Outward

But that travel, maaaaan. It absolutely nails it. If you’ve ever sold nearly everything you own and bought a plane ticket to somewhere that sounds cool, if you’ve ever read ‘On the Road’ and ‘The Beach’ on an airport bench because you’re that much of a walking cliché, it’ll resonate with you immediately. It understands that a heavy bag can make you feel lighter, for all the cut tethers it signifie...

A few rough edges don't stop this gem of an RPG from shining.

The very things that make it unique and interesting are also the source of some of its most frustrating aspects.

There are times playing Outward when you feel lost, both literally and figuratively, but it’s almost never a bad thing. On the contrary, getting lost in Outward can result in some of its most rewarding moments. This sense of adventure and discovery is key, and Outward achieves this by placing realistic restrictions on what your character can do, so that what you do accomplish feels all the more mo...

Outward isn't revolutionary, but there's a lot to be said for the sense of achievement the game grants in both single and multiplayer.

Outward stands as a unique experience amongst RPGs, but concedes a lot in its imperfect survival-esqe focus.

Outward is an ambitious, uncompromising game, sometimes to its own detriment. There’s a lot to like about it, from its unique take on player character death to its focus on the mundane aspects of adventuring. But every moment when it really shined was surrounded by drudgery and frustration. Outward is sure to appeal to some players, but it often undercuts its own best features.

Devoid of any innate ability to absorb dragon souls or lacking the experience and training of a ruthless Witcher, Outward instead sends you packing into a hostile world as a feeble adventurer with little but the clothes on your back for protection. Even set in the fantasy realm of Aurai, this open world RPG prides itself on simulating a sense of realism that remains faithful throughout heated comb...

Taken as a whole, Outward practically screams “cult classic.” Its consistent challenge, cumbersome combat, and co-op systems won’t resonate with everyone. But for a particular type of player—ones that don’t mind trading dozens of frustrating moments for open-ended experiences—Nine Dot Studios’ RPG is sure to find a dedicated audience. Outward‘s aspirations are commendable, but just like its protag...

At the end of the day, it’s undeniable that Outward‘s combat is sub-par, and that its systems prove to be very punishing when combined. Most who play Outward will find it very frustrating at first, then might come around to it a little when they understand it a little more and learn to avoid its pitfalls. As they progress further and find themselves treading backwards and forwards on the same old ...

Outward may show a ton of promise, but it is pretty rough in its current state. Those interested should check back after a couple of patches.

After a very rough start, I met Outward on its terms, finishing several quests and exploring each of its expansive regions from top to bottom. In doing so, I saw some cool sights, fought some worthy opponents, and cast a lot of cool spells with its impressive magic system. I spent more time, however, slogging through long, boring battles with an otherwise poor combat system, working around major b...