The Outlast franchise is not only one of the most memorable series of horror games in recent years, but it also has contributed to the reemergence of non-combat survival horror games. While iconic horror games like Amnesia: The Dark Descent were among the first to build a game without combat, the first Outlast game arguably exemplified the potential of the trope. Not only has the original game sold over 4 million copies as of October 2016, but its success has contributed to the development of Outlast 2 and the upcoming title The Outlast Trials. It appears as though The Outlast Trials will be taking a departure from franchise traditions.
Throughout the almost decade-long history of the Outlast franchise, the gameplay has been focused on attempting to survive a terrifying environment long enough to escape. The franchise is unique because the player protagonist tends to be a journalist who uses a camera to navigate in the dark and record evidence. As dozens of horror games take influence from the success of Outlast and Outlast 2, it's surprising to see The Outlast Trials take a dramatic departure from established game mechanics and themes.
The Outlast Trials Is A Cooperative Experience That Might Undercut Franchise History
Unlike its predecessors, The Outlast Trials supports four-player cooperative gameplay. While the game could be attempting to capitalize on the popularity of multiplayer horror games like Left 4 Dead and Dying Light, it's indeed a significant change. The upcoming game is a prequel to Outlast and Outlast 2, putting players in the shoes of a test subject participating in a dangerous Cold War-era experiment. Although much remains to be seen about how the storyline will factor into gameplay, it's been confirmed that players can fight enemies using a series of special skills. This gameplay development is an unexpected departure from the non-combat game mechanics that first distinguished the Outlast franchise.
It appears that test subjects in The Outlast Trials will not freely explore but instead participate in a series of experiments that involve completing tasks while evading monsters. Part of the effectiveness of Outlast's horror elements was that players are forced to keep moving. It will be interesting to see how an episodic format maintains that sense of constant danger and desperation. The game has also switched out the iconic camera for night-vision goggles and appears to offer a variety of collectible items to aid in the experiment. Playing with others - and upgradable skills - might remove that feeling of isolation and dread the Outlast franchise is known for.
How The Outlast Trials Can Avoid The Pitfalls of Previous Co-Op Horror Games
Some Outlast fans might have trepidation about how the new multiplayer cooperative mode and the advent of special skills will affect gameplay. It's difficult not to draw comparisons to the long-forgotten 2015 game Alone In The Dark: Illumination. Like The Outlast Trials,Illumination is a four-player cooperative horror game where players work together to survive and solve a mystery. Players have unique skills and use collectible items to traverse the various levels. While the original Alone In The Dark was a resounding success, Alone In The Dark: Illumination received negative reviews.
Many critics panned Alone In The Dark: Illumination's co-op mode and the gameplay. Some players found the gameplay overly tedious and repetitive, and the lack of compelling narrative elements irredeemable. The Outlast Trials will need to avoid the pitfalls seen with the release of Alone In The Dark: Illumination. One way the game can do this is by creating a genuinely compelling narrative that can be enjoyed while playing with multiple people. The character customization system could also be another way for players to personalize their experience. Ultimately, The Outlast Trials should also provide a dynamic and balanced loop that caters to longtime fans.
The Outlast Trials is in development.