74
MONSTER
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.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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73
The Outlast Trials impresses with its Cold War setting and cooperative multiplayer gameplay, offering a dark narrative involving the Murkoff Corporation. However, critics argue that the story lacks depth and meaningful development, serving more as a backdrop for gameplay than a compelling narrative. While the environment and mechanics engage players, many feel the game falls short for those seeking a rich story experience, ultimately prioritizing gameplay over narrative substance.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
62%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
35%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
The Outlast Trials impresses with its Cold War setting and cooperative multiplayer gameplay, offering a dark narrative involving the Murkoff Corporation. However, critics argue that the story lacks depth and meaningful development, serving more as a backdrop for gameplay than a compelling narrative. While the environment and mechanics engage players, many feel the game falls short for those seeking a rich story experience, ultimately prioritizing gameplay over narrative substance.
Gameplay Mechanics
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73
The Outlast Trials shines with cooperative gameplay and survival mechanics, earning praise for its tense teamwork and new elements like the psychosis bar. However, it suffers from repetition and lackluster objectives, leading to a predictable experience that diminishes its horror impact. Critics appreciate the familiar elements but warn that the game's repetitiveness may hinder long-term enjoyment, leaving players craving more innovation to match the original Outlast's legacy.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
46%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
46%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
7%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
The Outlast Trials shines with cooperative gameplay and survival mechanics, earning praise for its tense teamwork and new elements like the psychosis bar. However, it suffers from repetition and lackluster objectives, leading to a predictable experience that diminishes its horror impact. Critics appreciate the familiar elements but warn that the game's repetitiveness may hinder long-term enjoyment, leaving players craving more innovation to match the original Outlast's legacy.
Graphics and Visual Design
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82
The Outlast Trials boasts stunning graphics and a chilling visual design, lauded for its detailed environments and immersive horror elements. Critics praise its artistic fidelity and atmosphere, although some note issues with gameplay precision and repetitive asset design. Overall, the visuals are a standout feature, significantly enhancing the terrifying experience, marking a strong improvement over previous titles in the series.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
82
Positive Reviews (80-100)
81%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
19%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
The Outlast Trials boasts stunning graphics and a chilling visual design, lauded for its detailed environments and immersive horror elements. Critics praise its artistic fidelity and atmosphere, although some note issues with gameplay precision and repetitive asset design. Overall, the visuals are a standout feature, significantly enhancing the terrifying experience, marking a strong improvement over previous titles in the series.
Music and Sound Design
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78
The Outlast Trials boasts outstanding sound design and music that critics praise for amplifying the horror experience. Tom Salta's score and chilling audio cues heighten tension, making it a standout feature. However, some criticism arises over repetitive voice acting and sound clarity issues, with a few reviewers noting inconsistencies. Despite these drawbacks, the overwhelming feedback highlights the audio as a major strength, crucial for an immersive gameplay experience. Headphones are recommended for the full effect.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
79%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
21%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
The Outlast Trials boasts outstanding sound design and music that critics praise for amplifying the horror experience. Tom Salta's score and chilling audio cues heighten tension, making it a standout feature. However, some criticism arises over repetitive voice acting and sound clarity issues, with a few reviewers noting inconsistencies. Despite these drawbacks, the overwhelming feedback highlights the audio as a major strength, crucial for an immersive gameplay experience. Headphones are recommended for the full effect.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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68
The Outlast Trials shines on Xbox Series X with smooth 60 FPS and minimal bugs, earning mostly positive praise. However, the PS5 version struggles with significant bugs and long load times, leading to a less consistent experience. PC gamers report good framerate but face issues with communication tools and audio. While the game has a solid foundation, it needs improvements on PS5 and PC to fully realize its potential.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
68
Positive Reviews (80-100)
33%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
58%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
8%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
The Outlast Trials shines on Xbox Series X with smooth 60 FPS and minimal bugs, earning mostly positive praise. However, the PS5 version struggles with significant bugs and long load times, leading to a less consistent experience. PC gamers report good framerate but face issues with communication tools and audio. While the game has a solid foundation, it needs improvements on PS5 and PC to fully realize its potential.
Replay Value
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65
The Outlast Trials boasts solid replay value with character customization, cooperative gameplay, and weekly challenges, keeping players engaged. However, critics warn of repetitive missions and environments that could frustrate and limit long-term interest. While it’s great for fans of cooperative horror, players seeking variety may find it lacking. Post-launch support could be key to addressing these concerns.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
65
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.
TL;DR
replay value
The Outlast Trials boasts solid replay value with character customization, cooperative gameplay, and weekly challenges, keeping players engaged. However, critics warn of repetitive missions and environments that could frustrate and limit long-term interest. While it’s great for fans of cooperative horror, players seeking variety may find it lacking. Post-launch support could be key to addressing these concerns.
Overall Verdict
74
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
74
Positive Reviews (80-100)
49%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
48%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
The Outlast Trials shines with its fun cooperative gameplay and stunning visuals, earning praise for intense horror experiences best enjoyed with friends. However, it suffers from repetitive gameplay, lackluster storytelling, and limited levels that may deter solo players. Critics see potential for improvement through future updates but note it may not live up to its predecessors’ legacy. Overall, it’s a solid, thrilling ride for horror fans willing to team up.
74
MONSTER
Reviews
91 reviews found90
Movies Games and Tech
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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85
Checkpoint Gaming
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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85
KeenGamer
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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83
Player 2
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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83
SomosXbox
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.
82
MeuPlayStation
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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80
GamersRD
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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80
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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80
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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80
TheXboxHub
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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