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MONSTER

Outriders

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Outriders
Item: Outriders
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, RPG, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableApr 1, 2021

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

DeveloperPeople Can Fly

Overview

Outriders is a 1-3 player co-op RPG shooter set in an original, dark and desperate sci-fi universe. As mankind bleeds out in the trenches of Enoch, you’ll create your own Outrider and embark on a journey across the hostile planet. With rich storytelling spanning a diverse world, you’ll leave behind the slums and shanty towns of the First City and traverse forests, mountains and desert in the pursuit of a mysterious signal. Combining intense gunplay with violent powers and an arsenal of increasingly twisted weaponry and gear-sets, Outriders offers countless hours of gameplay.

Elsewhere

6.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Outriders offers an engaging premise exploring humanity's survival on Enoch, praised for its immersive world-building and evolving storyline. However, critics condemn it for a simplistic, clichéd narrative, one-dimensional characters, and poor pacing, ultimately labeling it as a forgettable B-tier sci-fi experience that prioritizes gameplay over storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Outriders has garnered some praise from critics, particularly for its engaging premise and the thematic exploration of humanity's struggle for survival on the hostile planet of Enoch. Critics like Gamer.no and Twinfinite highlight the narrative's focus on colonization and the protagonist's quest to uncover a mysterious signal, which adds an intriguing layer to the gameplay. Additionally, Game Informer notes that the storyline evolves over time, with distinct characters contributing to a more immersive experience. The world-building through side quests has also been recognized as a strong point, with PlayStation LifeStyle mentioning how the narrative serves as a vehicle for action while enriching the game’s lore. However, the overwhelming sentiment among reviewers is that the story is riddled with issues that detract from its potential. Many critics, including God is a Geek and Jeuxvideo.com, describe the narrative as simplistic, clichéd, and lacking depth, often feeling like a forgettable experience. The characters are frequently criticized for being one-dimensional and archetypal, as noted by VGC and TheGamer, who argue that the narrative fails to explore moral complexities or engage players meaningfully. Furthermore, pacing issues and poorly executed transitions in cutscenes have been highlighted by critics like Easy Allies and GamingBolt, leading to a disjointed storytelling experience that undermines the narrative's impact. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Outriders presents an interesting premise and some engaging elements, it ultimately falls short due to its reliance on clichés, lack of character development, and superficial narrative execution. Many reviewers, such as Meristation and Press Start Australia, emphasize that the story, despite its potential, feels like a B-tier sci-fi narrative that does not stand out in a crowded genre. The game seems to prioritize gameplay over storytelling, leading to a narrative that, while occasionally entertaining, is often overshadowed by its shortcomings.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Outriders delivers thrilling combat and diverse classes, praised for dynamic gunplay and customization options. However, critics slam its repetitiveness, clunky mechanics, and linear design, leading to a lack of depth and variety. Despite its chaotic fun and potential, the game is marred by significant flaws that hinder a consistently engaging experience. Ultimately, it’s a mix of excitement and frustration, leaving players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Outriders has received a mix of praise for its engaging combat mechanics and class variety. Critics like IGN Italia and Easy Allies highlight the dynamic gunplay and unique abilities that create a fast-paced and enjoyable experience. The combat system encourages experimentation with different classes and powers, as noted by Gamer.nl and Game Revolution, which emphasizes the importance of aggressive playstyles. Additionally, the World Tiers system, mentioned by Shacknews and GameGrin, adds a layer of replayability by allowing players to adjust difficulty levels for better loot rewards. Many reviewers, including Metro GameCentral and MGG Spain, appreciate the chaotic nature of the gameplay and the depth provided by the modding system, which enhances the overall experience. However, there are significant criticisms regarding the gameplay's repetitiveness and lack of depth. Reviewers like PC Gamer and New Game Network argue that the shooting mechanics can feel clunky and shallow, detracting from the overall excitement. The linear level design and limited enemy diversity, as pointed out by New Game Network and Cubed3, contribute to a sense of monotony, especially in the endgame. Critics such as LevelUp and PC Games express frustration with the disjointed experience caused by frequent loading screens and a cover system that can hinder gameplay rather than enhance it. Furthermore, issues with enemy AI and variety have been raised by several reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Outriders presents a compelling foundation with its engaging combat and class mechanics, it suffers from significant flaws that hinder its potential. The game is often described as a blend of enjoyable and frustrating elements, with many reviewers acknowledging that the core gameplay loop is satisfying but can become repetitive over time. Critics like God is a Geek and Wccftech recognize the strengths in combat and customization, yet they also echo concerns about the lack of variety and depth in certain gameplay aspects. Ultimately, Outriders is seen as an ambitious title that offers chaotic fun but falls short of delivering a consistently fresh experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Outriders impresses with stunning environments and vibrant biomes, achieving 4K and 60 FPS on next-gen consoles. However, critics argue its graphics are inconsistent, with dated visuals, bland character designs, and technical issues like texture pop-ins. While it shines in some areas, many feel it falls short of modern AAA standards, ultimately painting a picture of missed potential in its visual design.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Outriders have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting some impressive aspects of the game. Many reviewers, such as Digital Chumps and GRYOnline.pl, commend the stunning environments and attention to detail, with some locations described as beautiful and majestic. Critics like Generación Xbox note that the game achieves 4K resolution and 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X, enhancing the visual experience. The vibrant landscapes and unique biomes of the alien planet Enoch are often highlighted, with Press Start Australia and GamingBolt noting their appeal and variety, which encourages exploration. Additionally, some critics appreciate the well-designed combat effects, with MondoXbox emphasizing the impressive visual effects during battles. However, the overall sentiment regarding the graphics is marred by several criticisms. Many reviewers, including GameMAG and New Game Network, describe the visuals as dated and lacking the detail expected from a modern AAA title. Critics such as IGN Italia and Hardcore Gamer point out that the game's cross-gen status limits its graphical potential, resulting in environments that can feel bland or uninspired. Texture pop-ins and inconsistent quality are also recurring issues noted by critics like IGN France and Wccftech, suggesting that while some areas shine, others fall short of expectations. The game’s character designs are often labeled as generic, which detracts from the overall visual experience, as mentioned by Xbox Achievements. The overall consensus among critics indicates that while Outriders features some visually stunning environments and impressive combat effects, it suffers from a lack of consistency and ambition in its graphics. Many reviewers agree that the game does not fully capitalize on the capabilities of next-gen consoles, with Everyeye.it and Meristation highlighting the uneven texture quality and rough animations. Critics like Cubed3 and LaPS4 suggest that while there are moments of brilliance, the game ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to deliver a truly standout visual experience. As a result, Outriders is seen as a mixed bag, showcasing both impressive and lackluster elements in its graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

TL;DR: Outriders boasts strong combat sound design that enhances gameplay, with impactful audio cues and satisfying gunfire effects earning praise. However, it suffers from weak voice acting that detracts from the narrative and a forgettable soundtrack that lacks memorability, leading to a mixed reception overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Outriders have garnered a mix of praise and criticism from various reviewers, highlighting some notable strengths in the audio experience. Many critics, such as Easy Allies and PlayStation Universe, commend the sound design for its effectiveness during combat, particularly with impactful audio cues that enhance the feeling of obliterating enemies. IGN Japan also pointed out the satisfying gunfire effects that positively contribute to the combat experience. Additionally, some reviewers, like Hobby Consolas and Generación Xbox, noted that the soundtrack, while not groundbreaking, complements the game's atmosphere without being intrusive, suggesting that there are moments where the audio design elevates the gameplay. However, the overall reception of the sound design and music is marred by significant criticisms. Multiple reviewers, including Gameblog.fr and Gaming Nexus, highlighted issues with voice acting, describing it as inconsistent and sometimes detracting from the narrative experience. Critics like TrueGaming and Riot Pixels pointed out that the sound design lacks impact, with weapon sounds feeling weak and failing to match their types. Furthermore, many reviewers, such as Power Unlimited and New Game Network, criticized the music for being clichéd and forgettable, failing to leave a lasting impression on players. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Outriders features some strong elements in its sound design, particularly in combat audio, it suffers from notable weaknesses in voice acting and music. Many reviewers agree that the voice acting can feel subpar, with some likening it to a "B-movie" quality, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com. Additionally, the soundtrack is frequently described as unremarkable, with critics like Gaming Nexus and GameMAG emphasizing a lack of memorability. Ultimately, while the game has some standout audio moments, the inconsistency and shortcomings in voice work and music contribute to a mixed reception of its overall audio experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in Outriders is a mixed bag; while a few critics praise some performances and quality Spanish voice work, the majority find it wooden, inconsistent, and emotionally flat. This inconsistency undermines the game’s narrative and fails to engage players, leaving the overall quality lacking against its ambitious backdrop.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

32%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Outriders has garnered a mix of opinions, with a few critics highlighting some positive aspects. For instance, RPGamer and But Why Tho? praised the performances, noting that they bring life to the characters and add depth to the dialogue, contributing positively to the overall experience. Additionally, Hobby Consolas and Vandal pointed out that the Spanish voice acting is of high quality, enhancing the game's immersion. Some reviews, such as that from Press Start Australia, even found the Outrider character's voice work to be surprisingly funny and engaging, which adds a layer of charm to the game. However, the majority of reviews indicate significant shortcomings in the voice acting. Critics like COGconnected, Gameblog.fr, and Gaming Nexus expressed dissatisfaction, describing the performances as wooden, clunky, and poor, which detracts from the overall experience. Many reviewers noted inconsistencies in quality, with some performances being strong while others fell flat, as highlighted by Gamer.no and TrueGaming. Furthermore, IGN and God is a Geek criticized the voice acting for feeling outdated and lacking emotional delivery, which undermines the narrative's impact. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a negative sentiment regarding the voice acting in Outriders. While a few reviewers found merit in certain performances, the prevailing view is that the voice acting is inconsistent, often poorly delivered, and fails to engage players fully. Critics like GamingBolt and KeenGamer encapsulated this sentiment by describing the voice acting as clunky and lacking emotional depth. This mixed reception suggests that while there are some bright spots, the overall voice acting quality does not meet the expectations set by the game's ambitious narrative and world-building.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Outriders shows promise on next-gen consoles with stable performance (60 fps) and quick server fixes, but suffers from widespread technical issues, including crashes and matchmaking failures across all platforms. Critics warn that while there’s potential, significant optimization is needed to improve the frustrating launch experience for many players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

55%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

Positive Aspects of Technical Performance by Platform Across the board, Outriders shows some strengths in its technical performance, particularly on next-gen consoles like the Xbox Series X and PS5. Critics such as Generación Xbox noted that server issues were resolved relatively quickly, leading to a more stable experience on the Series X. Similarly, IGN Italia highlighted that, despite initial server problems, the frame rate on PS5 is stable at 60 fps even during chaotic gameplay, which is commendable. Additionally, some reviewers like Ragequit.gr mentioned that the game performs well on lower-end PCs, maintaining 60 fps, suggesting that the game has potential for a smooth experience on various hardware setups. Negative Aspects of Technical Performance by Platform However, the technical performance of Outriders has faced significant criticism across all platforms. On PC, critics from PC Games and GameGrin pointed out severe server issues, game crashes, and stuttering, particularly for Nvidia users, which detracted from the overall experience. On the PS5, Trusted Reviews and GameSpot echoed similar sentiments, citing broken matchmaking and frequent crashes that hinder gameplay. Xbox Series X users also reported issues, with Xbox Achievements and EGM noting significant server instability and bugs that impacted multiplayer modes. Furthermore, older consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One were criticized for stability issues, long loading times, and frequent crashes, as mentioned by Jeuxvideo.com and Digital Trends. Overall Consensus of Critics The overall consensus among critics is that while Outriders has some redeeming qualities, particularly in terms of potential performance on next-gen consoles, the game suffers from pervasive technical issues that significantly hinder the experience across all platforms. Reviewers like GameSpot and GamingBolt highlighted that server connectivity problems and crashes are particularly detrimental to multiplayer gameplay, which is a core aspect of the game. Despite some improvements noted post-launch, many critics, including PC Invasion and Power Unlimited, emphasized that the game still requires further optimization to fully realize its potential. The mixed reviews suggest that while there is hope for improvement, the launch experience has left a considerable number of players frustrated.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Outriders shows potential for replay value with its co-op gameplay, adjustable difficulty, and endgame content like Expeditions, garnering praise from outlets like GameSpot and Forbes. However, critics highlight significant flaws, including repetitive missions and a lack of compelling endgame challenges, which diminish long-term engagement. While some players may enjoy hundreds of hours of gameplay, many reviewers agree that the grind feels tedious and rewards are lacking, leading to a frustrating experience that fails to keep players coming back after the campaign. Overall, Outriders has the bones for replayability but fails to deliver on its promise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Outriders present a mixed bag, with several critics highlighting positive aspects that contribute to its replayability. Many reviewers, such as GameSpot and Shacknews, emphasize the game's cooperative gameplay and adjustable difficulty settings, which encourage players to revisit missions and experiment with different character builds. The inclusion of endgame content like Expeditions is also noted by critics such as Cultured Vultures and Game Revolution, who appreciate the variety of challenges and the potential for significant engagement through loot grinding and character customization. Additionally, Forbes and Game Informer suggest that players can extract hundreds of hours of gameplay, indicating a strong potential for replay value. However, the sentiment shifts significantly when examining the criticisms surrounding the game's replay value. Many reviewers, including Games.cz and Comicbook.com, express disappointment in the lack of compelling endgame content and the repetitive nature of missions, which detracts from long-term engagement. Critics like Wccftech and Power Unlimited point out that the grind required for better gear and the overall structure of the game can feel tiresome, leading to diminished motivation to continue playing after completing the campaign. Furthermore, LevelUp and PCGamesN highlight the absence of unique rewards and engaging content in the endgame, which limits the overall replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Outriders offers some appealing features that can enhance replay value, such as cooperative play and character diversity, the repetitive nature of its endgame content and lack of variety in missions significantly undermine its long-term appeal. Critics like IGN and PC Invasion encapsulate this sentiment by noting that although there are elements that encourage replay, the overall execution falls short of creating a compelling reason for players to return after the initial campaign. This dichotomy suggests that while Outriders has the framework for replayability, it ultimately struggles to deliver a satisfying experience that keeps players engaged over time.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

39%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Outriders has garnered a range of opinions from critics, with several praising its engaging gameplay mechanics and cooperative elements. Reviewers like TheSixthAxis and KeenGamer highlight the exhilarating mix of gunfights and RPG mechanics, noting the strong combat loop that keeps players engaged. Critics such as IGN Portugal and PlayStation Universe commend the game for its enjoyable gameplay and combat, despite acknowledging its narrative shortcomings. Additionally, some reviewers, like CGMagazine, appreciate the dynamic class systems and beautiful visuals that enhance the overall experience. Overall, many agree that Outriders can be a fun and chaotic looter shooter, particularly in multiplayer settings, with several critics recommending it for fans of the genre. However, the game is not without its significant flaws, which have been a common point of criticism among reviewers. Technical issues have been frequently mentioned, with Xbox Achievements and New Game Network noting that these problems detract from the overall experience. The narrative has also received widespread criticism, with many reviewers, including Games.cz and VGC, describing it as bland and forgettable. Critics like GameMAG and Power Unlimited emphasize that despite the potential of its loot mechanics and class diversity, the game ultimately fails to deliver a polished experience, leading to disappointment. This sentiment is echoed by multiple reviewers who suggest that the game struggles with outdated design and lacks engaging content. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Outriders offers enjoyable gameplay and has some solid mechanics, it is hampered by technical issues and a weak story. Many reviewers, such as PC Gamer and GamingBolt, describe it as a mediocre looter shooter that may not impress everyone, advising players to approach it with tempered expectations. Despite its flaws, some critics, like Forbes, have found it to be one of the better entries in the genre, indicating that there is a divide in how the game is perceived. Ultimately, Outriders appears to be a title that can entertain, particularly for those who prioritize gameplay over narrative depth, but it may not resonate with all players due to its shortcomings.

TL;DR

Outriders impresses with engaging gameplay and strong co-op mechanics, earning praise for its combat and visuals from some critics. However, it suffers from significant technical issues and a bland narrative, leading to mixed reviews. While it can be a fun looter shooter, especially in multiplayer, many recommend approaching it with low expectations due to its flaws. It's a hit or miss, depending on whether you prioritize gameplay over story.

MONSTER

Reviews

197 reviews found

Forbes

Xbox Series X

Apr 7, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer was deeply impressed with the final product and considered Outriders one of the best current entries in the genre. They gave it a score of 9/10.

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Apr 7, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Outriders is a fresh, new IP that stands alone as its own game. It has a wealth of good and shows promise for the future. Recommended to play with friends.

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Gamer.no

PlayStation 5

Apr 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Outriders is described as a fun and engaging experience, with a solid combat system and enjoyable gameplay, making it worth trying.

Game Informer

Apr 6, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Outriders is a well-crafted looter shooter that successfully blends RPG elements, providing an enjoyable experience with high replay value, despite some initial connection issues.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Apr 5, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite its narrative shortcomings, Outriders excels in gameplay and combat, making it a standout looter shooter with a complete experience.

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WellPlayed

PlayStation 5

Apr 19, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Outriders may not be revolutionary, but its well-executed mechanics and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile experience that shouldn't be overlooked.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Apr 14, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Outriders is a solid looter shooter that combines engaging gameplay with a well-crafted story and impressive visuals, making it a worthy competitor in the genre.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Apr 11, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite its flaws, Outriders is considered a fun and engaging looter shooter that holds its own among similar games, with potential for future improvements.

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Press Start Australia

Xbox Series X

Apr 6, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Outriders is a well-crafted game with engaging gameplay and a beautiful world, but it is hampered by technical issues and a weak introduction. It offers a unique experience in the looter shooter genre.

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Apr 2, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Outriders es un juego entretenido que, aunque no sorprende por su originalidad, ofrece una experiencia divertida tanto en solitario como en cooperativo online. Sin embargo, su falta de personalidad en algunos aspectos es notable.

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