So I made a Steam review. I wanted to add more detail on what I meant about this game is lacking.
Outlast is a Half-Survival Horror game where you play as Miles Upshur a investigative Reporter who wants to figure out what's going on in this Asylum.
The reason why I call it half Survival horror because it has run hide sneak but not a a combat element.
I do understand that Horror games are made different and dome of the m don't need a combat element. But If you make me play a game were a protagonist throws himself into danger without any kind of other self-defense weapons or Techniques, I'll start breaking your game down. Outlast Pretty calls its protagonist stupid.
Don't get me wrong Red Barrel's Design and Atmosphere isn't lacking at all. There are parts of this places that makes me feel all kinds of uncomfortable.
But Sadly this makes makes it even worse. this still fall flat because of my reasons. Here are my big 4 examples that of this is when you even press start in the game.
Example 1
always willing to risk digging into the stories no other journalist would dare Investigate.
Reading that part tells us that this isn't miles first dangerous case he's been on and It makes the player assume that he has some kind of self-defenses moves right? no because at the bottom it goes "You're not a fighter."
The mechanics of this game you're going to be climbing up vents, Ledges, and out windows, jumping across ledges up to vents, crawling through tunnels, Vents, and Pushing Shelves. Also you'll find collectables with your camera and collecting documents.
Miles is very acrobatic, has high endurance and strength, which is why I'm confused of why we he doesn't have some kind of "Push away" move for use the use.
If there was a combat Element, The INSANE MODE would've made the game twice scary because it would turn off the option and all you have is Running and hiding.
Example 2
When you begin, you drive up to the gate of the asylum and you read about what's going on within it from the whistleblower. So you get your camera and set out to investigate.
It wouldn't of surprised me if Miles goes into his glove compartment and got a teaser or gun.
The Taser would've added a new fear element because you would have to make hard choices with the batteries. Either use them for your taser to defend yourself or your camera to help you light your way through this game.
Example 3
These dudes are a perfect example on why their should be a Combat element.
so here is the thing within the game there are about 4 continuing quest type. (Get a key, turn this and that on, Destroy barrier, also Run and hide). Half of these involve Variants.
The Idea In these segments could've had a been only for the hostile patients like in this basement. The run, hide and sneak will still be there, but now you have a chance to attack or have that "push away" button or a Improvised system like Condemned.
Example 4
Jerk...
There isn't any kind of excuse for letting miles not fight him... I mean this is the guy who cut his fingers off why not let us fight him? They can even make it like the only way to do it is to kill him by stealth kills.
Now once again Not all of the characters are going to be involve in combat example of this is The Twins, Billy Hope and Chris Walker. Heck not even all of the Variants because some of them just stand around n such.
To tell you the truth about this game. It was just a horror rollercoaster, because you really can't do anything but ride and watch. To be fully honest this game only got popular because of lets players. I would've thought it would spark them to be more than they've done.
So all n all like I said at the beginning of this it had some potential to be the best but when it comes to the characters and lack of options to survive I really can't say its good just only neutral.