The Outlast Trials: A Bone-Chilling Horror Game That Could Be the Franchise’s Best
Introduction
The Outlast Trials marks a major shift in the direction of the Outlast horror franchise, which has always been a single-player experience. The addition of co-op mode posed a challenge for the creators and was a risky idea, raising concerns from the fans. The game is now available in early access, and from its initial appearance, it could be the best entry in the series.
A New Twist to the Outlast Series
The Outlast Trials is a prequel to the other games in the series, where players assume the role of unfortunate test subjects that find themselves at the mercy of the evil Murkoff Corporation. Players create their character and hang out in a barracks area, interacting with other employees, and customizing their loadout. When ready, players can jump into one of the game’s Trials. These Trials are played out like an open-ended version of past Outlast stages, where players solve puzzles and avoid grotesque enemies while being defenseless.
Engaging Gameplay
The Outlast Trials offers larger stages, giving players more freedom and many options when it comes to tackling any given obstacle. The result is that the game has far more engaging gameplay moments than any of the previous games in the series.
Horror that Leaves a Lasting Impression
The Outlast Trials is not only the most impressive game in the series from a gameplay perspective, but it is also possibly one of the scariest horror games to play. The tutorial mission is horrifying, with players being bombarded with jump scares, grotesque images, and the intuition that something dreadful is hiding around every corner. The game’s audio inhuman grunts, heavy footsteps, and eerie musical stings comes together to create the suffocating atmosphere that one seeks from a horror game.
Co-Op Mode
The Outlast Trials have raised concerns among players and critics about its ability to deliver a sustainable multiplayer experience with longevity. Unfortunately, the co-op mode was not available to be tested, leaving the question of its effectiveness unanswered. Due to the quality of the single-player experience, even if co-op is a bust, it should still be worth checking out the game.
Immersion to Heighten Scare Tactics
The Outlast Trials uses a unique game design in making sure players are as immersed as they can be at all times. Actions that might have been relegated to menus or loading screens in other games are fully immersive in The Outlast Trials, making sure players remain engaged. For instance, to start one of the game’s Trials, players have to physically go to a machine in the barracks area and then step into a tube, leading to a room where they have to sit and get strapped into chairs before they are transported to the location of their next Trial.
Conclusion
The Outlast Trials is an impressive game that could end up being the best in the Outlast series. It is a breath of fresh air in multiplayer horror games, which typically tend to be of the asymmetrical nature. The game has delivered on its promise to offer a unique and genuinely horrifying experience for horror game enthusiasts.
<< photo by Jeffrey Grospe >>
