Outriders! A Co-op Looter Shooter That Will Leave You Begging for More Loot

Outriders bursts onto the scene as a thrilling third-person cooperative shooter with RPG elements, plunging players into a desperate fight for survival on the ravaged planet of Enoch. Developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix, this game embraces the “looter shooter” genre wholeheartedly, offering a relentless cycle of combat, loot acquisition, and character progression.
The Story: Humanity’s Last Stand on a Hostile World
The narrative unfolds in a future where Earth has been ravaged by environmental disasters. Humanity seeks refuge on Enoch, a seemingly habitable planet promising a fresh start. However, upon arrival, the colonists are met with unexpected consequences – a mysterious anomaly known as “the Anomaly” blankets the world, twisting its flora and fauna into grotesque creatures while bestowing supernatural abilities upon select humans.
You step into the role of an Outrider, one of these elite individuals imbued with superhuman powers derived from the Anomaly. Tasked with scouting Enoch and paving the way for colonization, you uncover a conspiracy that threatens to dismantle what little hope remains for humanity. The story unfolds through engaging cutscenes and environmental storytelling, delving into themes of survival, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power.
Gameplay Mechanics: A Symphony of Destruction and Customization
Outriders delivers fast-paced, visceral combat that rewards tactical decision-making and skillful execution. You’ll choose from four distinct classes, each wielding unique abilities and playstyles:
- Technomancer: Manipulates technology to unleash devastating elemental attacks and crowd control abilities.
- Pyromancer: Commands the flames, incinerating enemies with fiery explosions and burning projectiles.
- Trickster: Bends time and space to teleport through battlefields, slow down foes, and unleash deadly close-quarters strikes.
- Devastator: A walking tank, capable of absorbing massive damage while unleashing devastating ground slams and seismic shocks.
Each class boasts a deep customization system, allowing you to tailor your abilities and weapon loadout to match your preferred playstyle. As you progress, you’ll acquire new skills and powerful mods that drastically alter the effectiveness of your weapons and abilities.
Outriders embraces a classic looter shooter experience, meaning the thrill of discovery drives much of the gameplay. You’ll constantly be on the hunt for better weapons, armor, and mods to optimize your character’s performance. The game features a wide variety of weapon types – from trusty shotguns and assault rifles to devastating sniper rifles and heavy machine guns – each with its unique perks and stats.
Table: Outriders Class Breakdown
Class | Abilities | Strengths | Weaknesses |
---|---|---|---|
Technomancer | Turrets, Minefields, Freeze & Slow | Excellent Crowd Control | Lower Damage Output than other classes |
Pyromancer | Fireballs, Flamethrower, Inferno | High Damage Output | Vulnerable to close-range attacks |
Trickster | Teleportation, Time Manipulation, Close-Combat Skills | Highly Mobile and Evasive | Requires precision timing |
Devastator | Ground Slams, Seismic Shocks, Earthquake | Tanky with High Damage Output | Limited Range |
The Co-op Experience: Team Up for Thrills and Triumphs
Outriders shines brightest when played cooperatively. Teaming up with two other players allows you to combine your unique abilities and take on increasingly challenging encounters. Communication and coordination are crucial for success, as enemies can quickly overwhelm solo players. Successfully completing missions and boss fights together fosters a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment that truly elevates the experience.
Production Values: A Visually Stunning Apocalypse
Outriders boasts impressive graphics and a haunting soundscape. The desolate landscapes of Enoch, riddled with crumbling ruins and mutated creatures, are brought to life with meticulous detail. The character models are expressive and well-designed, while the environmental effects, such as swirling dust storms and crackling energy discharges from the Anomaly, add to the immersive atmosphere.
The Verdict: A Thrilling Looter Shooter That Demands Your Attention
Outriders delivers a potent mix of exhilarating action, deep customization, and rewarding cooperative gameplay. Its captivating story, diverse class system, and constant cycle of loot acquisition will keep you hooked for hours on end. While the game’s difficulty can be unforgiving at times, especially in higher difficulties, it ultimately rewards perseverance and skillful play. If you’re seeking a thrilling looter shooter experience with a distinct sci-fi twist, Outriders is undoubtedly worth checking out.