Outward: A Refreshingly Brutally Honest Take on Survival RPGs!

Stepping into the world of Outward isn’t your typical power fantasy. Forget about being a prophesied hero destined to save the world. You’re just another nameless adventurer, fresh from the “school of hard knocks” (literally, considering your starting gear is barely fit for scavenging) who finds themself facing down bandits, starvation, and dysentery with equal fervor. Developed by Nine Dots Studio and published by Deep Silver, Outward boldly eschews the conventional tropes of the RPG genre in favor of a brutal yet strangely addictive experience that emphasizes realism over fantastical heroism.
A World Where Even the Sunlight Wants You Dead
Set in the war-torn province of Aurai, Outward throws you into a world grappling with magical plagues and ruthless factions vying for power. Survival isn’t just about slaying monsters; it’s an intricate dance between managing your hunger, thirst, fatigue, and even the ever-present threat of disease.
Imagine this: you’ve just finished a grueling trek through the unforgiving wilds, only to realize that a particularly nasty bite from a wolfhound has left you with a debilitating infection. Now, not only do you need to find food and water, but you also have to locate rare herbs to concoct a cure before the infection spreads further. This relentless pressure to survive adds a layer of tension rarely seen in other RPGs.
Outward’s world design beautifully reinforces this sense of vulnerability. Environments are vast and unforgiving, dotted with abandoned villages, treacherous mountain passes, and hidden dungeons teeming with hostile creatures. The day-night cycle plays a crucial role, casting shadows that hide dangers and making navigation incredibly challenging after sunset. You might find yourself frantically searching for shelter before nightfall, praying you don’t stumble upon a nocturnal predator lurking in the darkness.
Crafting Your Path: From Scavenger to Skilled Survivor
Outward boasts a comprehensive crafting system that allows you to create everything from basic tools and weapons to potent healing potions and durable armor. Gathering resources is an integral part of the gameplay loop, encouraging exploration and meticulous inventory management. Forget about magic wands appearing out of thin air; in Outward, your arsenal will be painstakingly assembled piece by piece.
Character progression in Outward is equally nuanced. Instead of a rigid class system, you develop your skills organically based on your actions. Want to be a formidable warrior? Hone your swordsmanship and invest in strength and endurance. Prefer a more stealthy approach? Focus on agility and lockpicking to become a master thief. The game offers remarkable freedom in crafting your own playstyle, rewarding experimentation and adaptability.
Embrace the Challenge (and Prepare to Die A Lot)
Let’s be honest: Outward isn’t for everyone. Its steep learning curve and unforgiving nature can be frustrating at times. Death is a frequent occurrence, often leading to the loss of valuable inventory and progress. However, this very challenge is what makes the game so rewarding.
Overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, crafting your own gear from scratch, and slowly but surely mastering the intricacies of survival are experiences that stay with you long after the credits roll. Outward is a game that respects its players’ intelligence and encourages them to think strategically, adapt to their surroundings, and embrace the inherent risks of adventuring in a world that doesn’t play by conventional RPG rules.
Key Features:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Open World | Vast and unforgiving environment with diverse biomes to explore. |
Survival Mechanics | Hunger, thirst, fatigue, disease, and temperature all play a role. |
Crafting System | Comprehensive crafting system allowing for weapon, armor, and potion creation. |
Skill-Based Progression | No traditional classes; skills develop based on player actions. |
Cooperative Multiplayer | Team up with friends to face the challenges of Aurai together. |
Outward is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most memorable gaming experiences are those that push you beyond your comfort zone. It’s a brutally honest, deeply immersive, and ultimately rewarding journey into the heart of what it truly means to survive.*