Outland uses minimalistic cut-scenes to introduce the idea of two powerful goddesses threatening to unmake the world, unless you can stop them. You must gain the powers of light and dark and destroy several guardians to achieve this aim. The game begins with you having to run and jump your way through tunnels and over platforms, like you’d expect, but you are quickly introduced to the combat elements too. The environments are filled with insects, soldiers and jellyfish that will either attack you or get in your way. You can utilize sword and slide attacks to kill them as well as running and jumping skills to avoid them. As you progress further, you unlock more powerful attacks as well as the ability to change colour to light (blue) or dark (orangey-red) and this is where Outland really becomes something special. This enables you to kill enemies of opposing colours or become impervious to energy bullets of the same colour. It also allows you to hit certain switches and access earlier sections of the game.
Platforming is a challenge in Outland as you are tasked to not only coordinate your running and jumping but also time this with the light/dark mechanic as coloured platforms are insubstantial unless you match them with your own colour. Often while you are doing this you are also changing colour to avoid beams and sprays of ‘bullet hell’ as well as defeating enemies. This makes Outland a challenge, but it also makes it much more fun than a regular platformer where you usually just hit switches or avoid generic dangers. In this game you are constantly developing your skills in hitting several buttons on the controller in a pattern to navigate through these areas, and though you may have to replay sections many times, it’s not impossible to do.
This multi-layered game mechanic runs smoothly. You never fight with the controller (probably because you don’t have to use the direction pad) or the game design as all jumps are clearly weighted and higher ledges are attainable. You can access level maps and you are even guided where to go for the next switch or key. Your health and special attack energy can be upgrading through collecting coins and the combat moves are easy to learn and remember. The boss battles can be stressful, not necessarily because you can’t figure them out, but because the combination of moves required can tax your coordination skills to the limit. Once you’ve spent an hour trying to beat a boss, you may feel a sense of accomplishment, but you’ll probably also be relieved that you’ll never have to face it again.
Outland wears its influences proudly, whether it be Metroid (once you unlock abilities your can go back and reach new sections in earlier parts of the game) or Ikaruga (with its coloured ‘bullet hell’ and the light/dark mechanic) yet these feel fresh in a platformer. Outland looks pretty because it has a very strong and consistent design sense. Backgrounds consist of multilayered black cut-outs and evoke the sense of shadow puppets crossed with Tron, but with a style inspired by South American civilizations. As you jump and propel yourself around, the background smoothly scrolls in any direction and little details hold your attention amongst the frantic gaming. There are four main areas to access and each has a differing theme, whether it be in the snow or a forest and the bosses are simply amazing. Music plays a huge part in the game world and the soundtrack is worth listening to even outside of the game.
Outland also offers online co-op mode, which can be accessed as you play (for a custom co-op challenge level) or chosen from the menu screen once unlocked. These levels require you to gather as many coins as you can in a set time frame and include switches and puzzles that need to be solved simultaneously. If you want more bang for your buck, you can tackle the arcade mode and complete levels in the quickest time and collect point bonuses as well as post your scores online.
Overall, Outland can’t be faulted for its gameplay, visual design, co-op mode or price. If you love platforming, you’ll get an awesome fix. Even if you don’t, you’ll finish the game with a grudging respect for Housemarque, which has made something special here.
