Outriders! A Sci-Fi Looter Shooter With an Unexpectedly Emotional Punch

Outriders burst onto the scene in 2021, promising a fresh take on the looter shooter genre – and it largely delivered. Developed by People Can Fly (known for Bulletstorm and Gears of War: Judgment), this cooperative third-person shooter throws you into the ravaged world of Enoch, a planet colonized by humanity desperate to escape a dying Earth.

But things don’t go as planned. A mysterious phenomenon known as “the Anomaly” transforms Enoch, warping its landscapes with ferocious storms and bestowing strange powers upon some individuals. You, the Outrider, are one such individual, awakened from cryo-sleep years after a disastrous attempt at colonization. Tasked with uncovering the mysteries of the Anomaly and forging a path for humanity’s survival, you’ll face monstrous creatures, hostile factions, and ultimately, grapple with complex moral dilemmas.

Outriders’ greatest strength lies in its intricate blend of fast-paced action and deep character customization. You can choose from four distinct classes – Technomancer, Pyromancer, Trickster, and Devastator – each boasting unique abilities that profoundly alter your playstyle. A Technomancer might summon turrets and freezing blasts to control the battlefield, while a Devastator could unleash seismic shockwaves and earth-shattering blows for brutal close-quarters combat.

The game encourages experimentation with its “class tree” system. You can mix and match skills, creating hybrid builds that cater to your preferred approach. Want a Trickster who uses teleportation to flank enemies before unleashing devastating time manipulation? Go for it! Crave the raw power of a Pyromancer wielding fiery whips and volcanic eruptions?

Outriders is more than just gun-toting action; it packs a surprisingly weighty narrative. While exploring the ravaged landscape, you’ll encounter remnants of past expeditions, uncover lost logs revealing forgotten tragedies, and face moral choices that impact the fate of Enoch’s inhabitants.

The story tackles themes of survival, adaptation, and the struggle for humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity. It doesn’t shy away from exploring the psychological toll the Anomaly takes on its victims, forcing you to confront the fragility of hope amidst a world consumed by chaos.

A Looter Shooter with Loot That Matters

Outriders distinguishes itself from other looters through its loot system. Unlike games where finding a rare weapon is often the sole focus, Outriders emphasizes the “God Roll” system – the pursuit of crafting perfect combinations of stats and mods for your weapons and armor.

This adds a layer of depth to the gear grind. Simply finding a legendary weapon isn’t enough; you need to meticulously tinker with its modifications, rolling for specific bonuses that synergize with your chosen class and playstyle. The thrill comes from discovering the perfect combination, turning an ordinary firearm into a devastating force capable of melting bosses and decimating hordes.

| Outriders Weapon Types | Unique Features |

Beyond the satisfying grind, Outriders boasts impressive visuals. The environments are detailed and atmospheric, ranging from desolate deserts and overgrown jungles to futuristic industrial complexes ravaged by the Anomaly. The character models are well-designed, with a diverse cast representing humanity’s struggle for survival on Enoch.

Multiplayer Mayhem: Co-op Action at Its Finest

Outriders shines brightest in its cooperative multiplayer mode. Team up with up to two other players to tackle challenging missions, take down powerful bosses, and explore the world of Enoch together. The game encourages coordination and strategic thinking, as each class plays a crucial role in overcoming obstacles. A Technomancer might provide cover fire and crowd control with their turrets, while a Pyromancer unleashes fiery devastation on enemies, and a Trickster flanks for critical hits.

The multiplayer experience is incredibly rewarding, offering both intense firefights and moments of strategic camaraderie. Successfully coordinating attacks, reviving downed teammates, and celebrating hard-fought victories together create an unforgettable shared experience.

Outriders: A Worthy Addition to Your Gaming Library?

While not without its flaws (occasional technical hiccups and repetitive mission structure), Outriders ultimately delivers a compelling and addictive looter shooter experience. Its deep character customization, engaging narrative with unexpected emotional depth, satisfying loot grind, and exhilarating cooperative gameplay make it well worth considering for any fan of the genre.

So, if you’re looking for a sci-fi adventure packed with action, loot, and camaraderie, Outriders might just be the game for you.