The Outlast Trials Update [Review]
Outlast Trials continues its impressive development with several updates since our last review. These include the addition of two new Killers: a foul-mouthed mob boss wielding a gun, and a relentless, smaller psycho that single-mindedly pursues one player until elimination before switching targets. Several new lobby minigames have also been introduced, such as the confusingly enjoyable "Stroop" (at least for my friends), a ping pong arcade game, chess, and an arm wrestling game with a revised control scheme. The latest season, Project Relapse, has arrived for the game. It introduces the Suburbs map, the Trial Maker game mode, and a new enemy, the Jaeger, who will be featured in a Limited-Time Event.
While the core gameplay remains the same, new mechanics and equipment have been added. The latest trials present equally challenging escape scenarios. Some require finding keys with specific symbols, echoing the very first trial, while others involve manipulating machines to achieve the correct frequency. Incorrect actions in these new trials will result in health loss. Additionally, these trials offer fresh perspectives on familiar levels, with altered entrances and exits that can catch seasoned players off guard. In terms of equipment, two new rigs have been introduced: the "jammer" and the "barricade." Initially skeptical, I found the jammer surprisingly useful. It allows interaction with almost any electronic device, enabling players to open locked doors and boxes, disable traps and explosives, revive downed teammates remotely, and even gain extra battery for x-ray vision with upgrades. The barricade effectively blocks doors, slowing down enemies, though it can also lead to accidental lockouts if not used carefully.
A previous limited-time event allowed everyone to escape the facility with the help of Amelia, a reagent that successfully escaped the Murkoff corporation. After completion everyone was required to recreate their character and luckily, stats, rigs, and cosmetics were preserved. Following this event, Amelia was captured, and her displayed body serves as a consequence of our escape, though I'm not sure if she's alive up there or not. She's just hanging around. The game's hilariously dark failure quotes, such as "That was like watching Jesus die of dysentery on the way to his crucifixion!", and the subtle, whispered "I Love you" upon mission success remain highlights. Overall, Outlast Trials is a 10/10 experience, currently available on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series, and Steam.
