Outland

Despite the at-times frantic movement Outland superbly promotes fast flowing gameplay. It's a winner, and the two-player co-op modes are just bonuses on top of a truly satisfying and rewarding title. [July 2011 p84]

Regardless of whether you're an old-school platform fanatic or someone who has never picked up a platformer in your life, Outland is a game worth checking out. An impulse buy with retail production values, it's hard to go wrong with this one.

Exciting gameplay packed with clever mechanics and framed by a compelling artistic vision make Outland a superb experience.

When you get right down to it, Outland cannibalizes a lot of tried-and-true gaming elements and turns them into something entirely new and exciting. The magical realm you explore is visually captivating, overflowing with elegance and mystery. More importantly, it serves up some damn good gaming.

Its impetus on platforming, combat and collecting will intrigue players that like any number of genres, and that's a good thing, because Outland does just about everything it does exceptionally well.

Outland has enough virtues to be remembered as one of the best platforms games of the year. If you like the genre this is a must-have.

This isn't just an amazing game; it's an 800 MSP warning shot across the bow of all £40 retail games currently in production. The downloadable titles are here, and getting better with each release.

Something old, something new, something red and something blue, Outland stands as another fine example of how old-school platforming can be brought triumphantly into the modern era with tight gameplay and an interesting twist on an old staple.

I would have loved a more meaningful or full-bodied story in Outland, but at least the mystical narrative maintains the unreal vibe that the rest of the game exudes. Beyond that, the action-packed platforming, hypnotic music, and striking aesthetic make Outland a must-play. I am always astounded that more developers don't create 2D exploration games. With Outland, not only do we get a great new entry in the genre, but a unique variation on the theme unlike anything else on the market.

A well-paced and great-looking adventure, and one that rewards time spent with some incredible sights. [Aug 2011, p.92]

The platform spectacle with the nameless hero is so expertly staged that it is very hard to get away from it.

If you've ever lamented the stale state of today's 2D platformers, Outland will rekindle your faith in the genre.

Outland is a mix of different good elements from different games. The graphical style is a bit floating, the audio sounds magical and the gameplay can be really tough but is good. Every gamer that will enjoy playing a pretty hard platform game must buy Outland.

A great game, plenty of funny puzzles and platforming. Visually stunning and with some enjoyable boss battles, Outland sometimes lacks in rhythm and narrative depth.

Metroidvania. Ikaruga. Shadow of the Colossus. All the influences are there, but don't mistake it for those. Outland is a game all its own. It doesn't oversell.

A great title for the PSN. It draws from several other games for inspiration, but is able to make an experience that feels unique.

Outland is a unique platform game. The gameplay can be really hard but manages to find a good balance between difficult and nearly impossible. It has a great visual style which adds up to the fun.

The mechanic is both clever and well implemented, and Outland is a smart choice for those seeking a fun PSN diversion. [July 2011, p.86]

Pretty, dense, nerve-challenging, immersive, innovative... Outland is easily one of the gems of April 2011. Combining with talent several influences (Limbo, Castlevania, Ikaruga), it goes back to the rules of 2D platformers, with an added twist. It's an enticing tribal journey, with a soul, at a small price.

A tightly designed downloadable game bursting with demanding traversal, surprisingly deep combat, and lush visual design. You can't be a fan of 2D action games in 2011 and not give this game a look.

A tumultuous blend of Prince of Persia-style jumping action and the "bullet hell" of insane shooters like Ikaruga. It's complex, difficult and a lot of fun.

The aesthetic is arresting, but the gameplay not so much. [Issue#206, p.99]

It's not pefect, but Outland offers a very satisfying gaming experience for those who are willing to stick with it.

It's a well directed game that surely will be used in a more ambitious sequel.

It's occasionally fiddly and frustrating, but take one look at the pretty pictures and all that rage melts away. [Aug 2011, p.107]

Outland is without a doubt a good game. The switching between light and dark works well in this platformer, and gets assisted by great smooth gameplay. Include the cooperative elements and you've got a game that belongs at the top of downloadable titles. That Outland doesn't belong to that elite is because of the sometimes very artificial and stale level design.