The 1990s gave us a wave of experimental shooters, but Outlaws was one of the rare titles that dared to mix fast-paced FPS action with the cinematic flair LucasArts had perfected in its adventure games. Nearly three decades later, Nightdive Studios is bringing the cult classic back in a polished remaster. With updated visuals, modern controls, and multiplayer support, it’s a chance for both old fans and curious newcomers to revisit (or finally discover) a western shooter that stood apart from its peers.
What we know
Developed by Nightdive Studios and published by Atari, Outlaws: Handful of Missions Remaster rebuilds the 1997 LucasArts original with the same care the studio recently applied to Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster. Players step into the boots of James Anderson, a retired U.S. Marshal drawn back into a life of gunslinging after his family is torn apart by outlaws. The single-player campaign blends shootouts with a classic revenge tale, while multiplayer adds modes like Deathmatch, Team Play, Capture the Flag, and the quirky “Kill the Fool With the Chicken.”
The remaster promises up to 4K resolution at 120 frames per second, high-resolution cutscenes, and re-created weapon and character models that retain the look of the original while sharpening the details. A new weapon wheel, modern controller support, gyro aiming, and rumble are also included, making the game more accessible to today’s audiences. On top of the campaign, the remaster includes the “Handful of Missions” expansion and a behind-the-scenes vault for longtime fans to dig into.
What we saw
At Gamescom, we sat down with Nightdive’s Larry Kuperman for a hands-off demo, where we were shown both campaign cutscenes and gameplay segments. The presentation highlighted the visual overhaul, smoother controls, and the faithful way in which the game’s iconic atmosphere has been preserved.
What we thought
Seeing Outlaws again immediately brought back the sense that this was always a different breed of shooter. Where its contemporaries leaned into gothic horror or sci-fi settings, Outlaws paired its straightforward FPS mechanics with the atmosphere and storytelling weight of a LucasArts adventure. The result was a unique hybrid, and from what we’ve seen of the remaster, that identity is very much intact. The cinematic cutscenes, complete with a sweeping western score clearly inspired by Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone, remain a highlight.
Of course, Outlaws has never enjoyed the same name recognition as System Shock or Turok, two other franchises Nightdive has successfully revitalized. That makes this a slightly bolder project: a game that may be beloved among a niche fanbase but risks flying under the radar for those unfamiliar with LucasArts’ shooter experiment. On the other hand, Nightdive’s track record of honoring and modernizing cult classics suggests that if anyone can make this resonate again, it’s them.
Mechanically, Outlaws was a product of its time, built around relatively simple run-and-gun combat. That might feel stripped down compared to modern shooters, but in the remaster context it becomes a lean, straightforward experience that relies on atmosphere, music, and pace rather than bloated systems. The improved framerate and higher fidelity visuals also go a long way toward making those shootouts feel sharp and responsive.
Whether the remaster will find a broader audience is an open question, but as a piece of gaming history, Outlaws deserves another chance in the spotlight. From its memorable soundtrack to its blend of classic FPS gunplay and adventure-style storytelling, this remaster has the potential to remind players why the 90s were such a fertile ground for experimentation in gaming – and why some forgotten gems are worth dusting off.
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