Outland Critic Reviews

Outland is an outstanding game, easily one of the best examples of its genre to emerge on the console download services. I think it's a far better, more dynamic game than something more single-minded style-over-substance games such as Limbo or Braid.

It's a visually striking game, combined with a beautiful soundtrack and challenging platforming and the pacing of the new abilities and moments between boss fights is pretty well executed.

Ultimately, Outland harks back to a time before celebrity voice-overs and glossy cutscenes, before the industry exploded into the multi-billion-dollar behemoth it is nowadays. It's straight-forward but intelligent, occasionally bastard-hard but never impossible, repetitive but never tedious and, though Outland might not make much sense story-wise, it more than delivers in every other department.

Outland is fast, it's fluid, it's unbelievably gorgeous, and it's got some of the finest level and boss design I've seen in a long time. If you fondly remember the days of sitting down in front of your NES or Mega Drive or Amiga with a new platformer, or if you recall Flashback, Strider, Castlevania, Metroid, Ninja Gaiden, or anything else I've name-dropped in this review, you shouldn't hesitate to pick this up immediately.

You could easily fill an entire review with the grocery list of games from which Outland cribs its gameplay elements -- Ubisoft's own marketing specifically calls out Ikaruga and Prince of Persia as "inspirations," for heaven's sake. But doing so seems unnecessarily reductive to me, because Outland manages to take those "inspirations" and create something that feels like genuine innovation.

A masterful game that grasps players from the start and doesn't let go until the final battle.

Both unique and well-developed and will leave you wanting more. If the seven-hour main campaign isn't enough, you can go back and play any number of Outland's inspirations.

One of the best downloadable titles of 2011 offers beautiful visuals and atmospheric andventuring, reminiscent of classics such as Super Metroid and Ikaruga.

Adding Ikarugas colour matching mechanics to a Metroidvania-esque game was a stroke of genius, and feels so intuitive that we're almost shocked that it hasn't been done before. Estetically beautiful, Outland contains smart level design, tight controls and excellent online coop. Don't miss out on this game!

I would have loved a more meaningful or full-bodied story in Outland, but at least the mystical narrative maintains the unreal vibe that the rest of the game exudes. Beyond that, the action-packed platforming, hypnotic music, and striking aesthetic make Outland a must-play. I am always astounded that more developers don't create 2D exploration games. With Outland, not only do we get a great new entry in the genre, but a unique variation on the theme unlike anything else on the market.

Outland is a phenomenal game that doesn't so much innovate, as much as it perfects. The polarity aspect is genius and the platforming is top-notch. Adding in co-op only sweetens the deal, making this a must-own title.

Fast, fluid, challenging, alluring, a visual and audio treat, Outland utilises classic inspiration, modern sensitivities and innovation to create the best original platformer in a generation.

Outland is the third great game from the clever guys of Housemarque. This incredible cocktail of Prince of Persia, Metroid, Ikaruga and Castlevania is as crazy as awesome. The game can be bought for a bunch of Euros so... Buy it, you'll love its essence!

A visually awesome game, with a demanding but highly satisfying gameplay. If you aren't afraid of an unforgiving and old school flavored experience, it's a strongly recommended buy.

Something old, something new, something red and something blue, Outland stands as another fine example of how old-school platforming can be brought triumphantly into the modern era with tight gameplay and an interesting twist on an old staple.

Exciting gameplay packed with clever mechanics and framed by a compelling artistic vision make Outland a superb experience.

Its impetus on platforming, combat and collecting will intrigue players that like any number of genres, and that's a good thing, because Outland does just about everything it does exceptionally well.

Outland has enough virtues to be remembered as one of the best platforms games of the year. If you like the genre this is a must-have.

While I'm not a huge fan of the online co-op, Outland is a tremendous game overall and should be purchased by anyone who enjoys Metroid-style romps, 2D platformers, or even bullet hell shooters. For $10, you'll get one of the best action platformers, and one of the best-looking, sounding, and controlling games available.

Though the difficulty spikes steadily once you get through the early portion of the game, frequent checkpoints save you from having to replay lengthy stretches of challenging turf.