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| Credits: Image Source - Divulgation/Red Barrels |
"Outlast" is a survival horror game developed and published by Red Barrels, where you assume the role of Miles Upshur, a freelance journalist who receives an email from an anonymous source about a psychiatric hospital and decides to investigate. In this review, I will cover key aspects of the game and whether it’s worth buying and playing.
What is Outlast? What is the main story or plot?
Miles Upshur decides to investigate an asylum after receiving its location from a mysterious source via email. Upon arrival, the place appears deserted, with SWAT vehicles parked at the entrance. Sensing an opportunity to investigate, Miles decides to enter the facility and uncover what happened.
Is the game scary? What kind of horror is it (psychological, survival, etc.)?
The game is classified as survival horror, playing with enemies that can appear in the darkness, jump scares, and the risk of your camera batteries running out.
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Are the graphics realistic? How is the setting? Is it immersive and scary?
Although it's an older game and doesn't boast demanding graphics, it doesn’t disappoint. One standout aspect of Red Barrel's success with this game is the setting. The environment is extremely detailed, with well-characterized patients and a meticulously designed map. Regarding immersion, Outlast and its DLC, Whistleblower, deliver everything a good horror game needs to be terrifying.
Is the gameplay fluid? What are the main controls? Are there any special mechanics?
The gameplay is similar to other horror games: running, walking, hiding under beds, and escaping from enemies. The main highlight is the camera system, which features night vision and is crucial for progression. You'll use the video camera almost constantly, only putting it away to reload.
Is the game challenging? Are there difficulty options for both novice and experienced players?
Yes, even on hard difficulty, the game presented complex challenges that required quick reflexes to navigate. Many times I died simply by following a path that seemed correct but wasn't. The game has four difficulty levels: Normal, Hard, Nightmare, and Insane.
Does the narrative engage the player? Are there interesting plot twists?
Without giving too much away, I can say I was captivated by the dialogues and cutscenes. The tension of fleeing enemies and finding safe spots kept me engaged. There is a significant plot twist at the end of both the main game and the DLC.
Does the game rely more on jump scares or a tense and frightening atmosphere?
While the game has some jump scares, 90% of the time you’ll be in a tense atmosphere, navigating large, open spaces without knowing where the enemy might be, which can lead to some serious scares.
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Are there puzzles in the game? Are they challenging or simple?
The game doesn’t feature complex puzzles that require deep thought. However, the game's environment can make you feel lost at times, adding to the puzzle’s difficulty.
Does the soundtrack contribute to the horror atmosphere?
Absolutely. When you're being chased by an enemy, the music matches the game's intensity. If you're hiding, you'll only hear ambient sounds, but if you're found, the enemy will say something and start chasing you, with the music adding to the tension.
Is the game long? Is there replay value?
Considering the deaths I experienced, it took me about 8 hours to complete the main campaign and 2 hours to finish the DLC, totaling 10 hours. If you explore more, it will take a bit longer.
Are there any technical issues? How is the game's optimization?
I didn’t encounter any bugs. The game is well-optimized, given that it’s been out for a while. Anytime I thought I was stuck in a glitch, it was simply me missing the correct path.
Does the game offer good value for money?
For the price I paid on sale, it was definitely worth it, and it even included the DLC.
Is there additional content available? Is it worth getting?
Yes, there's a DLC called Outlast: Whistleblower, where you play as a software engineer, Waylon Park, who, tired of seeing people tortured in the asylum, decides to send an anonymous email to reporter Miles Upshur, sparking the main campaign's plot. Here, you're discovered and must fight to survive. For those who enjoyed the main campaign, the DLC offers a little more of what you loved, albeit shorter.
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Who would you recommend this game to? What are the best and worst parts?
I would recommend this game to those who enjoy a challenge and aren’t easily scared. The best parts are the chase scenes, while the most tedious parts are those where you have to find specific items, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Where can I buy Outlast?
You can buy Outlast and Outlast Trinity through my links below without changing the final price. This way, you'll support my work and help me bring more quality reviews like this one.
Links to buy Outlast, Outlast: Whistleblower and Outlast Trinity for PC/Steam:
Outlast:
Outlast - Whistleblower:
Conclusion.
Outlast and Outlast: Whistleblower are undoubtedly some of the best games I’ve ever played! As a big fan of the horror/suspense genre, the game delivered everything I expected, making it excellent for those who enjoy this type of genre.
The chase sequences and the camera's reloading mechanic are some of the main highlights, balancing the use of night vision. For those who aren’t fans of this type of game, I recommend staying away.
If you want to watch any parts, I’ll leave my YouTube playlist here.
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