Remember the mid-90s? Dial-up internet, flannel shirts, and a glorious explosion of first-person shooters trying to dethrone Doom and Quake. So many tried, so few truly stood out. But, there was one. A weird, wild west FPS that dared to be different. I'm talking about… [Whispers]… Outlaws.
Yeah, that's right. Outlaws. The LucasArts title that, if we're being honest, probably deserved way more love than it got back in '97. And guess what? Nightdive Studios, the wizards of video game resurrection, are bringing it back. I, for one, am absolutely thrilled.
For those too young to remember (or those whose memories are conveniently hazy), Outlaws wasn't just another corridor shooter with a fresh coat of paint. It had style. A fantastic, hand-drawn art style, MIDI music so good it made your sound card sing, and a surprisingly compelling story about revenge in the Old West. But the real question is that who asked for the revival? Well, I did!
Why Nightdive and Why Now?
Nightdive isn't just some random company picking up old games. They're obsessed with preserving and enhancing gaming history. They've already worked their magic on titles like System Shock (a triumph, by the way), Doom 64, and Strife. They don't just slap a new coat of paint on things; they get under the hood, fix the engine, and make these classics purr like a kitten riding a Roomba.
And Outlaws? It's a perfect fit for them. Think about it: a visually distinctive game with a dedicated, but maybe forgotten, fanbase. It's a chance for Nightdive to not only revive a great game but also introduce it to a whole new generation of players. This is very important for the video games industry.
But there's more to it than that. The timing is right. We're in the middle of a full-blown boomer shooter renaissance. Gamers are hungry for that fast-paced, no-nonsense, key-hunting action that defined the '90s. And while games like Doom Eternal and Ultrakill are pushing the genre forward, there's still a place for the classics, especially when they get the Nightdive treatment. Speaking of boomer shooters you should check this review.
What Made Outlaws Special?
Okay, let's dive a little deeper into what made Outlaws so memorable. It wasn't just the setting (though a Wild West FPS was fairly unique even then). It was the attention to detail. The guns felt weighty, the environments were atmospheric, and the cutscenes – remember those glorious animated cutscenes? – were top-notch. For the time, it was pushing the boundaries of storytelling in a shooter.
And the difficulty! This wasn't some cakewalk. Outlaws could be brutally challenging, especially on the higher difficulty settings. You had to be smart, use cover, and master your arsenal if you wanted to survive. I remember spending hours trying to beat some of those later levels, swearing at my monitor, but ultimately feeling a huge sense of accomplishment when I finally succeeded.
Actually, that reminds me... The reload animations! Each weapon had its own unique reload sequence, meticulously animated. This might seem like a small detail, but it added so much to the game's personality. It made you feel like you were actually handling these weapons, not just pointing and clicking. I miss that kind of detail in modern games.
What Can We Expect from the Revival?
Here's the thing: Nightdive isn't just going to release a straight port of the original game. They're going to enhance it. Expect improved graphics, smoother frame rates, and maybe even some quality-of-life improvements. Think of it as Outlaws with a fresh coat of paint, a tuned-up engine, and maybe even some new bells and whistles.
I'm hoping they'll also address some of the original game's shortcomings. Maybe tweak the difficulty balancing, add some new content, or even implement online multiplayer (imagine the duels!). The possibilities are endless. But here’s hoping they don’t change too much!
But no matter what, knowing Nightdive's track record, we can expect a faithful and respectful revival that honors the spirit of the original game. And maybe, just maybe, this time Outlaws will finally get the recognition it deserves.
FAQ: Outlaws Returns!
Why should I care about a 28-year-old game?
Nostalgia aside, Outlaws was genuinely innovative for its time. It blended a unique Wild West setting with tight FPS gameplay and a surprisingly compelling story. Plus, Nightdive's revivals are usually top-notch, meaning you're likely getting a polished, enhanced version of a classic.
Is this just a straight port, or are there any improvements?
Nightdive typically goes beyond simple ports. Expect graphical enhancements, smoother performance, and potentially some quality-of-life improvements. They aim to preserve the original experience while making it more accessible and enjoyable for modern gamers. We love it.
Will Nightdive's revival of Outlaws ruin what made the original special?
That's always a risk with remasters and remakes. However, Nightdive has a strong track record of respecting the source material. They tend to focus on enhancing what was already there rather than drastically altering the core gameplay or story. So, chances are, you'll still get the Outlaws experience you remember, just in a prettier, smoother package.
Where can I get Outlaws when it's released?
Keep an eye on Nightdive's website and social media channels for release announcements. Their games are typically available on Steam, GOG, and other digital distribution platforms. And who knows, maybe we'll even see a console release this time around!
Is this revival going to cost a lot of money?
Nightdive's revivals are usually priced reasonably, typically in the $20-$30 range. Considering the amount of work they put into these projects, it's a fair price for a piece of gaming history. However, the price has not been officially announced yet.