Outcast: A New Beginning is reviving the legacy of its predecessor with an ambitious blend of action, adventure, and open-world exploration. Developed by Appeal Studios and published by THQ Nordic, the game sees the return of Cutter Slade to the alien world of Adelpha, twenty years after the events of the original game. The sequel promises to retain the essence of the first game while introducing modern gameplay elements to create a fresh and immersive experience.
In this sequel, Cutter Slade is resurrected to find Adelpha under the threat of robot invaders. The game’s narrative is deeply interwoven with the culture of the Talan people, and Slade’s journey is as much about saving the planet as it is about understanding and integrating into this alien culture. Players can expect a rich storyline that blends familiar sci-fi themes with unique elements specific to the Outcast universe.
Outcast: A New Beginning is set in an 8×8 kilometer open world, offering vast landscapes to explore. This sizeable open-world design is complemented by a dynamic movement system, allowing players to glide, hover, and boost across the terrain. The freedom of movement is one of the game’s highlights, making exploration a thrilling experience. This feature was refined a year into development, with the developers opting to enhance the freedom of movement despite initial concerns about its impact on combat.
Combat in the game is designed as a third-person shooter with customizable weapons. Players can combine different modules to create powerful weapons, catering to varied combat styles and strategies. The game also features unique abilities like summoning swarms of bugs or bomb-carrying birds to aid in battles, adding a layer of strategy to the combat mechanics.
The game’s quest system is designed to be more than just a series of tasks. Quests are interconnected, contributing to the progression of the story and unlocking new abilities. This system offers a more integrated and immersive approach to questing, tying it closely to the game’s narrative and world-building.
The original team behind Outcast has made a concerted effort to create a world that is both visually stunning and rich in detail. The game world is filled with diverse environments, from desolate landscapes to thriving Talan villages. Each area is meticulously crafted, reflecting the unique culture and history of Adelpha.
The soundtrack by Lennie Moore, the original composer for Outcast, promises to be an epic accompaniment to the adventure. The music is expected to enhance the game’s atmosphere, adding emotional depth to the player’s journey.
One of the key aspects of the game is its non-linear approach to storytelling. Players have the freedom to explore the world and approach the story at their own pace. This design choice allows for a more personalized experience, as players can choose how they want to interact with the world and its inhabitants.
Outcast: A New Beginning also emphasizes player choice in its gameplay. From the way players choose to engage in combat to how they explore and interact with the environment, the game offers numerous options for personalization. This level of player agency is a testament to the game’s modern design philosophy, offering a tailored experience to each player.
In summary, Outcast: A New Beginning is shaping up to be an ambitious sequel that pays homage to its roots while pushing the boundaries of modern game design. The game is set to release on March 15, 2024, and is expected to be a landmark title in the action-adventure genre.
