This is my first review so please leave a comment with advice about what to add/change if you don't like something.
Outland ReviewGameplayThe gameplay borrows here and there from several different games (Prince of Persia (2D) platforming and swordfighting, Castlevania exploration, and the Ikaruga light and dark system) and becomes its own very unique game along the way. They come together to make a very fun and somewhat challenging game that is actually quite different from anything before it. The game starts simple as a basic sidescroller with basic jump and swing your sword abilities. As you progress, you gain abilities that enhance combat and allow you to explore new areas.
Not too far into the game, you gain the ability to switch between light and dark powers. This is the game's primary focus. When light power is activated, light energy beams and energy balls can't hurt you, only the dark ones can. Also, you can only hurt dark enemies when you're light. The same is true vice versa. This leads to complicated puzzles and combat. You will often find yourself quickly switching back and forth to compete with different environmental dangers and enemies.
The best part of this game, IMO, are the boss fights which are epic! Every boss is huge! Most will take up the entire vertical length and a good portion of the horizontal length of your screen, Each one requires learning it's weakness and then exploiting them. They are all great fun, although they can get a little frustrating towards the end as the difficulty picks up.
There is also co-op. It's not throughout the whole game, but there are individual portals throughout the game which allow you to meet up with a friend and make your way through some side levels together. It works great online, and so-so with a second controller at home. Either way, it's not quite as fun as the single player, but it is a good time with a friend none the less.
There is very little to complain about, but there is one small thing I will pick on. The checkpoints are a little off. They are almost too generous throughout the levels. They are everywhere which take out a lot of the challenge. There are still difficult little parts though so it's not a giant complaint. Oddly enough, the exact opposite can be said about a few of the boss fights. One boss has a checkpoint, then a warmup fight with the boss, then a somewhat long tunnel to run with a few enemies along the way, and finally the main boss fight. If you lose in the main boss fight, you have to start the whole process over. It's not an overly challenging boss fight, but it can take a few tries to learn the tricks so restarting gets very irritating around attempt 3.
StoryThe story is minimal. It is your standard Epic Hero defeated an Epic Evil years ago and now the evil is back and the hero must rise once again. Text moves the story along when you get new powers and defeat bosses, but it's nothing spectacular. Outland is more about understanding the story through the gameplay, which works since the gameplay is so engaging,
GraphicsThe graphics are stunning within Outland. The light and dark energies bouncing around the artistic backgrounds make the game worth playing alone. The silhouetted main character with little detail minus his light/dark energy colors forming his armor make him look quite grand as well. Outland being displayed in full 1080p should put a smile on anyone's face.
SoundThe music is great and fits the game well. The sound effects are even better. I personally found the audio in Outland really pulls you into the experience.
AchievementsThe achievements are pretty easy. It shouldn't be a difficult 100% at all. There is one that will probably require a small grind at the end of the game but nothing too crazy. The hardest outside of that is killing a boss without taking damage. Play the first boss a few times to learn his moves, and it's pretty easy to pull off this achievement right at the beginning of the game. The rest are pretty easily managable.
Final RatingGameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 10/10
Story: 7/10
Sound: 9/10
Achievements: 10/10
Outland is very well done. If you like sidescrollers, I highly recommend picking this one up! Action, platforming, puzzles, exploring, and boss fights. It has it all!
5.0