Outcast 1.1

I played the original of this game and thought not only do the voxel graphics look great, the game underneath the tech is good fun too.

If you can withstand the old graphics, you’ll see one of the good games of old fortunate enough to have received a remaster (1.1) and a remake (Second Contact)! If you can’t withstand them, I’d definitely propose you to buy Second Contact. Whichever version you choose, it would be a mistake to entirely bypass this game. The game took me a while to get the hang of, but after you defeat the first soldiers and see the workers around you raising their hands as they see you are winning, then you’ll be drawn to it completely and you’ll want to do everything you can to free them from their oppressors. Everything is really amazing about this game (well, except the map): the beautiful environments, the in-game musical score and the story. I really liked how there was a change in Slade’s personality too. He is very indifferent at first about the natives, and he becomes very helpful and considerate as the game progresses and sees their difficulties. The ending is magnificent, long, sad, and funny (let the credits roll)! Just one advice: in this game, aggressiveness pays off. Being on the offensive and moving a lot during shootouts will make the game easier, than trying to shoot carefully to not spend bullets. There are materials everywhere in order for you to collect them and take them to the game’s blacksmiths, so they can make ammunition for you, and for free! Also enemies don’t respawn, except those who escort wagons in each region, and they too will stop when you disrupt the flow of production in this region. As the only negative I’d say that the no helping map is really annoying. I understand that this was a feature when the game was released, but it is a big discomfort for the, relatively, new/young player to have to ask around when searching for someone, instead of conveniently find him on the map. Thankfully, this isn’t the case in Second Contact, as the named NPCs are shown in the map. Either version of the game you choose to play, you won’t regret it!

I still don't understand why this game never had a sequel... Anyway what a pleasure to play again to this wonderful game, to hear this cinematographic music, to feel different atmospheres... Finally why a sequel ... ? :-)

When I played this game 10 years ago, I was completely blown away and playing it again today just confirms how ahead of it's time it was (or perhaps still is). It effortlessly blends action/adventure/exploration/rpgesque elements and creates an alien world more complete and persuasive than the likes of even 'Avatar'. It is also, unlike many of the old classics, still a breeze to play thanks to tight controls and a sharp UI. Basically apart from the graphics (and thanks to fantastic art direction, even they still retain much power) the game has not dated in the slightest and you really have no excuse not to give it a try.

Pros: The game has a decent story line with a lot of background and history on the world, a lot of side missions are available, non linear Cons: Sometimes really bad camera angles, a little clunky moving around, the ending feels rushed compared to the rest of the game