Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Outland is one of those game that takes elements from different genres to create something
completely unique. It feels very familiar while also being unlike anything else. It
is a high mark in game design and is impressive every minute you are playing it.
The game offers a deep backstory for the setting. Many years ago the world was created by two
sisters, one of light and one of darkness. After these sisters created the world, they
attempted to destroy it but were stopped by a hero and imprisoned. The hero died in that
struggle, but was said to return and fight again against the sisters. This is where you
come in, the sisters have escaped their prison and it is up to you, the reincarnation of
the hero, to stop them.
The game is a 2D platformer that puts a creative spin on the genre. You move through the levels,
running and jumping. The platforming itself feels very good. The controls are responsive
and the level design leads to some crafty puzzles and great sections. You can move through
the levels with a grace without feeling rushed. There is also enemies that must be dealt with.
The combat is simple but very effective. It works well without being overly complicated.
The game quickly introduces what makes its platforming so unique. There is a major focus
on light and dark, represented as blue and red. You will harness the essence of different
spirits, either light or dark. What this means is you are going to have to switch between
the two to move through the levels and fight enemies. Energy beams of the different colors
will shine, forcing you to be in the right state to pass. This starts off simple enough
but quickly becomes much more complicated and also much more enjoyable. You will have
to make jumps and switch colors to pass through a beam, and then switch back to land on the
platform. Even the enemies are color specific. It becomes very challenging, but the good
kind that doesn’t feel cheap and is very rewarding when you accomplish it.
And everything is absolutely gorgeous. The art direction is always incredible and at
times jaw-dropping. Your character is a shadow, moving against the dark background. That makes
the blues and reds stand out and come right off the screen. The style fits the game so
well and just makes everything better.
This game is just incredible on every level. Every aspect is polished to perfection to
make a game that could be described that way. The gameplay and art direction craft a game
that everyone needs to play.