Outward! Embark on an Epic Journey through a Brutal and Unforgiving World!
“Outward,” developed by Nine Dots Studio and published by Deep Silver, throws players into the unforgiving wilds of Aurai. This open-world survival RPG deviates from traditional fantasy tropes, focusing on realism and player agency. Forget about being the chosen one destined to save the world – in “Outward,” your primary objective is simply to survive.
The game begins with you as a nameless traveler struggling against poverty in the bustling city of Cierzo. You are tasked with completing the final test required for graduation from the prestigious Royal Institute, after which you’re free to forge your own path.
However, survival isn’t as simple as slaying dragons and collecting loot. The world of Aurai is unforgiving: hunger, thirst, disease, and the constant threat of wild beasts and hostile factions all conspire against you. Crafting becomes essential, as you gather resources to create food, clothing, weapons, and potions.
A Deep Dive into the World of Aurai
Imagine a world where your inventory has weight limits, forcing careful planning and prioritization. Where sleeping in the wilderness exposes you to dangers like freezing temperatures or bandit attacks. Where every interaction with NPCs can have far-reaching consequences, shaping the narrative in unexpected ways.
This is Aurai:
- A Continent Rife With Danger: From towering mountains and dense forests to arid deserts and treacherous swamps, each biome presents unique challenges and rewards. Beware of aggressive creatures like feral boars, giant spiders, and cunning bandits who will stop at nothing to steal your hard-earned possessions.
- Diverse Cultures and Factions: Interact with various human and non-human factions, each with its own beliefs, customs, and agendas. You might find yourself aiding the secretive Soroboreans in their quest for knowledge or joining forces with the stoic Highlanders to defend their territory against invaders.
A Complex Crafting System that Empowers Players Crafting lies at the heart of “Outward,” offering unparalleled depth and customization. Unlike many RPGs where crafting is a simple matter of combining ingredients, “Outward” requires careful consideration of materials, tools, and skills.
The process involves:
- Gathering Raw Materials: Explore Aurai’s diverse environments to collect wood, ores, herbs, animal hides, and other valuable resources.
- Constructing Crafting Stations: Establish workshops in safe havens to refine your raw materials into usable components. From simple tools like axes and hammers to intricate alchemical labs for brewing potent potions, each station unlocks new crafting possibilities.
- Mastering Crafting Skills: Invest points in the relevant skill tree to unlock advanced recipes and improve the quality of your crafted items.
Unconventional Storytelling: Emergent Gameplay Takes Center Stage
“Outward” defies traditional storytelling conventions by embracing emergent gameplay. Instead of following a pre-determined narrative, the story unfolds organically based on your actions and choices.
This dynamic approach allows for:
- Multiple Paths and Outcomes: Your decisions, both big and small, shape your journey and lead to unexpected consequences. You might choose to side with a particular faction, forge alliances with other adventurers, or pursue personal goals that take you off the beaten path.
- Replayability: “Outward’s” open-ended nature encourages multiple playthroughs, allowing you to explore different playstyles, experiment with various character builds, and uncover hidden secrets scattered across Aurai.
Table: Character Build Archetypes
| Archetype | Description | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warrior | Focuses on melee combat, utilizing swords, axes, and shields for powerful attacks. | High damage output, strong defense | Limited range, susceptible to magic attacks |
| Mage | Manipulates elemental forces through spells and incantations. | Versatile damage options, crowd control abilities | Low physical defense, requires mana management |
A Challenging but Rewarding Experience
“Outward” isn’t for the faint of heart. It demands patience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. Death is a frequent companion, often coming unexpectedly. Yet, within this challenging experience lies a profound sense of accomplishment.
Overcoming adversity: Every triumph, every carefully crafted weapon or potion, every successful raid against a fearsome enemy resonates deeply due to the game’s unforgiving nature. “Outward” isn’t just about winning; it’s about enduring and forging your own path in a world that offers no easy answers.
The Verdict: A Must-Play for RPG Enthusiasts
For players seeking an immersive, challenging, and ultimately rewarding RPG experience, “Outward” is a hidden gem worth exploring. Its unique blend of survival mechanics, deep crafting system, and emergent storytelling sets it apart from the crowd. Be prepared to face adversity head-on, embrace the unknown, and forge your own destiny in the brutal yet captivating world of Aurai.