That’s where Square Enix and People Can Fly’s upcoming Sci-Fi RPG Shooter, Outriders, comes in. Many have already compared it to what Mass Effect Andromeda should have been, many have claimed it looks like Destiny, and there’s some shared traits between it, Andromeda, and Anthem. Of course, the latter two didn’t really land with audiences, but Outriders seems to be hitting all the right chords.
RELATED: Comparing Outriders’ Anomaly to Anthem’s Cataclysms
Outriders - A New Sci-Fi RPG Shooter
People Can Fly, which also worked on Bulletstorm, set out to prove it can tell a more mature story, and that’s exactly what it seems to be. The game’s planet, Enoch, is a “goldilocks” planet with the perfect conditions for human life, but it takes a turn for the worse upon arrival. The playable characters, fitting dubbed Outriders, are given new powers by the Anomaly, which results in one of four playable classes: the Trickster, the Pyromancer, the Devastator, and one yet-to-be-revealed class.
The class system seems fluid and somewhat unique, as each class can be built to different player preferences, each have a unique form of aggressive healing, and yet fits itself in a simple, early-on way to grow and become accustomed to the game. The game is complete with a unique take on World Tiers, not necessarily unlike Division 2, but death will easily intervene there. And the game features unique loot that further changes a character’s build, not unlike Destiny 2 either, but it’s not a live service game like it. People Can Fly promises Outriders is a complete in-the-box start-to-finish experience.
Taking the Best of Mass Effect and the Best of Destiny 2
It’s hard not to draw comparisons, especially within such a genre. Outriders’ basic premise is a lot like Mass Effect Andromeda’s, in that Enoch is the perfect “goldilocks planet” and the Pathfinder Initiative was seeking a “golden planet.” Then conflict is introduced and players are forced to respond, and each has a class system of some sort. While Mass Effect is largely technological and biotic, Outriders is unique in that the Anomaly gives players these powers. Still, many praise Andromeda’s fluid combat, and that seems to be Outriders’ goal as well.
Its synergy between classes is quite natural, although later on in the game, players may need to think outside the box to tackle bigger challenges. The fact that it’s co-op means players aren’t trapped to just a single-player story, although if that’s what someone wants, that’s what they get.
The characters and grizzly threat also reflect Destiny 2’s guardians and the Darkness. The loot having such an influence on character builds, the idea of working together, and so much more just give the game Destiny 2 vibes. However, Outriders feels much more drawn back in a way that those overwhelmed with Destiny could easily find it as a fun replacement. Whether that’s enjoying the story, advancing world tiers, or maxing out (read breaking) character builds, it also sounds possible in Outriders.
Right now, it’s unknown if Outriders will be a one-off or if People Can Fly and Square Enix are open into turning it into a full-blown franchise. Its success and execution may play a huge role in that, and since it’s also a launch game for next-gen consoles, there’s competition to consider. If Godfall is the new iteration of looter compared to Destiny and Borderlands for launch, Outriders may be able to scratch that gritty, Sci-Fi itch. Outriders hasn’t missed a beat yet, and if it can continue that trend through launch, it’s hard not to see Outriders becoming a big Sci-Fi franchise in the gaming world.
Outriders releases Q4 2020 for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
MORE: Outriders Interview: Dev Talks Pyromancer, Crew, and the Mysteries of Enoch
