Outward

PC GamerChristopher Livingston

89/100

A few rough edges don't stop this gem of an RPG from shining.

WayTooManyGamesThomas Medina

7.5/10

A common thing found in RPGs is using your character’s starting hometown to tie you emotionally to the world. From Candlekeep to Pallet Town, they’re the baseline for your adventures, the idyllic home you’re fighting to protect and return to at your journey’s end. Admittedly, some don’t last long and instead provide the fuel for your character’s epic quest of vengeance, but that emotional imprint is always there. As a sign of the kind of game it is, Outward takes a rather differe...

COGConnectedGrady Penna

71/100

There are times playing Outward when you feel lost, both literally and figuratively, but it’s almost never a bad thing. On the contrary, getting lost in Outward can result in some of its most rewarding moments. This sense of adventure and discovery is key, and Outward achieves this by placing realistic restrictions on what your character can do, so that what you do accomplish feels all the more monumental. Unfortunately, for all the ingenuity Outward takes, it is also plagued by a host of issues from bugs, to outdated graphics to peculiar voice acting. But taken as a whole, Outward is still an...

GamingTrendBryan Lawver

70/100

Outward is an ambitious, uncompromising game, sometimes to its own detriment. There’s a lot to like about it, from its unique take on player character death to its focus on the mundane aspects of adventuring. But every moment when it really shined was surrounded by drudgery and frustration. Outward is sure to appeal to some players, but it often undercuts its own best features.

Game SkinnyAshley Shankle

7/10

Outward isn't revolutionary, but there's a lot to be said for the sense of achievement the game grants in both single and multiplayer.

RPGSiteBryan Vitale

7/10

Outward stands as a unique experience amongst RPGs, but concedes a lot in its imperfect survival-esqe focus.

Push SquareNicole Hall

6/10

Devoid of any innate ability to absorb dragon souls or lacking the experience and training of a ruthless Witcher, Outward instead sends you packing into a hostile world as a feeble adventurer with little but the clothes on your back for protection. Even set in the fantasy realm of Aurai, this open world RPG prides itself on simulating a sense of realism that remains faithful throughout heated combat encounters to when you first contract a cold during a brisk snow storm you decided to tackle woefully under-prepared.

DestructoidRay Porreca

6/10

Taken as a whole, Outward practically screams “cult classic.” Its consistent challenge, cumbersome combat, and co-op systems won’t resonate with everyone. But for a particular type of player—ones that don’t mind trading dozens of frustrating moments for open-ended experiences—Nine Dot Studios’ RPG is sure to find a dedicated audience. Outward‘s aspirations are commendable, but just like its protagonist, the end result is just average.

Jump Dash RollDaniel Garrod

5/10

A beautiful concept marred by poor fighting mechanics, lacklustre graphics and a punishing learning curve that sucks all the fun out of adventuring. Outward has the potential to earn cult status, but will turn away all but the most diehard of fans.

IGNDM Schmeyer

5/10

After a very rough start, I met Outward on its terms, finishing several quests and exploring each of its expansive regions from top to bottom. In doing so, I saw some cool sights, fought some worthy opponents, and cast a lot of cool spells with its impressive magic system. I spent more time, however, slogging through long, boring battles with an otherwise poor combat system, working around major bugs, scrounging berries to eat, sleeping in tents, and just walking the same roads, back and forth, from one familiar town to the other and back again. These flaws didn’t just crop up regularly – they...

Gamers HeroesJohnny Hurricane

50/100

Outward may show a ton of promise, but it is pretty rough in its current state. Those interested should check back after a couple of patches.

GameSpewRichard Seagrave

5/10

At the end of the day, it’s undeniable that Outward‘s combat is sub-par, and that its systems prove to be very punishing when combined. Most who play Outward will find it very frustrating at first, then might come around to it a little when they understand it a little more and learn to avoid its pitfalls. As they progress further and find themselves treading backwards and forwards on the same old ground completing quests that just aren’t that interesting, however, they’re likely to grow bored of the whole experience and just give up.