Outbuddies DX

 Switch
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Noisy Pixel
    Jun 14, 2020
    70
    Outbuddies DX is a far more accessible version of this Metroid-inspired adventure. However, there’s still a lack of direction that causes many moments of frustration, which stem from the game’s complex control scheme and maze-like design. Regardless, if you’re looking for a challenging and intuitive retro adventure, then look no further than Outbuddies DX.
  2. CGMagazine
    Jun 17, 2020
    65
    With only a cursory understanding of what makes a “Metroidvania” interesting, Outbuddies is a game you don’t need to explore.
  3. Nintendo Life
    Jul 4, 2020
    50
    Outbuddies DX tries to mix things up a bit with unique features like a playable drone partner. The problem is, it tries to be a little too clever for its own good, and its failure to effectively pull off solid fundamentals like the controls and the map system means that the gimmicks suffer as a result. There's a lot we want to love about this game, but its constant annoyances make that hard.
  5. NintendoWorldReport
    Jun 30, 2020
    50
    If you look at the game’s Steam forums, you’ll see that Outbuddies DX is being updated continually (I suspect it was updated at least once since release), so I have some hope that it will, at some point, be a better game. Today, however, is not that day. If you’re itching for a Metroid-like, I did review an excellent one just recently. Without Outbuddies, I feel like the skeleton is there, but the meat needs some more time in the oven.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 38
  3. Negative: 9 out of 38
  1. KyosukeZX
    Jun 15, 2020
    8
    Outbuddies (DX) is a difficult game to rate. TLDR: It has a rather wacky start but if you push through that, you’ll be incredibly rewarded!Outbuddies (DX) is a difficult game to rate. TLDR: It has a rather wacky start but if you push through that, you’ll be incredibly rewarded! 8/10

    Played the original on PC in 2019 and now also got the DX version on the Switch. I remember when first touching the game, it did not leave a very good impression. While controls are tight, the character felt very heavy and it also took me some time to get used to the drone mechanics. Starting the game I also thought the controls could be mapped easier, anyway, most decisions finally made sense in the later game when running fully geared-up. While the basic movement is slow, the steam-powered suit allows for some pretty quick and erratic dodges and bouncy wall jumps. There’s also a run button which will become your best friend. What I can say is that the DX version alleviates a lot of early game issues of the original.

    I personally think the game looks nice and it has a great intriguing atmosphere and soundtrack. Soundscapes also got updated for DX as far as I remember. What I don’t get is people buying this, then complaining it’s ugly and downvoting, that’s what trailers and screenshots are made for. Technically, the port runs great, no drops or stuttering. I appreciate that a lot, given the technical limitations of the Switch.

    Where the game really shines for me is its world design. While the early game is rather linear it becomes a vast open experience once you reach the central HUB area. There’s always multiple paths to go and all are viable options to progress. There’s a teleporter system which got improved for DX and also a basic map design that is constructed in loops, so pushing forward is usually your best option. I wished more MV had a sophisticated world design and progression tree like this. Boss encounters where also fun and challenging, some require figuring out special mechanics within the fight. I died a lot playing this, but it has an instant continue feature without any throwback so I was never discouraged from trying once more.

    As a conclusion I think Outbuddies DX is a game targeting experienced players. Controls are rather complex and it does not provide a lot of hand holding. I did not fall in love with it immediately but it actually became one of my favorite games in the end, due to great world design and interesting progression mechanics.    … Full Review »
  2. Azrial
    Jun 8, 2020
    9
    Brilliant little game, one for any Metroidvania fan, it's so very very similar to Metroid it's amazing it's even got released without beingBrilliant little game, one for any Metroidvania fan, it's so very very similar to Metroid it's amazing it's even got released without being sued by Nintendo, but it does add a few new elements to probably get past the lawyers, either way it's a brilliant game and well worth buying.… Full Review »
  3. AndiGrafe82
    Jun 9, 2020
    10
    Already loved the original in 2019 and now updated to DX for the Switch. Running smooth, lots of visual improvements, some nice new featuresAlready loved the original in 2019 and now updated to DX for the Switch. Running smooth, lots of visual improvements, some nice new features like “continue session” without needing to save. Perfect to be played on the go. One of the best MV you can get for the system!… Full Review »
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