sci-fi narrative, and robust endgame content offers hours of entertainment for those seeking an engaging looter shooter experience.