“Outward,” developed by Nine Dots Studio and published by Deep Silver, is an action role-playing game that throws you headfirst into a brutal fantasy world with little hand-holding. Unlike many other RPGs where you’re treated like the chosen one destined for greatness, “Outward” grounds you in the reality of being just another adventurer trying to survive.
The game’s plot is decidedly unconventional. You begin as a simple inhabitant of the land of Aurai, suddenly thrust into a quest after awakening from a near-fatal encounter with an ancient artifact. There are no clear objectives or destinies spelled out for you; your path unfolds through exploration, dialogue with other characters, and, most importantly, surviving the harsh environments and challenging encounters that Aurai throws your way.
This emphasis on player agency and consequence is one of “Outward’s” greatest strengths. Your decisions truly matter, influencing not only the storyline but also your character’s progression and reputation within the world. Will you focus on honing your combat skills or delve into alchemy and crafting? Will you choose to aid fellow travelers or carve your own path through deceit and self-preservation?
Themes of Survival and Realism: A Breath of Fresh Air in Fantasy RPGs
“Outward” dares to deviate from the typical fantasy tropes, focusing instead on themes of survival and realism. Hunger, thirst, fatigue, and disease are constant concerns, demanding careful management if you want to avoid succumbing to the elements or succumbing to a nasty infection.
Combat, too, is far from a button-mashing affair. It’s a deliberate and tactical system that requires timing, awareness, and strategic use of your limited resources. Forget about effortlessly dispatching hordes of enemies; every encounter feels like a desperate struggle for survival.
This emphasis on realism extends to the world itself. “Outward” features a dynamic weather system with realistic effects on gameplay. Storms can hinder visibility, make travel more dangerous, and even force you to seek shelter. The day-night cycle affects enemy behavior, forcing you to adapt your strategies depending on the time of day.
Production Features: Crafting Your Own Path
“Outward” boasts a number of impressive production features that contribute to its immersive experience:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Open World Exploration: The world of Aurai is vast and ripe for exploration, with diverse environments ranging from lush forests and snow-capped mountains to perilous dungeons and abandoned ruins. | |
Deep Crafting System: Gather resources, experiment with recipes, and craft your own weapons, armor, potions, and food. Your crafting skill directly impacts the quality and effectiveness of your creations. | |
Cooperative Multiplayer: Team up with a friend and face the challenges of Aurai together. Share resources, strategize, and rely on each other to survive the unforgiving world. | |
Unique Magic System: “Outward” features a unique magic system that blends traditional spellcasting with more grounded rituals and incantations. Learn spells by deciphering ancient texts and practicing your arcane skills. |
Embracing the Challenge: A Rewarding Experience for Dedicated Gamers
“Outward” is not for the faint of heart. It’s a demanding game that throws constant challenges at the player, requiring patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Death comes often and can be frustrating, but each failure serves as a learning opportunity, pushing you to refine your strategies and explore new approaches.
Ultimately, “Outward” rewards those who embrace its challenge with a deeply satisfying and uniquely immersive experience. The sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming adversity in this unforgiving world is truly unmatched.
If you’re looking for a fresh take on the RPG genre, one that throws aside conventions and embraces realism and consequence, then “Outward” might just be the adventure you’ve been waiting for. Just remember to pack plenty of healing potions—you’ll need them.