Image credit: Red Barrels
Red Barrels’ co-optional horror “therapy” simulator The Outlast Trials leaves early access today. I haven’t played an Outlast game since reviewing the second numbered game and having excitable opinions about its portrayal of the moon. I’ll be honest, I’d assumed the series had died, but Steam user reviewers seem pretty keen on Trials, which takes the first game’s mucky asylum premise and spins it out into a low-key live service game about playing a series of human guinea pigs, trying to escape an experimental brainwashing lab run by the villainous Murkoff Corporation.
Trial objectives include smashing up sex toys and feeding people blood, and there’s a lot of backstory to glean from found documents and conversations with side characters. Unlockable tools and gear include slippers, which soften your footsteps when avoiding unkillable opponents, and X-ray goggles, with which to spy people through walls. Maps range from sickly funfairs through abandoned police stations to terrible toy factories.
The 1.0 release introduces a new ending, full controller support and crossplay with the just-launched console versions (though not cross-progression), while making “adjustments in difficulty, Trial structure, and progression to provide a streamlined onboarding for all new and returning players – including those playing solo or as a group.” According to VG247, The Outlast Trials stacks up pretty well as a single-player game.
There’s a lot more in the full changelog, as ever. Even if you haven’t played Trials, it’s worth a skim simply to think about/wince at how the developers have cheerily transformed the language of live service updating and weekly/monthly “cadences” into a twisted wellness regimen. Missions are sorted into “programs”, respawns are administered by popping pills, and every player has a Therapy level.
Certainly, the idea of a live service roadmap that’s also a mental health program is a fine basis for a horror game. Alternatively, you might want to check out Vampire Therapist, a visual novel in which ancient undead discuss their experiences with therapists.
Here are the update highlights:
Toy Factory
– Embark on a twisted Trial against Mother Gooseberry.
New MK-Challenges
– Experience new MK-Challenges set in the Toy Factory environment.
Solo Play and Difficulty
– Significant adjustments to difficulty for new and returning players.
Denizens Storylines
– Discuss with the denizens as you progress through therapies.
Revamped Programs structure
– The Reagent journey has been revamped.
Program Genesis
– Path to Rebirth. All Trials are now combined into one Program.
Program X
– Path to Ascension. Murkoff has refreshed Program X once again.
Program Ultra
– Path to Hell. Introducing a new permanent end-game Program.
New Conclusion
– Release your Reagent to explore a new conclusion.
Weekly Programs
– Return every week for new therapeutic experiences.
Experimental Programs
– New Time Limited Events with unique rewards are incoming.
Increased Therapy Level cap
– Continue your Therapy up to level 65.
Revamped Loadout
– Build your ideal regimen with an improved system.
New Amps
– Customize your loadout with a variety of new Amps.
Rigs Balancing
– Revisited the Rigs for maximum efficiency.
The Brick
– Revisited the brick item based on your feedback.
New Legendary Outfits
– Acquire four new Reborn outfits.
New Character Customization
– Acquire a range of new cosmetics.
New Personal Cell Decorations
– Enhance your personal cell with new decorations.
Reagent Starter Pack (DLC)
– Begin your journey to rebirth with unique Legendary Outfits, Cell Items, Posters, and more. Discount available for all current players.
Full console support
– Play Outlast Trials on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X.
Full controller support
– Enjoy controller support, vibrations, and presets tailored to your playstyle.
Cross-Play
– Easily play with your friends across all platforms.
Many other improvements and fixes.
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