Outriders

The story of Outriders receives mixed praise, with several critics acknowledging its ambitious sci-fi premise and engaging world-building. IGN Portugal highlights the "intriguing premise" of humanity seeking a new home on Enoch, while Trusted Reviews notes that the narrative is "surprisingly developed" for a looter-shooter, offering a 20–30-hour campaign that feels focused despite its standard setup. Forbes appreciates the “road trip” vibe and plot surprises, emphasizing emotional investment in characters, and But Why Tho? praises the “excellent sci-fi and apocalyptic elements,” noting the palpable desperation of humanity’s plight. Some critics also commend the game’s attempt to blend dark themes with humor, as seen in GameSpot’s observation of a “lengthy narrative that blends dark themes with humor.” These positives suggest that Outriders has potential, particularly in its world-building and thematic ambition. However, the majority of critics panned the story for its lack of depth, clichéd execution, and unengaging characters. TheGamer criticized the narrative as “overstuffed” and lacking thematic coherence, while ZTGD called it “forgettable” and likened it to a “cheap basic cable show.” AusGamers and Digital Trends both highlighted flat characters and a “dry colonization theme,” with Cultured Vultures noting that the protagonist feels like a “caricature.” Many critics, including Xbox Achievements and PlaySense, found the plot riddled with clichés, poor pacing, and “cheesy dialogue” that undermined its serious tone. The narrative’s dissonance—such as killing enemies despite a survival-focused premise—was also criticized by Cultured Vultures, while RPG Fan noted the main story felt “segmented” and lacked direction. These critiques collectively point to a story that struggles to balance ambition with execution. The overall consensus among critics is largely negative, with most agreeing that Outriders’s narrative fails to live up to its potential. While a few praised its premise or occasional moments of engagement (e.g., Forbes’ “plot surprises” or Trusted Reviews’ “compelling story”), the majority found it unoriginal, shallow, and emotionally detached. Critics like TheGamer, ZTGD, and IGN Portugal consistently highlighted issues with character development, pacing, and thematic depth, while others such as GameSpot and Digital Trends noted unresolved lore threads and a disjointed structure. Despite some redeeming elements, the story’s inability to deliver on its sci-fi ambitions left many critics unimpressed, resulting in a mixed but predominantly critical reception.

The gameplay of Outriders receives widespread praise for its dynamic combat mechanics, class diversity, and aggressive playstyle. Critics like IGN France highlight its "solid but familiar" design, emphasizing a focus on aggressive combat and varied cover systems that adapt to different classes. TierraGamer and Game Rant commend the game’s blend of unique abilities and firearms, noting how each of the four character classes offers distinct strengths and playstyles. The loot system, while criticized by some, is seen as a rewarding element by others, with God is a Geek praising its engaging progression and replayability through varied builds. VideoGamer and Critical Hit also highlight the satisfying flow of combat, particularly in cooperative play, where powers and abilities synergize effectively. The game’s emphasis on experimentation—through skill trees, mods, and class-specific mechanics—creates an appealing sense of customization and depth. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. Cubed3 and New Game Network criticize the repetitive nature of gameplay, with linear levels, limited enemy diversity, and a lack of exploration. LevelUp and VGC note issues like clunky movement, frequent loading screens, and a loot grind that undermines combat’s thrill. PC Invasion and Trusted Reviews highlight balancing problems, such as ammo shortages, punishing enemies, and unpolished mechanics that disrupt immersion. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com and Gameblog.fr mention shortcomings in enemy AI and lack of unique identity, while XboxAddict points to disruptive loading screens that break the flow of action. These critiques collectively underscore a game that excels in core mechanics but struggles with consistency and polish. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed reception, with critics agreeing that Outriders shines in its combat design and class-based customization but falters in repetition and technical execution. While GameGrin and VGC acknowledge the loot system’s shortcomings, many others like IGN and Hardcore Gamer praise its chaotic gunfights and replayability through World Tiers and skill trees. The game’s aggressive, fast-paced gameplay is a unifying strength, as noted by TheGamer and Press Start Australia, but its flaws—repetitive encounters, clunky movement, and uneven pacing—prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite these issues, the majority of reviewers agree that Outriders offers an engaging, if imperfect, experience for fans of looter-shooters and cover-based action.

The graphics and visual design of Outriders received mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its strengths in environmental diversity and artistic ambition. Many reviewers noted the game’s visually distinct zones, such as vibrant forests, deserts, and ruins, which create an immersive post-apocalyptic atmosphere. For instance, Jeuxvideo.com praised the rich, diverse environments of Enoch, while Siliconera celebrated the game’s ability to evoke "beauty, horrors, and absolute sadness" through its world design. Digital Chumps and GameGrin lauded the stunning details in landscapes, character designs, and skyboxes, with some critics like IGN Japan appreciating the varied biomes and Metro GameCentral noting the evolution from bleak to vibrant settings. The game’s ability to showcase unique armor designs and dynamic combat visuals also stood out, as highlighted by Trusted Reviews and RPG Fan, who acknowledged its technical prowess on next-gen consoles. However, several critics pointed to significant shortcomings in visual polish and consistency. Many described the graphics as "sterile," "bland," or "dated," with GameMAG and New Game Network criticizing the lack of detail and failure to meet modern standards. Issues like low-resolution textures, inconsistent animations, and technical flaws were frequently mentioned, such as Merlin'in Kazanı’s complaints about Unreal Engine 4 limitations and Atomix’s observation of "basic" character designs. PC Invasion and SpazioGames noted that while environments were visually distinct, they often felt empty or uninteractive, with linear progression undermining exploration. Additionally, Everyeye.it and Checkpoint Gaming highlighted inconsistencies in texture quality and animation, while IGN Italia and Xbox Achievements pointed to generic areas and shabby textures that detracted from the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics was mixed, reflecting a game with ambitious visual ideas but uneven execution. While some praised its artistic diversity and technical capabilities on next-gen platforms—such as GameGrin’s "stunning" visuals or IGN’s "impressive world design"—others criticized its lack of polish and reliance on cross-platform compromises. The divide often stemmed from platform differences, with MGG noting PS4’s inferiority to PC and PS5, while GamingBolt appreciated the "mesmerizing" color palettes. Despite these critiques, many acknowledged that Outriders’s visual design, though not groundbreaking, effectively supported its action-oriented gameplay and dystopian themes. The game’s strengths in environmental storytelling and occasional moments of beauty coexisted with persistent technical flaws, resulting in a polarizing but ultimately nuanced visual experience.

The sound design of Outriders receives mixed but generally positive feedback, particularly in its combat-focused elements. Critics like Easy Allies praise the "automatic shotguns" for enhancing the visceral experience of eliminating enemies, while Gaming Nexus highlights effective audio cues during battles that aid gameplay immersion. PlayStation Universe and TheXboxHub commend the "top-tier sound effects" and "impactful gun sounds," emphasizing how these elements elevate combat satisfaction. Additionally, Hobby Consolas notes the "good haptic feedback" in the PS5 version, and SomosXbox acknowledges standout moments in the audio design. The game’s weapon effects and environmental sounds are often described as immersive, with IGN Japan specifically praising the "satisfying gunfire effects" that contribute to a dynamic combat experience. However, the music and voice acting face widespread criticism. Multiple reviewers, including Gameblog.fr, GamesRadar+, and Jeuxvideo.com, highlight inconsistent or poor voice acting, with some calling it "B-movie quality" or "monotonous." IGN Italia and Vandal criticize the orchestral music for being "occasionally epic but marred by imperfections," while PCGamesN and Riot Pixels describe the soundtrack as "forgettable" and "lackluster," respectively. Issues with audio mixing further detract from the experience, as noted by GamingBolt, which points to background noise overpowering dialogue. TrueGaming and KeenGamer also criticize the music for following "typical sci-fi action game tropes" and lacking originality, while ZTGD dismisses the voice acting as "atrocious." These flaws often overshadow the strengths of the sound design, creating an uneven auditory experience. Overall, critics agree that Outriders excels in its combat-related audio elements but falters in music and voice acting. While TheXboxHub and Gaming Nexus laud the sound design’s effectiveness, many others, such as IGN France and RPG Fan, argue that the music fails to leave a lasting impression. Voice acting receives polarized reactions, with some praising its energy (e.g., But Why Tho?) but most criticizing its inconsistency or lack of depth. The game’s audio design is thus a mixed bag: impactful during action sequences but undermined by repetitive music and uneven vocal performances. Despite these issues, the core sound effects remain a strong suit, offering a tactile and immersive experience that aligns with the game’s fast-paced nature.

The voice acting in Outriders received mixed but notable praise from several critics, particularly highlighting moments of strong performance and localization quality. RPGamer praised the voice acting as “convincing and brings life to the characters and the world,” while Hobby Consolas and Vandal commended the high-quality Spanish dubbing, noting familiar AAA industry voices in the latter’s case. Press Start Australia found the protagonist’s voice “surprisingly funny and engaging,” adding a unique charm to the game. Additionally, some critics, like IGN France, suggested that the original language voice acting was superior to its French counterpart, which they deemed “only passable.” These positives indicate that while not universally exceptional, certain aspects of the voice work resonated well with reviewers. However, the majority of critiques focused on significant shortcomings in the voice acting, with many describing it as inconsistent, flat, or poorly delivered. COGconnected criticized the performances as “wooden,” while Gameblog.fr and GamesRadar+ noted that voice choices felt “inappropriate” or “hollow,” undermining the cinematic experience. Gaming Nexus and GRYOnline.pl called it “poor,” with God is a Geek and WellPlayed citing “clunky” and “shoddy” delivery that detracted from immersion. IGN highlighted the lead characters’ “flat” performances, and KeenGamer described the acting as “dreadful,” emphasizing stiff movements and lack of emotional depth. These criticisms often tied to broader issues with the game’s narrative and character development, suggesting that the voice work failed to elevate the story or connect players emotionally. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward disappointment, with most agreeing that the voice acting was a weak point in Outriders. While there were pockets of praise for specific performances or localized dubs—such as the Spanish version’s quality—these positives were overshadowed by widespread complaints about inconsistency, lack of charisma, and technical flaws. Critics like IGN, Gaming Nexus, and ZTGD emphasized that the voice acting undermined the game’s potential, with many noting it contributed to a “forgettable” or “low-budget” feel. Despite some standout moments, the majority viewed the voice work as a significant detractor from the overall experience, reflecting broader frustrations with the game’s execution.

The technical performance of Outriders across platforms showed mixed early experiences, with some positive notes for newer hardware. On Xbox Series X, critics like Gamer.nl noted that while launch issues persisted, the game performed well on newer consoles despite connectivity problems. Similarly, Generación Xbox highlighted stable performance with minimal frame drops once initial server issues were resolved, and SomosXbox reported no significant technical problems in their review, suggesting a polished experience for some users. On PS5, Everyeye.it praised decent performance on next-gen consoles, though frame rate stability was an issue on the Series S. For PC, while many criticized launch-day instability, PC Gamer acknowledged that stability improved over time, and Wccftech noted that peer-to-peer network issues were mitigated with patches. These positives indicate that newer hardware and post-launch updates helped mitigate some technical hurdles. However, the game faced widespread technical challenges across all platforms, particularly at launch. Xbox Series X users encountered server instability, crashes, and matchmaking issues, as highlighted by Xbox Achievements, Power Unlimited, and TrueAchievements. On PS5, critics like GameSpot, JeuxActu, and Trusted Reviews emphasized persistent server outages, broken matchmaking, and frequent crashes, especially in multiplayer. PC players faced stuttering (per GameGrin), inventory wipes (PC Games), and a problematic peer-to-peer setup (Wccftech). Older consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One struggled more, with Jeuxvideo.com noting crashes and long load times. Even on newer hardware, issues like microfreezes (IGN France) and inventory-wipe bugs (Gaming Nexus) lingered, underscoring a lack of polish at launch. The overall consensus among critics is that Outriders suffered from significant technical flaws at launch, particularly in online multiplayer, but saw gradual improvements over time. While Xbox Series X and PS5 users experienced platform-specific issues like server instability and frame drops, many acknowledged that post-launch patches addressed some problems. The PC version faced unique challenges with network architecture and performance optimization, though stability improved. Despite these efforts, the game’s reliance on constant online connectivity and its live-service model exacerbated frustrations, as noted by PC Gamer and PlaySense. While a few critics, like SomosXbox, reported smooth experiences, the majority agreed that technical issues marred the initial release, with ongoing concerns about polish and optimization across all platforms.

The overall sentiment toward Outriders’ replay value is mixed, with several critics highlighting its potential through engaging systems like class diversity, cooperative play, and endgame content. Positive reviews emphasize the game’s World Tier system, which allows players to revisit missions at higher difficulties for better loot, and the variety of character classes that encourage experimentation. For instance, IGN France and GameSpot praise the game’s ability to reward players with scalable challenges and meaningful endgame content, while RPG Fan notes that the loot system and class choices enhance replayability. Additionally, Game Informer and Forbes highlight the game’s potential for hundreds of hours through multiple character builds and cooperative modes, suggesting that dedicated players can find long-term engagement. The Expeditions mechanic, which offers multiplayer-focused challenges with better rewards, is also frequently cited as a positive aspect by critics like TheSixthAxis and Jeuxvideo.com. However, the negatives are equally prominent, with many reviewers criticizing the game’s repetitive structure and lack of variety in post-campaign content. Critics such as Games.cz, VGC, and Power Unlimited argue that the loot grind feels unnecessary and frustrating, while Xbox Achievements and IGN Japan point to a lack of engaging content beyond the main story. The endgame is frequently described as monotonous, with XboxAddict and Meristation noting that missions become tiresome due to repetitive combat scenarios and limited innovation. Additionally, Riot Pixels and TierraGamer highlight the absence of social hubs or daily missions, which could have sustained long-term interest. Even though some critics like Vandal acknowledge the appeal of adjustable difficulty levels, others, such as JeuxActu, suggest that the game’s lack of gameplay variety ultimately limits its replayability. The overall consensus among critics is divided, with a clear split between those who see potential in Outriders’ systems and those who find them insufficient to overcome repetitive design flaws. While titles like Game Informer and Forbes celebrate the game’s depth and flexibility for returning players, others such as Games.cz and VGC argue that the lack of compelling post-campaign content diminishes its appeal. The game’s replay value seems to hinge on individual preferences: players who enjoy loot-driven progression and cooperative play may find it rewarding, while those seeking narrative variety or unique challenges might feel underwhelmed. As noted by Critical Hit and ZTGD, the World Tiers system offers some longevity, but many critics agree that the game’s linear structure and repetitive mechanics ultimately restrict its ability to sustain long-term engagement.