It’s already been more than a decade since we were introduced to the first Outlast game, which gave us a fairly unique survival horror experience crafted by Red Barrels, who have since turned it into a franchise. The original Outlast, which was set in the abandoned Mount Massive Asylum, became a fan favorite by emphasizing psychological aspects of horror more so than the actual monsters you fight. The Outlast Trials is out now, focuses mostly on multiplayer action, and we tested it on a PlayStation 5.
The setting of The Outlast Trials takes us back to the Cold War era, where unwitting human subjects are recruited by the shady figures of the Murkoff Corporation for experimentation in mind control. Trapped within the corporation’s facilities, the players must navigate through harrowing scenarios (the titular trials), testing their mental fortitude and providing a single chance for escape.
Like its predecessors, The Outlast Trials emphasizes stealth, evasion, and finding an escape route. Players create their characters with limited customization options and find themselves within the medical facility hub. Interacting with fellow inmates and engaging in mini-games adds depth to the experience – although the heart of the game are the trails.
The game introduces various experiments and programs, escalating in difficulty and danger, but with each one of them posing mortal risks with dire consequences. As players progress through police stations, courts, toy factories, and amusement parks – all designed with traps and dangers in mind – the horror intensifies, immersing players in Outlast’s brand of first-person terror.
While embracing the series’ signature gameplay, The Outlast Trials introduces notable additions, such as the ability to carry three selected items for survival. Gadgets like stun explosives enhance gameplay, though not every item feels quite as impactful and we’ll have to see how the system works and develops over time.
Graphically, The Outlast Trials delivers a solid experience, running smoothly on the PS5 at a native 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The game relies on the tried-and-true Unreal Engine 4, resulting in atmospheric and claustrophobic environments that are convincing but don’t offer the kind of vibrant details seen in UE 5 titles.
For those who enjoy horror, The Outlast Trials includes an abundant amount of blood and violence, and having been in Early Access on PC means it’s quite stable at launch as well. However, some cons include small gameplay quirks and a limited appeal to solo players. This one’s mainly for those who enjoy online multiplayer, as the solo mode lacks an impactful story mode that makes good use of the world they built for the game.
In summary, The Outlast Trials offers a solid horror experience, albeit one that may lose player interest due to somewhat repetitive missions that are best tackled in groups. But despite its flaws, the game marks a successful new entry for the Outlast series, blending cooperative play with the franchise’s trademark anxiety-inducing horror.
Score: 7.7/10
Press Play Media 