A next- and current-gen game
Square Enix’s new game looks to be most succinctly summed up through comparisons to existing games. It’s being developed by People Can Fly (most well-known forBulletstormandGears of War: Judgment) and it’s titledOutriders. One glance and you’ll instantly recognize the influences.
Yes, this space shooter looks equal partsDestinyandGearswith maybe a dash ofAnthemfor good measure. While the cinematic trailer embedded above sets the tone, Game Informer’s teaser video embedded below actually shows some gameplay:
Outridersis a cover-based loot shooter, one that evidently chases the games-as-a-service dragon. It’s a crowded market with huge franchises likeDestiny,The Division,Fallout, andAnthemall taking up space.Destinyis firmly planted at the top, but maybe there’s room for newcomers if they do enough to differentiate themselves. Distinction is key.
Given the timing, one of the most immediately-interesting things aboutOutridersis where it’s launching. The trailer makes mention of PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X (along with PC, of course).Outriderswill be a cross-generation game. A holiday release during a new console year won’t preclude people who hold off on adopting new hardware.
We’ll find out Thursday when People Can Fly and Square Enix host anofficial reveal stream. For now, this new property looks rooted in the influence of existing properties.
