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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

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5

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

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses with its Cold War setting and chilling multiplayer survival mechanics, but critics slam its weak, shallow story. While the sinister backdrop intrigues, many feel the narrative is just a vehicle for gameplay, lacking depth and coherence. Ultimately, it creates an eerie atmosphere but fails to deliver a compelling horror experience due to its narrative flaws.

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 reviews for the story of The Outlast Trials highlight several positive aspects that resonate well with critics. Many reviewers appreciate the game's setting during the Cold War and its connection to the Murkoff Corporation's sinister experiments, which adds a layer of historical intrigue. For instance, KeenGamer mentions the "disturbing and intriguing story" and the emphasis on escaping the trials, while TheXboxHub notes the "twisted and dark narrative" surrounding homeless individuals lured into horrifying experiments. Furthermore, the cooperative multiplayer element introduced in the game has been praised for enhancing the gameplay experience, as highlighted by GamersRD, who points out the unique dynamic of players working together to survive the challenges posed by the Murkoff Corporation. However, a significant number of critics express dissatisfaction with the depth and coherence of the story. Many reviews, including those from IGN and Pure Xbox, criticize the narrative for being weak and lacking meaningful plot development. IGN specifically mentions that the game relies more on gameplay than storytelling, with minimal lore provided through scattered documents and cutscenes. Critics like COGconnected and SomosXbox echo this sentiment, stating that the story serves primarily as a vehicle for gameplay rather than as a compelling narrative in its own right. This sentiment is further reinforced by Eurogamer Germany, who notes that the limited storytelling may not appeal to solo players, indicating a potential disconnect for those seeking a richer narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Outlast Trials presents a captivating premise set against a chilling historical backdrop, it ultimately falters in delivering a robust and engaging story. The emphasis on gameplay over narrative depth has left many reviewers feeling that the story is merely a means to facilitate the gameplay loop rather than an integral part of the experience. Critics like DarkZero and New Game Network highlight this issue, pointing out that the game lacks a central story and depth, focusing instead on repetitive gameplay mechanics. In conclusion, while the game succeeds in creating an eerie atmosphere and engaging multiplayer dynamics, its narrative shortcomings prevent it from fully realizing its potential as a compelling horror experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Outlast Trials delivers intense cooperative gameplay with strong survival mechanics and a tense atmosphere, praised for its teamwork and puzzle elements. However, critics flag issues of repetition and shallow objectives, leading to a dull experience, especially in single-player mode. While the cooperative aspect enhances the fun, the game risks becoming tedious due to predictable enemy behavior and a lack of variety. It’s a fresh spin on the franchise, but may fall short of fans' high expectations.

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 mix of praise, particularly for its strong emphasis on cooperative mechanics and survival elements. Critics like COGconnected and MondoXbox highlight the game's strong survival puzzle mechanics, teamwork elements, and the relentless nature of enemies, which contributes to a tense atmosphere. The incorporation of night vision goggles, psychosis mechanics, and various items for survival, as noted by GamersRD and XboxEra, adds depth to the gameplay experience. Additionally, the cooperative multiplayer aspect is frequently mentioned as a significant enhancement, with reviewers such as KeenGamer and Checkpoint Gaming emphasizing the fun factor and strategic collaboration required to complete trials together. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers, including IGN and Multiplayer.it, point out issues with repetition and a lack of depth in objectives, leading to a potentially diminishing excitement over time. The gameplay loop has been described as dull and unsatisfying, particularly in single-player modes, as noted by Pure Xbox. Critics like The Jimquisition and New Game Network also echo concerns about the limited variety in tasks and the predictability of enemy behavior, which can detract from the overall tension and engagement that the game aims to deliver. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Outlast Trials successfully builds on the franchise's core mechanics and introduces engaging cooperative gameplay, it struggles with repetitive elements and a lack of depth in its objectives. The cooperative experience is frequently praised, yet many critics caution that the gameplay can become tedious over time due to its reliance on familiar mechanics and limited enemy variety. As such, while the game offers a fresh take on the Outlast formula, it may not fully capture the unique essence that fans of the series have come to expect.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses with stunning graphics and immersive visual design, earning praise for its chilling atmosphere, detailed environments, and smooth gameplay on consoles. While some critics noted flaws like repetitive enemy designs and minor technical issues, the overall consensus is that the game delivers a high-quality horror experience that captivates players.

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, as many critics praised the game's ability to create a chilling and immersive atmosphere. Reviewers from COGconnected and GamersRD highlighted the beautifully designed environments and unsettling imagery, noting the detailed character models and disturbing settings that contribute to a constant sense of unease. Critics like Pure Xbox and TheXboxHub emphasized the impressive lighting effects and atmospheric world design, which effectively capture the essence of horror. Additionally, the game's technical performance on both Xbox Series X and PS5 was commended, with IGN noting minimal dropped frames and smooth gameplay, while MondoXbox pointed out the impressive visuals running at 60 FPS. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics did point out a few shortcomings. For instance, SomosXbox mentioned a lack of memorable enemy designs, suggesting that while the environments are impressive, the enemies may not leave a lasting impression. Push Square and SpazioGames raised concerns about repetitiveness in asset designs, such as mannequins and cardboard cutouts, which could detract from the overall visual experience. Moreover, IGN Italia noted issues with input cleanliness that impacted gameplay precision, hinting at some technical flaws that could affect immersion. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that The Outlast Trials excels in its graphics and visual design, successfully creating a horrifying atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience. The majority of reviewers, including Hobby Consolas and Movies Games and Tech, praised the game's stunning visuals and level design, which contribute to its intense horror elements. While there are minor criticisms regarding repetitiveness and enemy design, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game delivers a high-quality visual experience that meets and often exceeds expectations for a horror title.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses critics with its horror-enhancing sound design and music, particularly Tom Salta's score and immersive audio cues that amplify tension. While many praise the chilling voice acting and strategic silence, some reviewers highlight flaws like repetitive voice lines and abrupt sound cuts that can impact immersion. Overall, the audio significantly contributes to a terrifying experience, but there are areas 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 generally positive reception among critics, highlighting the game's ability to enhance the horror experience through audio. Critics such as COGconnected praise Tom Salta's musical score for amplifying terror, while GamersRD emphasizes the effectiveness of enemy sounds and well-executed voice acting. MondoXbox and Player 2 also commend the directional audio and immersive audio cues that contribute to the game's tense atmosphere. Movies Games and Tech further note the chilling impact of the voice acting for enemies and the strategic use of silence, which collectively intensify the horror experience during gameplay. Overall, the sound design is seen as a critical component that complements the game's visuals and gameplay mechanics. However, some reviewers have pointed out shortcomings in the sound design. IGN criticizes the repetitiveness of certain voice acting, particularly that of the antagonist Mother Gooseberry, which detracts from the overall immersion. Similarly, SomosXbox feels the sound design lacks impact, despite acknowledging the effective gore and atmosphere. New Game Network raises concerns about abrupt sound cuts and difficulties in pinpointing enemy locations, suggesting that while the audio design has its strengths, it also has notable flaws that can hinder the player's experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Outlast Trials excels in creating an immersive and terrifying atmosphere through its sound design and music, despite some inconsistencies. While many reviewers, such as KeenGamer and The Jimquisition, highlight the importance of audio in enhancing gameplay and atmosphere, others like IGN and SomosXbox point out areas for improvement. The game successfully uses sound to build tension and fear, making it a compelling horror experience, though it may benefit from refinements in specific areas of its audio execution.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Outlast Trials shines on Xbox Series X, delivering a smooth 60 FPS and minimal bugs, earning high praise from critics. However, the PS5 version is hit-or-miss, with some noting bugs and loading issues that may dampen the experience. PC gameplay also faces inconsistencies, with good framerates but problems with audio and loading times. Overall, expect a solid experience on Xbox, but tread carefully on PS5 and PC.

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 generally positive feedback from critics across various platforms. On the Xbox Series X, reviewers such as IGN and MondoXbox praised the game for its smooth operation, reporting a stable 60 FPS and minimal bugs, which indicates a commendable level of technical excellence. Player 2 also noted the absence of performance concerns, reinforcing the idea of a reliable gameplay experience on this console. Furthermore, Multiplayer.it highlighted strong technical aspects, albeit without specific details, suggesting an overall solid performance on the Xbox platform. However, the PlayStation 5 version has received a more mixed response. While Everyeye.it commended the smooth performance on next-gen consoles, IGN Italia pointed out bugs and input issues that affect gameplay precision, particularly during intense moments. MeuPlayStation raised concerns about long loading times due to network connectivity problems, which could detract from the overall experience. GameOver.gr mentioned minor bugs, but did not find them significant enough to overshadow the gameplay. This indicates that while the PS5 version has its strengths, it also faces notable technical hurdles that could impact player satisfaction. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that The Outlast Trials performs well on Xbox Series X, with a majority of reviewers reporting a smooth and stable experience. In contrast, the PS5 version presents a more divided opinion, with some critics acknowledging smooth operation while others highlight significant bugs and performance issues. On PC, while Hooked Gamers noted issues with communication tools, New Game Network pointed out good framerates but also mentioned long loading times and audio problems. This disparity across platforms indicates that while the game excels technically in certain areas, it struggles with consistency and performance on others, suggesting that players may have varying experiences depending on their chosen platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Outlast Trials garners mixed reviews on replay value. While features like character customization, weekly challenges, and cooperative gameplay are praised for keeping players engaged, critics highlight a repetitive mission design that undermines long-term appeal. Concerns about staleness, particularly in single-player mode, suggest that despite its potential, the game’s limited content may hinder sustained player interest. Future updates could help, but for now, its replay value remains in question.

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 overall sentiment regarding the replay value of The Outlast Trials is mixed, with several critics highlighting positive aspects that contribute to its longevity. Reviewers such as COGconnected and Player 2 appreciate the character customization, randomized loot, and the introduction of weekly challenges, which serve as incentives for players to return to the game. GamersRD emphasizes the cooperative gameplay, noting that teamwork enhances the experience and adds replay value through unlockable customization options and abilities. Additionally, Hobby Consolas points out the importance of cross-play functionality and new challenges, which help maintain player engagement. Critics like XboxEra and Checkpoint Gaming also mention the varied trials and challenges that provide a fair amount of replay value, suggesting that the game has elements that encourage players to revisit it. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's repetitive nature, which they believe undermines its long-term appeal. IGN and MondoXbox specifically highlight the staleness that arises from running the same missions repeatedly, which can lead to player frustration, particularly in single-player mode. Multiplayer.it echoes this sentiment, stating that the repetitive gameplay can hinder cooperation and make solo play nearly unplayable. Critics such as MeuPlayStation and The Jimquisition further emphasize the limited replay value due to linear progression and a lack of diverse gameplay experiences, suggesting that while the game has potential, it may not sustain player interest over time. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while The Outlast Trials offers some engaging features that could enhance replay value—like cooperative gameplay, customization options, and weekly challenges—its repetitive missions and limited content significantly detract from its long-term sustainability. Critics like DarkZero and GameSkinny acknowledge the unique cooperative horror experience but caution that the current limitations may impact player retention. As the game evolves with potential updates and post-launch support, it remains to be seen whether these issues will be adequately addressed to improve the overall replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

49%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding The Outlast Trials is predominantly positive, particularly in terms of its cooperative gameplay and horror elements. Critics such as COGconnected and GamersRD highlight the game’s fun group mechanics and visually disturbing atmosphere, which elevate the survival horror experience. The level design is praised for its excellence, creating an engaging environment that enhances the terrifying experience, as noted by TheXboxHub and Player 2. Additionally, many reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and Movies Games and Tech, commend the game for its ability to blend cooperative gameplay with the iconic horror elements of the series, making it a thrilling experience, especially when played with friends. However, several reviewers point out significant drawbacks that may hinder the game’s long-term appeal. IGN and Multiplayer.it express concerns about the lack of a compelling story and repetitive gameplay, particularly in solo play, which can lead to a tedious experience. Critics like Pure Xbox and New Game Network emphasize that while the game has strong visuals, it falls short in delivering meaningful scares and engaging objectives, especially for players who prefer single-player modes. Additionally, some reviews mention technical issues, such as input problems and AI inconsistencies, which detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Outlast Trials offers a unique and enjoyable cooperative horror experience, but it is not without its flaws. While many reviewers, including GamersRD and KeenGamer, recommend the game for its thrilling multiplayer aspects and impressive visuals, others like IGN and Hooked Gamers caution that the lack of variety and engaging content may limit its replayability. The game is generally seen as a solid addition to the Outlast franchise, particularly for fans of cooperative play, but it may not fully satisfy those seeking the depth and narrative richness of its predecessors.

TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses with its cooperative gameplay and chilling atmosphere, praised for fun group mechanics and solid level design. Critics highlight its engaging multiplayer experience, but warn of significant drawbacks like a weak story, repetitive solo play, and technical issues. While it's a solid addition for fans of team-based horror, it may lack the depth and replayability some players desire.

MONSTER

Reviews

91 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Eurogamer Germany

Mar 6, 2024

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

Unique and intense stealth-action experience with a chilling horror environment. Cooperative gameplay provides memorable moments despite some repetitive elements in single-player mode.

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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.

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