Game: Outlast 2
Publisher: Red Barrels
Developer: Red Barrels
Reviewed: Nintendo Switch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNDz12otetg
The Outlast franchise has had some great success in the horror genre in video games. From the first title that had players investigate a haunting asylum, to its counterpart Whistleblower DLC story extension. The Outlast games have managed to capture a sense of dread a lot of horror titles don’t; and with Outlast 2, developer Red Barrels did not miss a beat.
Outlast 2 is slightly different from the other titles, due to the sole fact of its environment. This time around players are brought into a more wider world, with the open sky above you and the crazies behind you. Outlast 2 never seems to let up. Back in 2017, I had the chance to check out the game on PC, which was phenomenal. The game maintained its signature scare-tactic, level structure, and immersive storytelling to the very end. It was all in all a great followup title.
However, even with its scares, interesting story, and change of environment Outlast 2 still had its fair share of problems. How do they hold up on the Nintendo Switch? Let’s find out.
Right off the bat, the Nintendo Switch version of Outlast 2 holds up better than expected. It runs at a smooth 30fps with 1080p fidelity when docked and 720p when in handheld. Both docked and handheld modes looked quite stunning, to be honest.
Red Barrels knew how to take full power of the Switch’s hardware and put it to good use. When in handheld, if you look super close you could see some discrepancies, but from afar it’s truly wonderful. Plus it helps the game is shrouded in darkness either from the night sky, dark barns or through the lens of your night vision camera.
The gameplay, on the other hand, is more of the same. If you’re a fan of the Outlast series, you won’t be shocked at how the game plays. Essentially the level structures are the same from the original and do little to change that winning formula. However, with this being a sequel, one would hope to see some changes made. To improve on what you had, Outlast 2’s gameplay could have been a lot better, but sadly it isn’t.
The game runs fine, the button layout is great and all, but the repetitive nature of the game takes its toll too early. Players will find out quickly what the game has to offer. Encounter bad guys, run, hide, scavenge for batteries and maintain them for as long as you can. It’s a cycle that quickly gets irritating. The story makes you want to push through, but only for so long. Similiar to the original, Outlast 2 overstays its welcome.
Missions start to get dragged out, and the back and forth nature of the game gets boring. Encounters are scary the first time, but once dying and repeating it, the thrill loses its moment. Especially when dying comes from a one-shot kill or the fact you’re running in the dark from having no batteries.
However, if you know what you’re getting yourself into, Outlast 2 is a great experience. IF you want to be scared, scavenge the world for batteries and collectibles, and see a pretty crazy story, then this game will be right up your alley.
The Switch version allows you to play anywhere, anytime plus it looks great so there is very little compromise in this version of the game. Outlast 2 might overstay its welcome for some, but it also might scratch that itch for others.
What do you think about Outlast 2? Will you be picking it up on the Switch? Let us know in the comments down below?
