Outward: A Harsh yet Beautiful Trek Through a Forgotten Fantasy World!

blog 2025-01-04 0Browse 0
Outward: A Harsh yet Beautiful Trek Through a Forgotten Fantasy World!

Outward isn’t your typical fantasy RPG. Developed by Nine Dots Studio and published by Deep Silver, this game throws you headfirst into the unforgiving wilds of Aurai without holding your hand or offering rose-tinted explanations. Think less “chosen one” and more “just another soul trying to survive.”

But don’t let that discourage you! Outward’s brutal honesty is precisely what makes it so compelling. It’s a game about overcoming adversity, learning from mistakes (sometimes fatal ones), and forging your own path in a world that doesn’t care about your heroic ambitions.

A World Forged in Hardship

Aurai, the setting of Outward, is a beautifully realized world steeped in lore and mystery. Remnants of an ancient civilization are scattered across its diverse landscapes, from windswept deserts and towering mountains to dense forests teeming with life (and danger).

The game embraces a “less is more” approach when it comes to storytelling. You won’t find lengthy cutscenes or exposition dumps; instead, you piece together the world’s history through environmental details, interactions with NPCs, and fragments of lore scattered throughout the land. This encourages exploration and discovery, rewarding players who take the time to truly immerse themselves in Aurai’s rich tapestry.

Survival: More Than Just Health Bars

Outward distinguishes itself from other RPGs by prioritizing survival mechanics over traditional combat systems. Your character needs food, water, and rest just like any other mortal being.

Neglect these basic needs, and you’ll suffer the consequences - exhaustion, hunger pangs, and even debilitating diseases. Managing your inventory becomes a constant balancing act, as you weigh the necessity of carrying healing potions against the burden of extra weight slowing you down.

The world is unforgiving; hostile wildlife, bandits, and even the elements themselves pose constant threats. A simple journey can quickly turn deadly if you’re not adequately prepared.

Crafting Your Way to Survival

Fortunately, Outward empowers players with a robust crafting system that allows them to create everything from basic necessities like food and water filters to powerful weapons and armor. Gathering resources through exploration and scavenging is crucial for your survival and progression.

The crafting system isn’t just about efficiency; it’s also deeply intertwined with the game’s lore and world-building. Each recipe represents a piece of knowledge passed down through generations, reflecting Aurai’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Embrace the Grind: A Journey of Perseverance

Be prepared for a challenging experience. Outward is not a game that rewards button-mashing or mindless exploration. Combat requires careful planning and execution, often involving utilizing your environment to gain an advantage. Death is a frequent occurrence (especially early on), but it’s also a valuable learning opportunity. Analyze your mistakes, adapt your tactics, and strive to become a more cunning and resourceful survivor.

Multiplayer Mayhem: Team Up for Survival

While Outward can be played solo, the multiplayer experience adds a whole new dimension of challenge and cooperation. Team up with friends to tackle dungeons, overcome formidable bosses, or simply share the burden of survival. Communication is key in this unforgiving world, as even seasoned adventurers can fall prey to unexpected dangers.

Here’s a closer look at some of the game’s key features:

Feature Description
Survival Mechanics Hunger, thirst, fatigue, and disease management are crucial for survival
Crafting System Create weapons, armor, consumables, and tools using gathered resources
Open World Exploration Discover a vast and diverse world filled with secrets and dangers
Challenging Combat Requires tactical planning, skill mastery, and environmental awareness
Multiplayer Cooperative Team up with friends to overcome challenges and explore together

A Refreshing Take on the RPG Genre

Outward is a game that dares to be different. It eschews traditional RPG tropes in favor of a raw and authentic experience that emphasizes survival, exploration, and personal growth. While its difficulty may deter some players, those who embrace the challenge will find themselves rewarded with a truly unique and unforgettable journey.

If you’re seeking an RPG that pushes boundaries, tests your mettle, and immerses you in a beautifully realized world, then Outward is definitely worth exploring. Just remember to pack plenty of rations – and maybe a spare healing potion or two.

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