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Review of The Outlast Trials on Xbox Series X/S

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Mar 2024
Cover image of The Outlast Trials on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Released: 05 Mar 2024
Genre: Survival horror
Developer: Red Barrels
Publisher: Red Barrels

Introduction

Welcome to 'The Outlast Trials', the game that screams "why do you do this to yourself?" while simultaneously whispering sweet nothings about survival horror. In this bone-chilling prequel to the Outlast series, you'll navigate the twisted mind of the Cold War era, testing your skills-or lack thereof-against crazed psychos. Strap on your night vision goggles and prepare to either excel or make decisions that will haunt your gaming career.

Gameplay

Dive headfirst into a world where stealth is your best friend. Why? Because combat isn't an option. That's right, folks, put down those virtual swords; this is a non-violent horror show. Your objectives are simple: avoid terrifying creatures while searching for items that can help you survive. Think of it as hide-and-seek, but instead of hiding from a cousin in the backyard, you're trying to escape from a maniac who's probably seen one too many horror films. You start with a handful of items, just three to be precise (like a bad garage sale), but as you progress, you unlock more slots because everyone deserves a bigger backpack. The game's mechanics give you access to crafty little gadgets such as smoke bombs to blind enemies or devices to stun them long enough so you can make your dramatic getaway like a squirrel after a near-miss with a car. Another standout feature is the ability to play with up to four friends or go solo for some self-inflicted suffering. The game's lack of direct combat means you'll need to think strategically about your loadout and skills. For instance, you can employ abilities to heal teammates, slow down pursuers, or spot enemies through walls-because who doesn't want a little X-ray vision when running for their life? The challenges ramp up with each trial, requiring a mix of quick thinking, stealth, and the ability to keep your cool (which is easier said than done when a maniac is chasing you down with a chainsaw). You'll earn grades based on performance, so think of each round as a glorified game of dodgeball but with a lot more blood and a lot fewer knee injuries.

Graphics

Graphically, 'The Outlast Trials' is a feast for the eyes with a side dish of unsettling. The environments are beautifully crafted, reminiscent of an abandoned theme park after a horror movie went wrong. Dim lighting, creepy shadows, and the ghastly designs of your enemies create an atmosphere thick enough to cut with a knife. Or run away screaming from. Whichever suits your skills best. The Unreal Engine 4 powers this nightmare, resulting in a polished visual experience that makes every scream echo in your head just a little bit louder. But don't get too comfortable; remember that things tend to jump out at you when you least expect them, and let's just say if your heart isn't audibly pounding, are you even playing?

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'The Outlast Trials' is not just a game; it's an emotional rollercoaster that'll have you questioning your life choices and your sanity. With its immersive gameplay and group experiments that test your skills (and probably your friendships), this game is a blend of tactic warfare and horror movie audition. If you're ready to strap on your night vision and face off against some seriously insane characters, then get diving into those trials. Just remember: it's meant to be scary... so don't blame us when you spoil your pants. Good luck, you'll need it!

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