Outlast

 Xbox One
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Pure Xbox
    Oct 21, 2014
    80
    Let it be known that Outlast is a genuinely stressful and nerve-racking experience, but that’s exactly what a true survival horror game should be, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
  2. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Jul 29, 2014
    80
    A chilling and well-realised experience, Outlast accomplishes almost everything it sets out to do. A strong start for the team and a strong entry in this resurgent genre.
  3. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Jun 25, 2014
    80
    Despite its shtick wearing slightly thin towards the end, at around 4-5 hours long this doesn't outstay its welcome. And it certainly ensures we'll never look at creepy green-hued night vision footage the same way again.
  5. 3DJuegos
    Jun 24, 2014
    80
    A good horror game, with plenty of chills and a very effective setting.
  6. USgamer
    Jun 19, 2014
    80
    A genuinely disturbing and terrifying game that'll have you jumping out of your seat in fright. It's a little short at around six or so hours, but the experience Outlast delivers is well worth the price of admission.
  7. MondoXbox
    Jul 13, 2014
    79
    If you're looking for some hours of anguish and high tension, don't wait anymore.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 230 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 180 out of 230
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 230
  3. Negative: 27 out of 230
  1. Justmatt101
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    I don't come to Metacritic to write about the games I don't like. I login when I feel folks need to experience a great title -- and OutlastI don't come to Metacritic to write about the games I don't like. I login when I feel folks need to experience a great title -- and Outlast is flipping fantastic. It's not just jump scares. Listening to Chris Walker's footsteps as he pounds his way past your hiding spot.....or watching Trager peer under a bed frame as he hunts you amid his dozens of vivasection victims....or glancing over your shoulder as a mob of blade wielding crazies sprint after your down a pitch black hall, illuminated only by the IR lense of your mini-cam....HOLY CRAP. The sounds, the graphics, the overall atmosphere of this game and its DLC expansion (Whistleblower) are incredible. And for $30 you get about 8-9 hours of combined playing time....which is a lot of bang for your buck, when you consider there is NO down time here. If you're not running/hiding for your life you're waiting to haul a** from that next bloodthirsty loon.

    The game honestly deserves a 9 if you're looking just at pacing and gameplay. There are a couple of instances where the fun bordered on frustration (due to an escape route that might have been TOO well hidden). I'm giving it a 10 because Red Barrels was incredibly brave/focused on producing the game they wanted to provide. Do NOT let your kids try this thing. I've never seen a game more deserving of its rating. But in the same breath, this is the first time in years I've seen horror done right in a video game. I'll be playing through it again on a higher difficulty ...and to record some more polished clips to share with friends....once I get my heart rate back under control.    … Full Review »
  2. Closeremperor16
    Jul 23, 2014
    9
    The simple fact is that outlast is the tensest, most chilling and purely horror based experience I have had the pleasure (or displeasure asThe simple fact is that outlast is the tensest, most chilling and purely horror based experience I have had the pleasure (or displeasure as the case may be) to play in a long time.

    The reasons why this game are so effective stem from the fact that it is the exact opposite of how most games function. The majority of games aim to empower the player by putting them in difficult situations whilst giving them a huge amount of skills and actual powers with which to deal with them.

    Outlast puts you in the worst situation imaginable and strips away everything that would give you a sense of security. No weapons, no way to fight back, no sense of safety, ever.

    This sense of helplessness is compounded by excellent and creepy sound design and brilliant environmental design with excellent and incredibly atmospheric lighting.

    This game also borrows a few tricks from an old favourite (silent hill 2) by sometimes confronting you with an enemy that is in sight but out of reach, say behind a set of bars. This means you can see something horrible, you now its there and you know that soon your going to be confronted with it but you have no idea of when this will happen, it's a hell of a way to ratchet up the tension.

    And really that’s the best way to describe playing outlast, tense from the first second to the very last, the jump scares may be effective. However, its the tension of knowing something horrible might happen at any second but never knowing when that really gets to you.

    Lastly the greatest praise I can give outlast is that it is the only horror game that has ever managed to really illicit a physical reaction from me, elevated pulse check, ragged breathing check, hairs standing up on edge check.

    The first time I had to madly sprint away from an enemy in an attempt to find a hiding place my heart was racing so hard it felt like I had really just ran headlong in to the darkness searching for safety.

    In my book that is an achievement that can not be overlooked.

    Many people have mentioned problems with over simplistic level design or having to repeat sequences, whilst I cant say this is not true I don't feel it significantly detracts from what is overall an outstanding horror experience.

    The only other game I have played that comes close to this is the Slender Man games and I definitely think this is a better overall game then Slender was. I mention Slender because it feels very close in terms of making you as a player feel totally helpless, it does not, however, have any of the visual flair, confidence and overall polish that outlast does.

    Verdict -

    Outlast sets out to scare the pants off you and it definitely succeeds! If you want a tense, chilling and decidedly minimalistic horror experience then stop looking ..you have found it.    … Full Review »
  3. pedropss
    Aug 5, 2015
    10
    When I can sit with my friends in the living room, turn on my console, and share good experiences, it's a good game.

    Outlast is definitely    When I can sit with my friends in the living room, turn on my console, and share good experiences, it's a good game.

    Outlast is definitely one good game.

    The jumpscares, the theories we made during gameplay, the fear of being in danger while playing.

    Beautifully crafted, loved it.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »