I won't lie, I'm borderline crazy excited! Why? Outlast has its first trailer. Independent projects such as Slender, Paranormal the Penumbra Trilogy and Amnesia prove a simple concept can be not only a terrifying game, but a terrifyingly good game. Simplicity, its the key to a successful design.
Now it's been years since I've been hooked to a game from an announcement and eagerly waited its arrival like a kid waiting for Santa (Dead Island...love it!), but the time has come, and Outlast see's its first announcement trailer below.
I've always believed that what's scary in life (and games) is what you don't know. Most games opt for the lazy jump scares, which is fine (I'm looking at you Resident Evil!). But real fear is constant anxiety from the unknown, not the unexpected. Your heart pounds, your mind races and your palms perspire. Now, Outlast does both. It makes you think and traumatise yourself, then decides whether to surprise you or give you what you expect. It shares a personal praxis of mine and does what I would want it to!
But here's why I love it - its simple and seamless. Don't get me wrong, it's clearly not real-time game play footage, but that's fine, because what they're exhibiting is easily accomplished in this day in age. Instead, the trailer aims to emphasis the concepts - vulnerability and dynamic scares. But here is a nice twists, its a found footage game.
You hear a noise to the left and look with your camera?
Then expect something worse to be waiting to your right - dynamic scares and scripted events. You've seen it in Slender. Well,
at least that's what I have gathered from this trailer. The ability to
sprint through the setting with context sensitive animations also really
floats my boat. Its a game I'd love to design but hey, if you have a different opinion don't be afraid to share it. Tell me what you think.
Either way, I'm gonna stalk this games development like a hawk!
If Outlast floats your board then I have to recommend similar experiences, otherwise I'd just be cruel!
NEXT POST: REVIEW: LEVEL UP! GUIDE TO GREAT VIDEO GAME DESIGN
I've always believed that what's scary in life (and games) is what you don't know. Most games opt for the lazy jump scares, which is fine (I'm looking at you Resident Evil!). But real fear is constant anxiety from the unknown, not the unexpected. Your heart pounds, your mind races and your palms perspire. Now, Outlast does both. It makes you think and traumatise yourself, then decides whether to surprise you or give you what you expect. It shares a personal praxis of mine and does what I would want it to!
But here's why I love it - its simple and seamless. Don't get me wrong, it's clearly not real-time game play footage, but that's fine, because what they're exhibiting is easily accomplished in this day in age. Instead, the trailer aims to emphasis the concepts - vulnerability and dynamic scares. But here is a nice twists, its a found footage game.
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| Outlast's subtle setting... |
 |
| Seems like a welcoming place... |
 |
| Camera mechanic in action... |
 |
| The not so friendly lodger of this Asylum... |
Either way, I'm gonna stalk this games development like a hawk!
If Outlast floats your board then I have to recommend similar experiences, otherwise I'd just be cruel!
FRICTIONAL GAMES - THE PENUMBRA TRILOGY (2007) £20.00
FRICTIONAL GAMES - AMNESIA: THE DARK DESCENT (2009) £13.72
SLENDER: EIGHT PAGES (2012) Free
SLENDER: THE ARRIVAL (2013) FULL TRAILER
PARANORMAL (2012) £6.99
NEXT POST: REVIEW: LEVEL UP! GUIDE TO GREAT VIDEO GAME DESIGN
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