Outriders! A Co-op Shooter That Shoots You Into a Dystopian Future

Picture this: you’re waking up from cryostasis on a harsh, unforgiving planet called Enoch. Humanity’s last hope, right? Wrong. Turns out, a strange anomaly called the “Anomaly” has messed everything up – mutated creatures roam the land, and everyone seems to be developing crazy powers. Welcome to Outriders, People Can Fly’s cooperative third-person shooter that throws you headfirst into a sci-fi world brimming with action, loot, and some seriously cool abilities.

This isn’t your typical run-and-gun affair. Outriders emphasizes strategic gameplay, encouraging players to leverage their unique “classes” (called “Paths”) and master powerful abilities. You’ll choose from four distinct Paths:

Path	Description
Technomancer	Manipulates technology for both offense and defense, controlling turrets and freezing enemies with icy blasts
Pyromancer	Unleashes fiery wrath, incinerating foes with flames and wielding firewalls for protection
Devastator	A close-quarters powerhouse who absorbs damage while smashing through enemies with brute force
Trickster	Manipulates time itself, teleporting around the battlefield and slowing down opponents for devastating combos

Each Path offers a diverse skill tree, allowing you to customize your character’s playstyle. Want to be a support Technomancer who buffs allies? Go for it! Crave a Pyromancer focused on area-of-effect damage? You got it! Outriders rewards experimentation and finding the build that suits you best.

The Anomaly: More Than Just a Plot Device

The Anomaly isn’t just some arbitrary sci-fi mumbo jumbo. It’s a fundamental force shaping Enoch’s world, driving both its beauty and danger. Lush forests teeming with mutated flora collide with decaying industrial ruins, creating a visually stunning yet unsettling atmosphere. The Anomaly itself manifests as strange energy surges and unpredictable mutations, constantly reminding you that nothing is stable on this unforgiving planet.

Outriders’ narrative delves into the moral complexities of surviving in a world ravaged by catastrophe. You face tough choices as a member of the Outriders – elite soldiers tasked with rebuilding civilization – wrestling with the ethical implications of using the Anomaly’s power and confronting factions vying for control of Enoch. While the plot isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, it provides a solid framework for the intense action and thrilling cooperative gameplay.

Co-op Camaraderie: The Heartbeat of Outriders

This game thrives on teamwork. You can team up with two other players (either online or locally) to tackle missions, explore Enoch’s sprawling landscapes, and battle colossal bosses. Effective communication and coordination are crucial for survival. Think tactically, utilize your unique abilities to complement each other, and remember – reviving fallen comrades is a key part of the gameplay loop.

Outriders embraces a loot-driven system reminiscent of games like Diablo or Borderlands. Enemies drop a variety of weapons, armor, and mods, allowing you to constantly refine and upgrade your arsenal. The excitement of uncovering rare legendary gear never fades, encouraging players to keep pushing forward.

The Verdict: Is Outriders Worth Your Time?

Outriders delivers a satisfying blend of action, sci-fi thrills, and cooperative gameplay. While its story might not be award-winning, the core mechanics are undeniably engaging. The diverse Path system offers significant replayability, encouraging experimentation and allowing players to tailor their experience. If you’re looking for a co-op shooter that demands strategy, rewards teamwork, and keeps you hooked with a constant stream of loot, then Outriders is definitely worth checking out.

Just be prepared for some initial growing pains – the game had its share of launch issues. However, People Can Fly has been actively addressing these problems through patches and updates. So, gear up, assemble your squad, and prepare to face the challenges of Enoch!