Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Steam

Epic

Twitch

MONSTER

The Outlast Trials

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Outlast Trials
Item: The Outlast Trials
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Horror, Mystery, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableMar 5, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperRed Barrels

Overview

The Outlast Trials is a survival horror game you can play by yourself or with other players online. You'll have to survive the twisted, sadistic and bizarre experiments of the Murkoff Corporation, alone or in a group up to 4 players.

Elsewhere

8.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses with its Cold War backdrop and cooperative gameplay, but critics agree that its narrative falls flat. While the premise is intriguing, it lacks depth and cohesion, ultimately serving as a vehicle for gameplay rather than a rich storytelling experience. The chilling atmosphere and innovative elements are overshadowed by underdeveloped characters and repetitive gameplay, leading to a disappointing overall reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of The Outlast Trials has garnered some praise from critics, particularly for its intriguing setting and premise. Many reviewers, such as KeenGamer and TheXboxHub, highlight the game's backdrop during the Cold War, where players are subjected to horrifying experiments by the Murkoff Corporation. This historical context adds a layer of depth that some critics find engaging, as it taps into real-world fears surrounding unethical scientific practices. Additionally, the cooperative multiplayer aspect, noted by GamersRD and IGN Italia, is seen as a fresh direction for the series, allowing players to work together to navigate the trials and challenges presented in the game. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming appreciate the concept of trials that players must complete, suggesting a potential for deeper narrative exploration. However, the consensus among many reviewers is that the story lacks substantial depth and cohesion. Critics such as COGconnected and Pure Xbox emphasize that while the premise is compelling, the narrative ultimately serves as a mere vehicle to propel the gameplay rather than offering a rich storytelling experience. IGN and DarkZero echo this sentiment, noting that the game is more focused on gameplay mechanics than on delivering a meaningful plot. The narrative's vagueness, as pointed out by Movies Games and Tech, detracts from the overall experience, leaving players wanting more context and character development. Critics like SomosXbox and Eurogamer Germany also mention that the characters feel underdeveloped, contributing to a sense of disconnection from the story. Overall, the critics seem to agree that while The Outlast Trials presents a fascinating premise set against a dark historical backdrop, it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling narrative. The emphasis on gameplay over storytelling has led to a mixed reception, with many reviewers feeling that the game lacks the depth necessary to engage players on a narrative level. The cooperative elements and the chilling atmosphere are praised, but as noted by critics like BaziCenter and New Game Network, the repetitive gameplay and weak story detract from the potential impact of the game's themes. Thus, while there are elements of intrigue and innovation, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment regarding the story's execution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses with its cooperative gameplay and fresh features like the psychosis bar, keeping fans engaged with familiar mechanics. However, critics flag issues like repetitive trials, limited objectives, and predictable AI, making solo play feel dull. While teamwork shines, the lack of depth and variety could deter long-term interest, leaving players craving more from the experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Outlast Trials has garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, particularly highlighting its strong emphasis on teamwork and cooperative mechanics. Reviewers from COGconnected and MondoXbox praised the survival puzzle elements that require players to work together to navigate traps and complete objectives, which enhances the overall tension and excitement of the experience. The introduction of new gameplay features, such as the psychosis bar mechanic and character customization options, has also been well-received, as noted by KeenGamer and Checkpoint Gaming. The game's ability to maintain key elements from the original series, such as the first-person perspective, hiding mechanics, and the use of night vision goggles, has been recognized by GamersRD and Everyeye.it, contributing to a familiar yet fresh experience for fans of the franchise. However, several critics have pointed out significant drawbacks that detract from the gameplay experience. A recurring theme in the reviews is the repetitiveness of the trials and the limited variety of objectives, which have been criticized by IGN and Multiplayer.it. Critics like Pure Xbox and The Jimquisition noted that the gameplay loop can become dull and unsatisfying, particularly in single-player mode, where the lack of meaningful scares and engaging content can lead to a tedious experience. Additionally, some reviewers, including BaziCenter and New Game Network, expressed concerns about predictable AI behavior and overused mechanics, which further contribute to a sense of monotony in the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while The Outlast Trials offers a solid foundation for cooperative gameplay and retains essential elements of the series, it suffers from issues related to repetitiveness and a lack of depth in objectives. The cooperative aspect is often highlighted as a significant strength, enhancing the fun and engagement of the gameplay, as seen in the opinions of GameOver.gr and Movies Games and Tech. However, the criticisms regarding limited content and the potential for the gameplay to feel tedious suggest that the game may struggle to maintain long-term interest among players. As a result, while The Outlast Trials has the potential for an engaging multiplayer experience, its execution may leave some players wanting more in terms of variety and depth.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Outlast Trials is a visual triumph, earning rave reviews for its stunning environments, detailed character models, and immersive horror aesthetics. Critics highlight impressive lighting and polished performance, particularly on Xbox Series X. However, some note shortcomings in enemy design and repetitive assets that could undermine originality. Overall, the game is celebrated for its chilling visuals, solidifying its place in the horror genre despite minor critiques.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

81%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Outlast Trials is overwhelmingly positive among critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its beautifully designed environments and unsettling imagery. COGconnected highlighted the "beautifully designed and executed environments," while GamersRD noted the "detailed character models and disturbing environments" that contribute to a constant sense of unease. Critics like Pure Xbox and TheXboxHub emphasized the impressive lighting effects and immersive world design, which effectively capture the essence of horror. The game’s technical performance was also commended, with IGN pointing out the "impressively polished environments" and minimal frame drops, showcasing the capabilities of the Xbox Series X. Overall, the visuals are described as a significant step up from previous entries in the series, enhancing the horror experience through detailed graphics and atmospheric settings. Despite the general acclaim, some critics pointed out a few shortcomings. For instance, SomosXbox mentioned that while the visual design is impressive, it "falls short in creating memorable enemies." Push Square noted some repetitiveness in asset usage, such as mannequins and cardboard cutouts, which could detract from the overall visual experience. Additionally, IGN Italia raised concerns about input cleanliness affecting gameplay precision, which could impact the immersive experience that the visuals aim to create. While the graphics are largely praised, these critiques suggest that there are areas where the game could improve in terms of originality and consistency. In summary, the consensus among critics is that The Outlast Trials excels in its graphics and visual design, creating an immersive and chilling atmosphere that enhances the horror experience. The majority of reviewers, including Hobby Consolas and Movies Games and Tech, celebrated the game's stunning visuals and attention to detail, indicating that it successfully capitalizes on the capabilities of modern gaming hardware. While there are minor criticisms regarding asset repetition and enemy design, these do not significantly overshadow the overall positive reception of the game's visual presentation. The critics agree that the graphics contribute substantially to the game's ability to evoke fear and tension, solidifying The Outlast Trials as a visually impressive addition to the horror genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Outlast Trials boasts impressive sound design and music that heighten the horror experience, with praise for Tom Salta's score and immersive audio cues. Critics commend the chilling voice acting and effective use of silence, enhancing tension. However, some voice acting becomes repetitive, and technical issues like sound cut-offs detract from immersion. Overall, the audio elements are a standout feature, significantly enriching the game's terrifying atmosphere, but there’s room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of The Outlast Trials have garnered a largely positive reception among critics, who praise its ability to enhance the horror experience significantly. COGconnected highlights the musical score by Tom Salta, noting how it amplifies the terror, while GamersRD emphasizes the effectiveness of terrifying enemy sounds and well-executed voice acting. Critics like MondoXbox and Player 2 also commend the directional audio and immersive audio cues, which contribute to the overall tension and fear during gameplay. Movies Games and Tech further praises the top-notch sound design, specifically mentioning the chilling voice acting for enemies and the effective use of silence to build suspense. Overall, the consensus is that the audio elements play a crucial role in crafting a deeply immersive horror atmosphere. However, some criticisms do arise regarding certain aspects of the sound design. IGN points out that while the audio complements the gameplay, the voice acting of specific antagonists can become repetitive and annoying, detracting from the overall experience. SomosXbox feels that the sound design lacks impact, despite the game's effective gore and atmosphere. Additionally, New Game Network raises concerns about technical issues, such as abrupt sound cut-offs and challenges in pinpointing enemy locations, which can disrupt the immersive experience. These critiques suggest that while the sound design is generally strong, there are areas that could benefit from refinement. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that The Outlast Trials excels in sound design and music, effectively enhancing the horror atmosphere and gameplay experience. The majority of reviewers, including Hobby Consolas and IGN Italia, appreciate the immersive audio effects and the menacing soundtrack that contribute to the game's tension. However, the criticisms regarding repetitiveness in voice acting and technical sound issues indicate that there is still room for improvement. Overall, the sound design is a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's chilling and immersive experience, making it a noteworthy aspect of The Outlast Trials.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Outlast Trials performs well across platforms, with Xbox Series X and PS5 receiving praise for smooth gameplay, but both have issues—Xbox's AI and PS5's bugs/load times. The PC version is stable but struggles with multiplayer loading times and audio issues. Overall, while the technical performance is solid, critics agree that improvements are needed for a better gaming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech 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 technical performance.

The technical performance of The Outlast Trials has garnered a largely positive reception across different gaming platforms. On the Xbox Series X, critics like IGN and MondoXbox have praised the game for its smooth performance, consistently running at 60 FPS with minimal bugs. Player 2 also noted the absence of any technical issues, reinforcing the idea of a stable gameplay experience on this platform. Similarly, on the PlayStation 5, Everyeye.it commended the game's smooth performance, while GameOver.gr acknowledged minor bugs but emphasized that no significant technical issues were reported. The PC version, as reviewed by IGN and Hooked Gamers, also showcased solid performance, with IGN highlighting impressive stability and minimal bugs, although some concerns were raised regarding communication tools. Despite the overall positive impressions, there are notable negatives that critics have pointed out. For Xbox Series X, XboxEra mentioned potential issues with AI performance, hinting at possible technical shortcomings that could affect gameplay. On the PlayStation 5, IGN Italia raised concerns about bugs and input problems that could disrupt gameplay precision, particularly during intense moments. MeuPlayStation highlighted long loading times due to network connectivity issues, which could detract from the overall experience. On PC, while the framerate is generally good, New Game Network pointed out occasional long loading times during multiplayer sessions and issues with audio propagation, which could impact immersion. The overall consensus among critics indicates that while The Outlast Trials performs well on multiple platforms, there are varying degrees of technical issues that need addressing. Xbox Series X reviews collectively suggest a strong performance, although AI concerns may need attention. The PlayStation 5 version shows promise but is marred by bugs and loading times that could hinder player experience. The PC version, while stable, suffers from specific technical performance concerns related to multiplayer functionality. Thus, while the game demonstrates commendable technical aspects across platforms, critics agree that improvements are necessary to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Outlast Trials garners mixed reviews on replay value. Critics praise character customization, cooperative gameplay, and cross-play features for enhancing engagement. However, the repetitive missions and limited stages frustrate many, leading to concerns about long-term replayability. While some find enjoyment in multiplayer dynamics, others lament the lack of content variety. There's optimism for future updates to improve the experience, but current limitations are apparent.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Outlast Trials reveal several positive aspects that critics have highlighted. Many reviewers appreciate the character customization options, which allow players to tailor their experience and enhance engagement. COGconnected notes that randomized loot and weekly challenges contribute to replayability, while Player 2 emphasizes the appeal of varied trials and character upgrades. The cooperative gameplay aspect is frequently mentioned as a significant enhancement to the experience; GamersRD and TheXboxHub both underscore how teamwork and shared objectives can create a more chaotic and enjoyable atmosphere. Additionally, the game’s cross-play functionality, as mentioned by Hobby Consolas, is seen as a valuable feature that broadens the player base and keeps the community active. However, the criticisms surrounding the game’s replay value are pronounced and often center on the repetitive nature of the gameplay. IGN and MondoXbox point out that the limited number of stages can lead to a sense of staleness and frustration, particularly for solo players. Critics like Multiplayer.it and MeuPlayStation echo this sentiment, arguing that the repetitive missions hinder the overall experience and fail to provide sufficient incentives for players to return. The consensus that the game struggles with content variety is further reinforced by BaziCenter and Hooked Gamers, who highlight the limited engagement potential after a few playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics is a mixed one, with a clear divide between the enjoyment derived from cooperative play and the drawbacks of repetitive gameplay. While many reviewers, such as Push Square and KeenGamer, find value in the game's progression systems and multiplayer dynamics, others like The Jimquisition and Eurogamer Germany express concerns about its long-term replayability due to linear progression and lack of diverse missions. The potential for future updates and content expansion is a common hopeful note among critics, suggesting that while the game currently has limitations, there is optimism for improvement that could enhance its replay value in the long run.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

49%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

49%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The Outlast Trials has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, particularly for its cooperative gameplay mechanics and terrifying atmosphere. Reviewers like COGconnected and GamersRD highlight the game's fun group dynamics and visually disturbing elements, emphasizing the intense horror experience it provides, especially when played with friends. The level design is praised for its excellence, contributing to the immersive and strategic challenges that enhance the multiplayer experience. Critics such as Player 2 and Movies Games and Tech laud the game for its engaging and gory horror elements, with the latter even calling it a masterpiece in blending cooperative gameplay with the iconic horror of the series. The game's visuals and sound design have also been consistently recognized as standout features, adding to the overall chilling ambiance. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers point out significant drawbacks, particularly regarding its lack of content and repetitive gameplay, especially for solo players. IGN notes the absence of a compelling story and limited levels, which may detract from long-term enjoyment. Critics like Multiplayer.it and New Game Network echo these sentiments, labeling the game a missed opportunity due to its lack of originality and engaging gameplay outside of cooperative play. Additionally, technical issues, such as input problems and AI inconsistencies, have been mentioned by IGN Italia and The Jimquisition, suggesting that while the game excels in certain areas, it still has room for improvement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Outlast Trials successfully innovates within the franchise by shifting focus to cooperative gameplay, providing a unique and terrifying experience for players who enjoy multiplayer horror. While many reviewers, such as Checkpoint Gaming and GameOver.gr, appreciate the thrilling cooperative elements, they also caution that the game may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer single-player experiences. Critics like Pure Xbox and SomosXbox emphasize that while the game offers a solid foundation, it lacks the essence that made the original Outlast titles stand out. Thus, while The Outlast Trials is recommended for horror fans seeking multiplayer fun, its limitations in content and narrative depth may hinder its appeal to a broader audience.

TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses with its chilling atmosphere and fun cooperative gameplay, earning praise for its level design and gore. However, critics highlight significant drawbacks like repetitive gameplay, lack of content, and technical issues, particularly for solo players. While it's a thrilling multiplayer horror experience, it may disappoint those seeking a strong narrative or single-player depth. Recommended for horror fans, but be aware of its limitations.

MONSTER

Reviews

90 reviews found

Movies Games and Tech

PlayStation 5

Jun 13, 2024

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

The Outlast Trials is a masterpiece in blending cooperative gameplay with the iconic horror of the series. It offers exhilarating and terrifying gameplay moments, unforgettable characters and enemies, stunning visuals, and top-notch sound design. The game's balance between story and gameplay, along with its presentation and design, make it a must-play for horror fans.

Read full review

Checkpoint Gaming

PlayStation 5

Mar 8, 2024

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

The Outlast Trials provides a brutally fresh twist to the franchise, offering a seamless cooperative horror experience that is both horrifying and fun to survive together. Solo play may be more tedious, but the matchmaking system helps alleviate this issue, with more content on the way to keep players engaged.

Read full review

KeenGamer

PlayStation 5

Oct 8, 2024

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

The Outlast Trials delivers a unique co-op horror experience with a disturbing story, engaging gameplay, impressive visuals, and immersive sound design. It is recommended for players seeking a different multiplayer horror experience.

Read full review

Player 2

Xbox Series X

Apr 5, 2024

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

The Outlast Trials provides an intense and gory horror experience that is well-balanced, engaging, and offers a unique gameplay experience that horror fans should definitely consider trying, with potential for long-term enjoyment and replayability.

Read full review

SomosXbox

Xbox Series X

Mar 4, 2024

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

A solid cooperative horror game but lacks the essence that made Outlast stand out in the genre.

MeuPlayStation

PlayStation 5

Mar 17, 2024

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

Recommended for horror fans looking for a thrilling cooperative gameplay experience with a fair in-game monetization system and regular content updates.

Read full review

GamersRD

Xbox Series X

Mar 4, 2024

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

The Outlast Trials delivers a surprising cooperative survival horror experience, maintaining series gameplay elements while elevating them. Visually disturbing and strategically challenging, especially in multiplayer.

Read full review

GameSkinny

Mar 7, 2024

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

The Outlast Trials is recommended as a solid experience for fans of Outlast and horror games, offering a terrifying gameplay that can be completed in about four hours with potential for growth.

Read full review

COGconnected

Xbox Series X

Mar 19, 2024

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

The Outlast Trials offers fun group mechanics, excellent level design, and a terrifying experience. It may be too extreme for some players and lacks variety for solo play, but has a strong foundation that could benefit from additional content in the future.

Read full review

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Mar 18, 2024

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

The Outlast Trials delivers a visually and atmospherically captivating horror experience, with a unique multiplayer approach that may not be as satisfying story-wise as previous titles but excels in creating a terrifying cooperative gameplay experience.

Read full review