
Outward, an ambitious open-world RPG developed by Nine Dots Studio and published by Deep Silver, throws you into the unforgiving world of Aurai. This isn’t your typical fantasy romp with hand-holding tutorials and glowing quest markers. Outward is a brutal dance with survival mechanics, demanding cunning, resourcefulness, and a healthy dose of luck to overcome its many challenges.
The game’s plot revolves around a simple yet profound premise: you are an aspiring adventurer who has recently completed their training at the “Blue Wind” academy. However, your graduation ceremony quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival when a mysterious force plunges the world into chaos. Now, burdened with debt and facing a hostile environment, you must embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind these unsettling events while also carving out a place for yourself in this unforgiving world.
Outward’s strength lies in its immersive world-building and commitment to realism. Hunger, thirst, fatigue, and even diseases are constant threats that demand attention. You can’t simply chug down health potions whenever you take damage; instead, you must hunt, gather resources, craft meals, and find safe havens to rest and recuperate.
Forget about fast travel – traversing the vast landscapes of Aurai is a laborious affair. You’ll spend hours trudging through dense forests, scaling treacherous mountains, and navigating winding caves. The world feels genuinely alive with diverse biomes teeming with both benign and hostile creatures. From docile boars to vicious wolves and imposing harpies, each encounter requires careful consideration and planning.
Outward eschews traditional fantasy tropes for a more grounded approach. There are no magical swords that obliterate enemies with ease; instead, combat is slow-paced, deliberate, and heavily reliant on timing, positioning, and exploiting enemy weaknesses. You’ll need to master different weapon types, from swords and axes to bows and firearms, each with its unique strengths and limitations.
Mastering the Art of Survival: A Glimpse into Outward’s Core Mechanics
Mechanic | Description |
---|---|
Hunger & Thirst: | Your character requires regular meals and drinks to survive. Neglecting these needs will lead to debilitating debuffs. |
Fatigue: | Constant exertion can tire your character, slowing movement speed and attack power. Resting is crucial to restore stamina. |
Disease & Injury: | Encounters with hostile creatures or infected environments can result in diseases and injuries. Treating these conditions requires finding specific herbs and crafting remedies. |
Crafting & Cooking: | Outward encourages players to gather resources and craft essential items, from weapons and armor to food and medicine. |
Beyond Survival: Exploring Outward’s Rich Tapestry of Gameplay
Outward isn’t just about surviving; it also offers a compelling narrative woven through its open world. The game is structured around “Chapters,” each presenting a unique set of quests and objectives. As you progress, you’ll uncover hidden secrets, forge alliances with various factions, and unravel the mysteries surrounding Aurai’s tumultuous fate.
The choice-driven narrative allows for multiple playthroughs with varying outcomes. Your decisions can influence character relationships, faction standings, and ultimately, the fate of the world itself.
A Visual Feast with a Touch of Indie Charm:
Outward embraces a distinct visual style that blends realism with a touch of stylized aesthetics. The environments are meticulously crafted, showcasing Aurai’s diverse landscapes from sun-drenched plains to shadowy forests and towering mountains. While the graphics may not be cutting edge compared to AAA titles, they possess a unique charm that enhances the immersive experience.
The game’s soundtrack complements the atmosphere perfectly, featuring evocative melodies that underscore moments of tranquility as well as tension-filled encounters.
Is Outward Right for You? A Final Verdict:
Outward is a game designed for players who crave a challenge and appreciate deep immersion. Its unforgiving nature can be initially daunting, but it ultimately rewards patience, perseverance, and a willingness to experiment.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced action RPG with hand-holding tutorials, Outward is probably not your cup of tea. However, if you’re ready to embrace the thrill of survival, explore a captivating world teeming with danger and wonder, and carve out your own destiny in a truly unique RPG experience, then Outward deserves a place on your gaming shelf.