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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

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses with its eerie Cold War setting and cooperative multiplayer gameplay, earning praise for its suspenseful atmosphere and teamwork dynamics. However, critics widely criticize its weak narrative and lackluster character development, deeming the story shallow and unsatisfying. While the game excels in gameplay, it ultimately leaves players wanting a more compelling plot, leading to a mixed 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 positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its setting and thematic elements. Many reviewers, such as COGconnected and TheXboxHub, appreciate the eerie atmosphere created by the Cold War backdrop and the sinister Murkoff Corporation's experiments. The game introduces players to a cooperative multiplayer experience, which is highlighted by GamersRD and IGN Italia, allowing up to four players to engage in survival challenges. This multiplayer aspect is noted as a fresh direction for the series, adding layers of strategy and teamwork to the gameplay, as emphasized by KeenGamer and MeuPlayStation. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming also mention that the game presents a unique concept of trials that players must navigate, creating a sense of suspense and horror. However, the majority of reviews point out significant weaknesses in the narrative depth and storytelling quality. Critics such as Pure Xbox and IGN have expressed disappointment in the game's lack of a meaningful plot, stating that it often feels like a mere vehicle to guide players through gameplay mechanics rather than a compelling story. Many reviews, including those from SomosXbox and DarkZero, highlight the characters and narrative as lacking depth and charisma, which detracts from the overall experience. The scattered lore and minimal context provided through documents and cutscenes, as noted by IGN, contribute to a sense of vagueness that leaves many players unsatisfied with the story's development. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Outlast Trials offers an engaging multiplayer experience and a chilling atmosphere, it ultimately falls short in delivering a substantial narrative. The game’s focus on gameplay over storytelling is a recurring theme, as seen in the opinions of BaziCenter and Eurogamer Germany, which may alienate players seeking a rich narrative experience. While some critics appreciate the game's unique premise and cooperative elements, the general sentiment leans towards disappointment in the story's execution, resulting in a mixed reception that emphasizes gameplay over plot.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses with its cooperative gameplay and survival mechanics, drawing praise for teamwork and smart enemies. Critics highlight its strong puzzle elements and the thrill of working together, maintaining the series' signature first-person perspective. However, issues like repetitive gameplay, limited enemy variety, and predictable AI detract from the experience, leading to concerns about long-term engagement. While the game shines in cooperation, it needs refinement to combat its dullness and enhance depth.

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 variety of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its cooperative elements and survival mechanics. Reviewers like COGconnected and MondoXbox highlight the strong survival puzzle mechanics that encourage teamwork, with COGconnected praising the smart and relentless enemies that enhance tension. Critics such as GamersRD and XboxEra emphasize the retention of key gameplay elements from the original series, such as the first-person perspective and the inability to attack, which create a unique survival experience. The cooperative gameplay is frequently cited as a major strength, with KeenGamer and Checkpoint Gaming noting that playing with others significantly enhances the fun factor and strategic depth, making the trials more engaging and challenging. However, several critics have pointed out notable drawbacks in the gameplay experience. IGN and Multiplayer.it criticize the game for its repetitive nature and limited enemy variety, suggesting that this could lead to diminishing excitement over time. Pure Xbox goes further to describe the core gameplay loop as dull and unsatisfying, especially in single-player mode, where the lack of meaningful scares and reliance on mundane tasks detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, critics like The Jimquisition and BaziCenter mention the limited variety in objectives and predictable AI behavior, which can make the gameplay feel stale and unbalanced. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while The Outlast Trials successfully incorporates cooperative gameplay and maintains the series' signature survival mechanics, it struggles with repetition and a lack of depth in its objectives. Reviewers like Hobby Consolas and Eurogamer Germany appreciate the strategic elements and teamwork required for success, yet many, including Pure Xbox and New Game Network, express concern over the game's tendency to become tedious. Thus, while the cooperative aspects and tension-filled gameplay are praised, the game may require further refinement to address its repetitive elements and enhance long-term engagement for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses with stunning graphics and immersive environments, earning high praise for its chilling visuals and technical performance at 60 FPS. Despite minor critiques on asset repetitiveness and originality, critics agree it delivers a haunting horror experience, solidifying its status as a standout in the franchise.

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, with many critics praising the game's stunning visuals and immersive environments. Reviewers from COGconnected and Pure Xbox highlighted the beautifully designed environments that effectively create a sense of unease, while GamersRD commended the detailed character models and disturbing settings that enhance the horror experience. Critics like IGN and MondoXbox noted the impressive technical performance, with minimal dropped frames and smooth gameplay at 60 FPS on the Xbox Series X and S. The attention to detail in environments, such as police stations and creepy orphanages, was consistently mentioned, contributing to the game's chilling atmosphere, as noted by TheXboxHub and XboxEra. However, some criticisms emerged regarding certain aspects of the visual design. While many reviewers appreciated the overall quality, there were mentions of repetitiveness in asset design, particularly by Push Square, who pointed out issues with repeated elements like mannequins and cardboard cutouts. Additionally, IGN Italia raised concerns about input cleanliness affecting gameplay precision, which could detract from the immersive experience. Critics like SpazioGames also noted a lack of originality in some visual elements, suggesting that while the execution is strong, it may not break new ground in visual storytelling. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that The Outlast Trials excels in graphics and visual design, successfully creating a haunting and immersive horror experience. The majority of reviewers, including those from Everyeye.it and Movies Games and Tech, emphasized the high-quality graphics and the effective use of lighting and sound to evoke fear and tension. Despite some minor criticisms regarding asset repetitiveness and originality, the overall impression is that the game delivers a visually striking and atmospheric experience that aligns well with the horror genre, making it a significant achievement for the franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses with its immersive sound design and music, earning praise for amplifying horror through effective audio cues and directional sound. Critics lauded Tom Salta's score and the chilling enemy sounds, enhancing tension during gameplay. However, issues like poor voice acting and technical audio glitches have been noted, potentially disrupting immersion. Overall, while the soundscape significantly heightens the terror, improvements are needed, especially in voice work. Most reviewers recommend headphones for the best experience.

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 from critics, who emphasize the game's ability to create an immersive and terrifying atmosphere. COGconnected praises Tom Salta's musical score for amplifying the terror, while GamersRD highlights the effectiveness of enemy grunts and footsteps in enhancing the horror experience. Critics like Player 2 and Movies Games and Tech also commend the audio cues and effects that contribute to the tension and fear players experience during gameplay. The directional audio noted by MondoXbox is particularly appreciated for enhancing the cooperative horror experience, while IGN Italia mentions the game's excellence in music and sound effects, further solidifying the positive sentiment surrounding the auditory elements. However, some critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in the sound design. IGN criticizes the voice acting of certain antagonists, particularly Mother Gooseberry, for being annoying and repetitive, which detracts from the overall experience. SomosXbox feels that the sound design is less impactful despite the well-executed gore and atmosphere, suggesting that it may not meet the expectations set by other aspects of the game. Additionally, New Game Network raises concerns about audio issues, such as sounds cutting off abruptly and challenges in pinpointing enemy locations, which could disrupt the immersive experience that the game strives to create. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Outlast Trials excels in creating a chilling and immersive atmosphere through its sound design and music, there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding voice acting and technical audio issues. The majority of reviewers, including The Jimquisition and KeenGamer, acknowledge that the sound design significantly enhances the horror experience, with many recommending the use of headphones for optimal immersion. Despite some criticisms, the overall sentiment suggests that the sound design and music play a crucial role in delivering a memorable and terrifying gameplay experience.

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 with seamless 60 FPS and minimal issues, earning praise from critics. PS5 and PC versions, while generally stable, suffer from bugs, long loading times, and audio problems. Overall, Xbox is the standout platform, but PS5 and PC need optimization for a consistently great 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 generally positive feedback across various platforms, particularly on the Xbox Series X. Critics such as IGN and MondoXbox praised the game for its smooth operation at 60 FPS, indicating a commendable level of stability and performance. Player 2 also noted the absence of technical issues, reinforcing the notion of a seamless gameplay experience on the Xbox Series X. Meanwhile, on the PlayStation 5, reviewers like Everyeye.it acknowledged the smooth performance of the game, while SpazioGames highlighted its effective use of Unreal Engine 4, contributing to a visually appealing experience. On PC, while the performance was generally stable, Hooked Gamers and New Game Network pointed out that the framerate remained good during regular play, which is a positive aspect for players on that platform. However, several criticisms emerged regarding technical performance, particularly on the PlayStation 5. IGN Italia pointed out bugs and input issues that could detract from gameplay precision, especially in high-stress situations. MeuPlayStation reported long loading times due to network connectivity issues, which could frustrate players. On Xbox Series X, while the overall performance was praised, XboxEra raised concerns about the AI not performing optimally, hinting at potential technical shortcomings. On PC, New Game Network mentioned issues with audio propagation and abrupt sound cuts, alongside long loading times when playing with others, indicating that not all aspects of the experience were polished. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Outlast Trials performs admirably on Xbox Series X and has a generally positive reception on PS5 and PC, there are notable technical issues that need addressing. The Xbox Series X stands out as the most stable platform, with minimal reported issues, while the PS5 and PC versions face some challenges that could impact the player experience. Critics like IGN and MondoXbox highlight the game's strong technical performance, but the concerns raised by others, particularly on PS5, suggest that further optimization may be necessary to achieve a consistently high-quality experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Outlast Trials boasts strong replay value through character customization, randomized loot, and cooperative gameplay, making it engaging for many players. However, critics highlight its repetitive missions and limited content as major drawbacks, risking player boredom and diminishing long-term interest. While potential for improvement exists, the game's current state leaves its replay value 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 opinions regarding the replay value of The Outlast Trials reflect a mix of positive elements that contribute to its longevity. Critics like COGconnected and Player 2 highlight the character customization, randomized loot, and the introduction of weekly challenges as key features that enhance replayability. The cooperative gameplay aspect is also praised, with GamersRD and TheXboxHub noting that teamwork adds a layer of enjoyment and engagement that can keep players returning. Furthermore, the game’s cross-play functionality, mentioned by Hobby Consolas, allows a broader audience to connect and experience the game together, which can significantly boost replay value. However, several reviewers point out significant drawbacks that hinder the game's long-term appeal. IGN and MondoXbox emphasize the repetitive nature of the missions, suggesting that running through the same stages can lead to player frustration and boredom over time. Critics like Multiplayer.it and MeuPlayStation echo this sentiment, indicating that the lack of varied gameplay and limited content can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, while some players may enjoy the cooperative mode, others, as noted by SpazioGames and The Jimquisition, find that it impacts the enjoyment of solo play, further complicating the game's replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Outlast Trials has several features that can enhance replayability, such as customization options and cooperative gameplay, the repetitive nature of its missions and limited content pose significant challenges. Critics like DarkZero and GameSkinny acknowledge the potential for improvement through future updates, but many express concern that the current state of the game may not sustain player interest over the long term. As a result, while there are elements that encourage players to return, the game's overall replay value appears to be a mixed bag, with a need for more diverse content and engaging gameplay to truly captivate its audience.

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 Outlast Trials has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, particularly for its cooperative gameplay mechanics and atmospheric design. Many reviewers, such as COGconnected and GamersRD, highlight the game's ability to deliver a thrilling multiplayer experience that retains the series' core elements of horror while introducing new cooperative dynamics. The visuals and level design have also received praise, with critics like TheXboxHub and Movies Games and Tech noting the captivating environments and impressive sound design that enhance the horror experience. Additionally, Player 2 and KeenGamer commend the game for its engaging gameplay and potential for long-term enjoyment, suggesting that it can be a solid choice for fans of the genre looking for a unique multiplayer experience. However, several critics have pointed out significant drawbacks that may hinder the game's overall appeal. IGN and Multiplayer.it express concerns about the lack of a compelling story and the repetitive nature of gameplay, particularly for solo players. Critics like Pure Xbox and BaziCenter echo these sentiments, stating that while the game has a cool concept, it ultimately falls short in delivering meaningful scares and a cohesive narrative experience. Moreover, issues with AI and matchmaking, as noted by XboxEra and The Jimquisition, further detract from the overall gameplay experience, leading to frustrations that could impact player retention. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that The Outlast Trials is a commendable entry in the horror genre, particularly for those who enjoy cooperative gameplay. While it excels in creating a terrifying atmosphere and offers engaging multiplayer mechanics, the game struggles with storytelling and content variety, which could limit its appeal to a broader audience. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Checkpoint Gaming recommend the game primarily for groups of friends, indicating that the experience is best enjoyed in a cooperative setting. As the game evolves with potential updates and additional content, it may address some of these concerns, but for now, it stands as a mixed bag of thrilling moments and notable shortcomings.

TL;DR

The Outlast Trials impresses with its thrilling cooperative gameplay and atmospheric design, earning praise for its multiplayer horror experience. Critics highlight stunning visuals and engaging mechanics, but it's hampered by a weak story, repetitive gameplay for solo players, and AI issues. Best enjoyed with friends, it’s a mixed bag that may evolve with future updates.

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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