Outriders: A Looter Shooter That Will Make You Say Heck Yeah!

Hold onto your hats, folks, because we’re diving into the gritty, sci-fi world of Outriders, a co-op looter shooter that packs a serious punch. Developed by People Can Fly (the masterminds behind Gears of War Judgment and Bulletstorm) and published by Square Enix, this game throws you headfirst into a ravaged future Earth, where humanity is fighting for survival against monstrous anomalies and hostile factions.

But what makes Outriders stand out from the crowd? Let’s break it down:

Story and Setting: A Dying Earth Filled with Hope (and Explosions)

The year is 2150, and Earth has been ravaged by a mysterious cataclysm known as “The Anomaly.” Humanity’s last hope lies in Enoch, a seemingly untouched planet that promises a fresh start. However, upon arrival, the colonists are greeted by strange phenomena and aggressive creatures twisted by the very essence of Enoch’s energy. You play as an Outrider, one of the pioneers sent to explore Enoch and tame its dangerous secrets.

Outriders’ story unfolds through cinematic cutscenes, in-game dialogue, and environmental storytelling. The narrative explores themes of hope, survival, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their future. While the main storyline is somewhat predictable, it’s effectively delivered, keeping you engaged in the fight for Enoch.

Gameplay: A Satisfying Blend of Bullets and Brutality

At its core, Outriders is a third-person shooter with a strong emphasis on cooperative gameplay. Players choose from four distinct classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles:

• Technomancer: Manipulates technology to unleash devastating elemental attacks and control the battlefield.

• Pyromancer: Wields fire as a weapon, incinerating enemies with powerful blasts and fiery projectiles.

• Trickster: Bends time and space, teleporting behind enemies for surprise attacks or slowing down time to outmaneuver foes.

• Devastator: A tank-like class that thrives in close combat, absorbing damage while unleashing earth-shattering blows.

Each class has access to a wide range of skills and mods, allowing you to customize your playstyle and experiment with different builds. The “World Tier” system dynamically adjusts the game’s difficulty based on your progress, ensuring a consistent challenge.

Loot and Progression: The Grind Never Gets Old (Except When It Does)

As a true looter shooter, Outriders heavily focuses on acquiring new weapons, armor, and mods to enhance your character’s power. You’ll find loot scattered throughout the world, dropped by enemies, or rewarded for completing missions. The variety of gear is impressive, with each piece boasting unique stats and modifiers that can drastically alter your combat effectiveness.

The game utilizes a tiered loot system, meaning higher World Tiers grant access to better gear. This encourages players to push themselves and constantly strive for improvement. However, the repetitive nature of grinding for specific items can sometimes feel monotonous, especially in the later stages of the game.

A Look at Outriders Strengths and Weaknesses:

Final Verdict: A Worthwhile Adventure for Shooter Fans

Outriders is a solid looter shooter that offers hours of exhilarating combat, engaging storytelling, and satisfying loot progression. While the endgame grind can feel somewhat repetitive and the level design isn’t always top-notch, the core gameplay loop is addictive enough to keep you coming back for more. If you’re looking for a cooperative experience with friends, Outriders is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to spend some time grinding for those sweet, sweet legendary drops!