Outward Definitive Edition Review (PlayStation 5)

by Jim Smale · May 25, 2022

Back again for our Outward Definitive Edition Review, where no remarkable journey is achieved without great effort. Outward is an open-world RPG where the cold of the night or an infected wound can be as dangerous as a predator lurking in the dark. Explore the vast world of Aurai, and embark on memorable adventures alone or with your friends.

Outward Definitive Edition Review Pros:

Decent graphics thanks in part to the overall quality update on the visuals.
15.31GB Download size.
Platinum trophy.
Graphics settings – bloom and motion blur.
Controller settings – Invert axis and sensitivity sliders.
Field of view slider for both solo and split-screen.
Two difficulties – Normal and hardcore.
RPG adventure gameplay.
Includes bot DLC packs – The Soroboreans and The three brothers.
Tutorial option- Multilayered tower where you learn every aspect of the game.
New building mechanic where you can source, plan and create your own settlement/town.
Two players split-screen support.
Online co-op.
Three save slots.
Character creator-Name/Gender/Race (Kazite, Auraian, Tramon)/Hairstyle/Legacy.
Massive open world.
Improved loading times.
Play how you want.
Multiple choice conversations.
Interactable objects have a distinctive blue glint.
Sleep- Choose the length and guard setting as you can be ambushed.
The main storyline and optional side missions.
A clear easy-to-use mission selector menu.
Deep crafting system.
Scavenge materials from wildlife and nature.
Loot chests to be found.
Has Skyrim/Dragon Age vibes.
A cold/hot mechanic whereby proper clothing is needed to stave off death.
A clear easy-to-read HUD.
Compass will show points of interest and any mission markers you have set.
Combat has a degree of skill in it with a block, counter-type approach.
A ton of replay value.
Food will rot over time.
A lot of work on the magic side of your character. It is not a case of just picking up and scrolling and off you go, You need to -put time into the craft and go through the stages.
Dungeons to find and explore.
Such a rich living world.
Enchanting soundtrack.
Some glorious vistas and locations.
Autosaves so regularly that every decision is nearly enough irreversible.
You can watch other people/beasts fight each other and even kite them into each other.
Difficult, Very difficult.
Better in a co-op than solo play.
You can initiate online and split-screen at any point from the pause menu.
Performs and runs much smoother than before.
Feels and looks more vibrant.
Can see enemy levels when looking at them.
Runs well on split-screen.
Satisfying combat.
Has an old-school vibe to it with little explanation and a lot of player interpretation needed.

Outward Definitive Edition Review Cons:

Never sure when it’s saved.
Slow starter.
Couldn’t see any way to import my PlayStation 4 save from before.
No tutorial baked into the game and doesn’t make this clear.
The learning curve with the controls.
Co-op play is fine except the second player gets shafted a lot by not getting loot properly or at all, and cannot always see dialogue choices.
Co-op goes by and saves by the first player.
Huge difficulty curve with the combat.
A lot of reading.
Small text in places.
Not the strongest voice acting.

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