Outland
Dec 22, 2014 12 years ago
An action platformer with a combat/interactivity system based on polarity, Outland focuses on a hero who can switch between light and dark forms, an ability he'll need to exploit in order to destroy monsters and avoid attacks. He'll take damage from opposite-colored bullets but will be impervious to those of the same polarity. He'll also only be able to control objects that match his polarity. By switching between forms, he will be able to solve platforming puzzles and crush enemies in this mysterious new land he finds himself in.
What it’s like
Outland delivers a visceral, side-scrolling action-platformer experience defined by its striking visual identity and tight, rhythmic gameplay. You control a silent protagonist navigating a mysterious, ancient world through fluid wall-jumps, sliding ladders, and dynamic combat. The core mechanic revolves around polarity: switching between light and dark forms dictates your interaction with the environment, allowing you to crush matching enemies while avoiding opposite-colored hazards. This system creates a satisfying puzzle-combat loop where platforming precision is just as vital as reflexes. The game features a strong artistic vision, blending Mayan-inspired aesthetics with a moody, atmospheric tone that emphasizes isolation and mystery over exposition. While the narrative remains abstract, the world-building through environmental design is compelling. The experience is punctuated by challenging boss battles and clever level design, offering a polished, old-school feel with modern mechanical depth.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodGameplay / MechanicsVisuals / ArtAudio / MusicCombatDifficulty / ChallengeExploration / WorldPacing
Keep in mind The collectible power-ups are often criticized for feeling tacked on rather than meaningfully integrated into the core polarity mechanics. · Performance issues and control responsiveness can be problematic on PC ports compared to console versions.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from gamespot.com, gamecritics.com, ign.com, metacritic.com, cubed3.com, lggaming.wordpress.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox 360 | Worldwide | Full release | Apr 27, 201115 years ago |
| PlayStation 3 | Worldwide | Full release | Jun 14, 201115 years ago |
| Linux | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 29, 201412 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 29, 201412 years ago |
| Mac | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 22, 201412 years ago |