Outward: Embark on a Perilous Adventure Across a Challenging Fantasy World!

Outward, developed by Nine Dots Studio and published by Deep Silver, is an open-world role-playing game that throws you headfirst into the unforgiving world of Aurai. Forget your typical RPG handholding; Outward demands resilience, adaptability, and a healthy dose of survival instinct. It’s not about slaying dragons and saving princesses (though there might be some of that); it’s about surviving harsh environments, scavenging for resources, crafting your own gear, and forging your path in a world teeming with danger.

A World Where Every Step Counts: The Setting and Atmosphere

Imagine waking up on a windswept shore, battered by the salty spray and clutching a single tattered map. That’s the starting point for Outward – a raw, unfiltered introduction to Aurai. This isn’t your fairytale medieval realm. It’s a world sculpted by ancient magic and scarred by relentless conflict, where towering mountains pierce the sky, sprawling deserts hide ancient secrets, and shadowy forests whisper with unseen dangers.

The game expertly crafts an atmosphere of constant vulnerability. Hunger gnaws at your belly, thirst parches your throat, and even the weather becomes a formidable opponent. Rainstorms can turn into blizzards, forcing you to seek shelter lest you succumb to hypothermia. The scorching desert sun drains your stamina, leaving you vulnerable to bandits and monstrous creatures lurking in the dunes.

Outward’s world is not just beautiful; it’s alive. Animals roam freely, their behaviour dictated by natural instincts. Predators stalk their prey while herbivores graze cautiously, always wary of unseen threats. The sense of immersion is profound – you truly feel like a part of this vibrant ecosystem.

Beyond the Basics: Crafting and Progression

Forget about predetermined character classes; in Outward, your destiny is shaped by your choices and actions. The game’s unique skill system focuses on “professions,” allowing you to master crafts like blacksmithing, alchemy, hunting, or even cooking. These skills aren’t just for flavor; they directly impact your survival and progression.

Crafting plays a central role in Outward. Want a sturdy shield? You’ll need to mine ore, smelt it into ingots, then meticulously forge the shield piece by piece. Need healing potions? Gather rare herbs and combine them using ancient recipes. The satisfaction of creating your own equipment is immense, further solidifying your connection to the world.

Combat in Outward is a deliberate and tactical affair. Forget button-mashing; every swing of your weapon requires careful timing and positioning. Blocking and dodging are crucial for survival, especially against aggressive enemies who can quickly overwhelm you. The game encourages you to exploit environmental advantages, luring enemies into traps or using terrain to break their line of sight.

Outward: A Challenging Yet Rewarding Journey

Outward’s difficulty is its defining feature – it throws relentless challenges your way from the very beginning. Death is a constant threat, and even seemingly trivial encounters can turn deadly if you’re not prepared. This unforgiving nature may frustrate some players, but for those seeking a truly immersive and rewarding experience, Outward delivers in spades.

Here are some key features that set Outward apart:

A Game Worth Embracing: Final Thoughts

Outward is not for the faint of heart. It’s a game that demands patience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace failure as part of the learning process. But for those who persevere, Outward offers an unparalleled RPG experience filled with moments of genuine triumph, breathtaking discovery, and profound immersion.

So, are you ready to embark on this perilous adventure? The world of Aurai awaits – will you answer its call?