Introduction

Outriders is like your cool uncle who shows up two hours late to the family barbecue. It might have some fantastic elements like gameplay, customization, and visuals, but the story is the equivalent of that uncle's dad jokes—mostly cringeworthy and sometimes disturbing. Let’s dig into how this online-only cooperative action RPG shooter is holding up on your PS5.

Gameplay

The gameplay mechanics of Outriders can be summarized in one essential phrase: 'shoot, loot, repeat'—similar to your average day at the post office but with fewer waiting lines and more explosions. Character creation allows players to unleash their inner fashionista, with four distinct classes: the Trickster, Pyromancer, Devastator, and Technomancer. Each of these classes has unique skills that turn you into a superhuman killing machine—ideal for those days when you can't get through the grocery shopping without getting sidetracked by your phone. Combat is fluid and satisfying (because who doesn’t love firing a shotgun at an alien while sporting electric-blue flames?), but the mechanics are balanced by some pretty absurd conditions. Health only regenerates when you cause damage, so nothing says 'survival' like diving headfirst into a mass of enemies like an overzealous linebacker. The world weaves in RPG elements, offering skill trees to upgrade your powers and various loot to customize your arsenal. How cool is it that your butt-kicking abilities can be influenced by a skill tree—goodbye, naff dashboards! So, how does this translate into actual gameplay? Intense combat feels great, but be prepared for your heart rate to peak at unexpectedly high levels when you're buried under waves of terrifying, mutated monsters. They're not glittery unicorns and, trust me, make a lot more noise than your ex after a breakup. Also, as you progress, the game ramps up the difficulty, because the developers must think you didn't suffer enough in previous encounters. Thanks, guys. What did we ever do to deserve this?

Graphics

Visually, Outriders makes your average Tuesday morning look completely subpar. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the details pop; vibrant environments and character models are a treat for the eyes. Sure, there are moments when things might look a bit dull here and there, but it’s more like your buddy's dad who insists on wearing a Hawaiian shirt at every family event—just a bit unnecessary amidst the otherwise stylish ensemble. Each locale is unique, ranging from arid deserts to lush jungles, which makes wandering around feel a tad less like a chore and more like a bizarre vacation gone wrong. The ambient effects are delightfully rich, and the lighting—oh boy—if lighting had a fan club, Outriders would be its star member.

Conclusion

Overall, Outriders is a paradox wrapped in an enigma. With gameplay that will bond you with friends over shared frustration and excitement (Hey! That's the gamer’s equivalent of cuddling!), the graphics are enough to make Instagram cringe with envy. Yet, the storylines evoke about as much excitement as reading IKEA assembly instructions. Sure, there's a plot—the world building and lore appear intriguing, but the execution is like adding too much salt to your fries: no matter how good the base was, it's likely to ruin the experience. While developers like People Can Fly are cooking something phenomenal in the oven, Outriders may not be quite ready to serve up a Michelin star. If you're craving a cooperative shooter with fast-paced action, give this game a whirl—but you might also want to binge-watch a series that makes sense after to regain faith in narrative coherence. That said, just remember: things may be explosive in Outriders, but they're not always mind-blowingly clever. So up your world level, forge ahead, and good luck trying to make sense of it all while grappling with occasional glitches. You’ve got this—just like your uncle with his questionable barbecue grilling techniques.

See Latest Prices for Outriders on PS5 on Amazon