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Outcast
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Graphics & Sound:
The graphics in Outcast look pretty good, but the animation rate seemed low on an AMD K6-2 400. Also, the animation for your character moving around is not synchronized well to the motion itself. While somewhat distracting at first, this can be overlooked once you play a while and get used to the pace of the game. The HUD (Heads Up Display)based interface used in Outcast works very well, and looks good at the same time. It helps to locate and identify resources which need to be picked up, as well as generally keeping you informed of various status indicators. The sound effects and music are very good, as well. EAX is supported and provides an emmersive experience which further helps you to overlook the choppy animation. The music is orchestral, and has a Star Wars feel to it (this is a good thing). This, coupled with the sound effects, dynamically enhances the cinematic experience of the game.
As an overview of the look and feel of Outcast, I would have to say that the main detracting factor (possibly the sole detracting factor) is the less than par animation, and the fact that your character begins to 'travel around' before he begins to move. If this aspect were better, the game would have scored much higher. |
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Gameplay:
The pace of the game was not what I was expecting. Outcast is not a fast and furious game. Instead, it requires you to actually think and work a bit to achieve some goals. Due to this depth, the slightly choppy animation can be overlooked to some degree. The control setup is also a little strange - your mouse will change your heading, but the direction keys make your character run in that direction, without changing the direction of your viewpoint. That means that if you press 'Left,' your character runs left, sidescroller style, and if you press 'Down,' the character runs TOWARDS you! This works out well if you turn on the HUD map feature. Then, you can use the mouse to position the map (via your heading), and then use the direction keys to move your character around in the map.
The HUD is a nice feature of Outcast, allowing you to have important mission-related data available to you, as well as providing a unique and efficient interface for things such as interacting with the locals and checking resource materials, like your notebook, your map, and your 'lexicon' - an interactive information system which functions like an electronic, intelligent encyclopedia, prompting you with pertinent information at the appropriate times. As you travel on your quest, be sure to pick up anything your computer locates - such as metal, crystals, shells, etc. Eventually, when you come across a 'Recreator,' they will be able to use these resources to make ammo for you. There are many strategic elements such as this in Outcast. As you progress through the game, it almost seems like a strategy game played from the ground level. It will take a lot of brains to go with your brawn to beat this game, I assure you. |
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Difficulty:
Outcast does have some factors which make it difficult to play. For one, aiming and dodging is somewhat difficult to do. However, you will quickly find that an open attack is not often the best move in Outcast. More often, it is better to sneak around and try to find out what you can unnoticed. As long as you don't act in an evil manner, the Talons will help you. Some can offer better services than others. While most can give you directions to other Talons and some info about the area, a couple of rare ones can aid you in other capacities, such as healing you, making ammo for you, or selling you an animal to ride - to speed you along on your journey. If used wisely, these Talons can assist you greatly. Another feature that helps make the game approachable is the 'Gaamsaav' crystal. Since you are able to use the 'Gaamsaav' an unlimited number of times, feel free to save your game as often as you wish.
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Game Mechanics:
Outcast is a very original game. It has many aspects similar to a strategy game, yet doesn't have the lofty 'above-it-all' vantage point. Outcast is more of a Captain Kirk-style strategy game, mixed with a third person (and, optionally, first person) adventure game. The graphics engine in Outcast is a unique one. The graphics have what I can only describe as an organic feel to them. The landscapes seem to have a flowing feel to them, instead of the extremely 'square' feeling a lot of other 3D games seem to have. The 'lexicon' and the HUD features makes for a nice interface, allowing the game to advise your advancement without causing you to feel forced towards anything in particular. This is a good solution for the tendency for a player to wander off away from the plotline intended. I expect to see this feature imitated in other games in the future. The only drawback was that even on a AMD K6-2 400 Mhz with a Voodoo 3 2000, the frames in the movement animation seemed choppy and poorly synced.
Installation: This one takes a while to load, so if you have an ancient, slow CD-ROM, you may want to upgrade first. It will drastically decrease the install time, but more importantly, it will also enhance the quality of the FMVs in your games. Anyway, the game goes straight into the installation process the first time you put the disc into your CD-ROM drive. Once installed, you will be treated to a long FMV intro movie which explains the background story. As soon as the intro is over, you move to Disc 2, where you'll actually start the game.
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-Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins |
Minimum System Requirements:
Pentium II 200 MMX, 32MB RAM, SVGA graphic card, 4x CD-ROM, win-compatible 16 bit soundcard, mouse, keyboard
Preferred System (Stated): Pentium II 300, 64MB RAM, SVGA graphic card, 3D soundcard, 8x CD-ROM |
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Test System:
AMD K6-2 400, 64MB Ram, Voodoo 3 2000 (PCI), 44X CD, Aureal Vortex 2 soundcard, mouse, keyboard, Imeron Intensor |
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