Over the years, it seems that developers and publishers have seen a growing demand in theSci-Fi RPG shootergenre. Many newer games find themselves in this niche, with some having more emphasis on the shooting and the loot grinding elements and others having more attention on the RPG mechanics.Cyberpunk 2077, for example, feels like it is almost the definition of the genre, while two of the biggest overarching Sci-Fi video game franchises today are indubitablyMass EffectandDestiny.
That’s where Square Enix and People Can Fly’s upcoming Sci-Fi RPG Shooter,Outriders, comes in. Many have already compared it to whatMass Effect Andromedashould have been, many have claimed it looks likeDestiny, and there’s some shared traits between it,Andromeda, andAnthem. Of course, the latter two didn’t really land with audiences, butOutridersseems to be hitting all the right chords.
RELATED:Comparing Outriders' Anomaly to Anthem’s Cataclysms
Outriders - A New Sci-Fi RPG Shooter
People Can Fly, which also worked onBulletstorm, set out to prove it can tell a more mature story, and that’s exactly what it seems to be.The game’s planet, Enoch, is a “goldilocks” planet with the perfect conditions for human life, but it takes a turn for the worse upon arrival. The playable characters, fitting dubbed Outriders, are given new powers by the Anomaly, which results in one of four playable classes: the Trickster, the Pyromancer, the Devastator, and one yet-to-be-revealed class.
The class system seems fluid and somewhat unique, as each class can be built to different player preferences, each have a unique form of aggressive healing, and yet fits itself in a simple, early-on way to grow and become accustomed to the game. The game is complete with a unique take on World Tiers, not necessarily unlikeDivision 2, but death will easily intervene there. And the game features unique loot that further changes a character’s build, not unlikeDestiny 2either, but it’s not a live service game like it. People Can Fly promisesOutridersis a complete in-the-box start-to-finish experience.
Taking the Best of Mass Effect and the Best of Destiny 2
It’s hard not to draw comparisons, especially within such a genre.Outriders' basic premise is a lot likeMass Effect Andromeda’s, in that Enoch is the perfect “goldilocks planet” and the Pathfinder Initiative was seeking a “golden planet.” Then conflict is introduced and players are forced to respond, and each has a class system of some sort. WhileMass Effectis largely technological and biotic,Outridersis unique in that the Anomaly gives players these powers. Still, many praiseAndromeda’s fluid combat, and that seems to beOutriders' goal as well.
Its synergy between classes is quite natural, although later on in the game, players may need to think outside the box to tackle bigger challenges. The fact that it’s co-op means players aren’t trapped to just a single-player story, although if that’s what someone wants, that’s what they get.
The characters and grizzly threat also reflectDestiny 2’s guardians and the Darkness. The loot having such an influence on character builds, the idea of working together, and so much more just give the gameDestiny 2vibes. However,Outridersfeels much more drawn back in a way that those overwhelmed withDestinycould easily find it as a fun replacement. Whether that’s enjoying the story, advancing world tiers, or maxing out (read breaking) character builds, it also sounds possible inOutriders.
Right now, it’s unknown ifOutriderswill be a one-off or if People Can Fly and Square Enix are open into turning it into a full-blown franchise. Its success and execution may play a huge role in that, and since it’s also a launch game for next-gen consoles, there’s competition to consider. IfGodfallis the new iteration of lootercompared toDestinyandBorderlandsfor launch,Outridersmay be able to scratch that gritty, Sci-Fi itch.Outridershasn’t missed a beat yet, and if it can continue that trend through launch, it’s hard not to seeOutridersbecoming a big Sci-Fi franchise in the gaming world.
Outridersreleases Q4 2020 for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
MORE:Outriders Interview: Dev Talks Pyromancer, Crew, and the Mysteries of Enoch
