REVIEW: ‘Outcast – A New Beginning’ Brings Back A Cult Classic (PC)

It’s been 25 years since Outcast revolutionized the gaming world. Its action-adventure gameplay set a high bar for non-linear open-world experiences. The series gained a cult following even spawning a fan-group sequel. However, subsequent entries in the franchise struggled to capture the same magic. Now, with Outcast – A New Beginning, developed by Appeal Studios in partnership with THQ Nordic, there’s hope for revitalization. Originally titled Outcast 2: A New Beginning, the game underwent a strategic renaming in August 2023, aiming for a broader audience and positioning itself as a reboot.

And what a beginning it is. Whether you’re a long-time fan revisiting Adelpha or a newcomer like myself, this game ticks all the boxes for your non-linear open-world gaming needs. Set two decades after the original, Outcast – A New Beginning sees Cutter Slade returning to the awe-inspiring alien world of Adelpha. Resurrected by the almighty Yods, Cutter finds himself amidst a world in turmoil: the Talans enslaved, natural resources plundered, and his own past entangled with invading robotic forces. It’s up to him to embark on a mission and save the planet once again.

The overarching plot portrays a familiar narrative: humans exploiting natural resources. Embodying the Chosen One motif, the player must strive to thwart the invaders. However, the game’s true allure lies in its richly detailed world. Cutter’s amnesia parallels the player’s own discovery of Adelpha. This instantly fosters a sense of exploration and mystery. Delving into the society’s dynamics and environmental interactions adds depth, reminiscent of iconic exploration-based titles like Tomb Raider and Uncharted. To get there though may require some patience.

The tutorial experience is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it leans heavily into handholding. It guides players along a predetermined path, discouraging exploration beyond the designated route. This approach may feel limiting, especially in a game with a vast world waiting to be uncovered. Patience becomes a key virtue, not only in adapting to the game’s controls but also in understanding the significant stakes involved. Despite initial reservations, the tutorial effectively immerses players by guiding them through various points while interspersing lengthy cutscenes. Even with its dated hand-holding approach, it succeeds in engaging players, gradually immersing them in the story’s intricacies.

The initial controls on the PC lacked intuitiveness, largely due to the keybinds and shooter setup that I’m accustomed to. However, the game offers ample customization options for controls, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferences. By the time the tutorial was completed, I had adjusted my keybinds and was ready to dive into the game. Playing on my Steamdeck felt comfortable and smooth, indicating that controller support for PC will likely offer a similar experience. With the expansive nature of the game mechanics matching the depth of its world-building, players should have no trouble finding a setup that suits them best.

Outcast – A New Beginning ensures that players are well-equipped with all the necessary information for understanding the world-building aspects. The game facilitates understanding by allowing players to access definitions with a simple button press during dialogue. This feature makes it easier to immerse in the ever-expanding world, enabling quick reference to names of places and characters as needed. Additionally, the quest map tracking system provides clarity on the objectives across various locations. While navigating the system may initially be confusing, it becomes more intuitive as the game progresses. This tracking mechanism connects quests to the main village hub, revealing the intricate interplay of the storyline. Despite the complexity, it’s crucial to keep track of the evolving narrative. This approach to quest tracking, though not entirely unique, adds purpose to even the simplest tasks.

The attention to detail in the writing of even the most common villagers is evident. Conversations with them are worthwhile as they offer insights into the world with occasional witty remarks or jokes stemming from cultural misunderstandings. Despite the similarities in facial features among the aliens, their distinct personalities shine through in their dialogue. While the writing may not be groundbreaking for the main plot, the interactions with NPCs are engaging, thanks to these little nuances.

In a game that presents a plethora of content, it’s reassuring to see that dialogue and side characters haven’t been overlooked. Players quickly realize that despite the physical differences and unfamiliar customs of this dimension, the essence of its inhabitants isn’t drastically different from our own. It does wonders for the immersion. And for those who seek further reasons to engage with the villages, gaining the support of various tribes rewards players with special perks.

Outcast – A New Beginning falls short in terms of graphics, with instances of character clipping and facial features reminiscent of a 2010s game rather than a recent title. Ground-level interactions feel clunky, especially in character movement. The protagonist’s generic appearance and lack of customization options are disappointing, given the game’s premise of a new beginning. The graphics issues are particularly evident in awkward character movements and mismatched emotions during dialogue. However, once players immerse themselves in the world, its beauty becomes apparent.

Players aren’t confined to the ground thanks to the jetpack and glider, both unlocked through natural game progression. This allows for early and effortless exploration by leaping off high points and enjoying stylish descents. The planet’s diverse fauna invites moments of pausing to appreciate the alien environment. Fans of observing local wildlife will appreciate that not everything on the planet poses a threat, providing ample opportunities to witness interactions. The serene backdrop of relaxing music and ambient wildlife sounds enhances the experience. However, not all aspects of the game are exclusively pleasant.

The jetpack and glider aren’t just for exploration—they’re equally valuable in combat. Combat in Outcast – A New Beginning is engaging and can be tailored to suit individual preferences. It’s very similar to the terrain traversal and mini-game completion. Players have a choice between two basic guns: a large one and a small one. Each has slots for modules that drastically alter weapon behavior. With around 30 distinct modules available, offering various strengths and configurations, the module system allows for nearly endless customization options.

While combat never felt overly challenging, the customization aspect adds depth and style to encounters. The feeling of power compared to adversaries is evident. Whether players prefer a run-and-gun approach, utilizing the jetpack to shoot from above, or engaging in melee combat, the game accommodates various playstyles. However, the more challenging aspect lies in gliding through environmental obstacles. They require finesse and may be unfamiliar to some PC gamers. Overall, combat serves as a means to progress the story, complementing the game’s overarching narrative effectively.

While the combat itself doesn’t feel overwhelmingly difficult, the customization options add a layer of style to gameplay. Whether breezing through combat or seeking a higher difficulty level, the sense of power is palpable, offering diverse approaches to encounters. Whether opting for a run-and-gun strategy, utilizing a jetpack for aerial combat, or adopting a melee-heavy approach, Outcast – A New Beginning accommodates various playstyles. The real challenge lies in the finesse required for gliding through environmental obstacles, demanding a level of skill not often encountered in traditional PC gaming formats. These segments, akin to navigating the momentum in the air, pose a different kind of challenge compared to straightforward combat. Overall, combat serves as a means to progress the narrative, and while it may be fundamentally basic, it effectively drives the overarching story forward.

The joy of Outcast – A New Beginning comes from the freedom of its nonlinear concept. This comes in both the environment and the variety of gun combinations available for exploration. Although, players will have to be content with a story that feels all too familiar. However, the game’s enjoyment stems from activities beyond the main quest, such as side missions, puzzles, and character progression. At the end of the day, everything is just more fun with a jetpack. With its captivating alien world, Outcast – A New Beginning offers an experience worth trying, especially for fans of open-world action RPGs.

Outcast – A New Beginning releases on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series Friday March 15, 2024.