The Outlast Trials is a first-person psychedelic horror game that involves missions called Trials, each with different objectives.
The game starts with a cut scene that shows you getting injected with fluid before starting the tutorial. The tutorial requires you to go through different rooms in this giant house to learn the backstory and controls.
Editor’s Note: The Guide Hall received a review copy of the game from the developer/publisher/PR for the purpose of this review. Their generosity does not impact our overall opinion or thoughts on the game!
Also, note that this part of the game must be played alone, and while it is optional, it’s recommended.
This is my first time playing anything from The Outlast game series, and I had a lot of fun. I enjoy being scared, and The Outlast Trials knows just how to do it. The first-person perspective pulls you into the story, making you one with the game. Some other details I enjoyed were the eerie soundtrack and random mumblings.
Another feature of this game is that the characters speak in the third person, referencing you directly. The art style and lighting in the game also help add to the eeriness. The dim lighting plays on the fear of the dark and unknown, which works well with the unsettling visuals.
I highly recommend playing this game with good headphones. Good headphones draw you into the story more and help you hear how close or far you are from enemies.
The Outlast Trials also uses your microphone. This allows certain enemies to locate where you are. I recommend using a good microphone with noise suppression to avoid picking up background noise.
The first trial is called “Kill the Snitch.” You are asked to infiltrate a police station to kill someone who supposedly poses a threat to Murkoff Corporation. This trial requires you to locate the snitch while facing various threats like power outages and enemies.
I recommend playing with others. Not only does this make the game more fun, but it helps ease some anxiety from playing alone. There’s also a revival system where others can find a syringe to revive you. The others can still complete the trial even if you aren’t revived.
The trials take about an hour to an hour and a half to complete. The gameplay isn’t tricky, containing a lot of puzzle-solving and hiding. If the game notices you getting stuck on a puzzle, tips pop up on the right-hand side to help. Enemies are also fairly easy to hide from. There are numerous hiding places, and it’s possible to outrun them.
One downside to The Outlast Trials is its use of gore. Numerous scenes include guts and blood. There are also flashing lights in some parts. If you are easily grossed out by gore or are sensitive to lights, I would pass on this one. I also had a hard time figuring out how to play multiplayer.
However, if you enjoy classic horror where you have to use tactics like hiding and dodging traps while trying to solve puzzles, especially if you enjoy being scared. I enjoyed playing it. I was satisfied with how terrified I was getting. The trials are easy to follow, with the steps displayed as you go.
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