After 45+ Hours of Gameplay:

I haven't played video games in nearly 10 years (for the most part) and this game I received as part of a purchase of a new computer. I did not indicate that I received this game for free because it was included in the cost of a very pricey gaming laptop...marketing deals are not "free" for the consumer.

I've thoroughly enjoyed myself.

- Leveling keeps things interesting during the grind.
- The encounters are engaging and fun.
- Systems aren't too complicated. This is a primary reason I haven't played much recently - if a game is too complex and requires too much time to learn it hasn't been an option for me. Outriders systems are straight forward so I can enjoy spending my time playing the game, not trying to remember how it all worked.

My opinion of this game has only strengthened over time. I'm finding it to be the most enjoyable among many others I've now tried in the genre (Warframe, Borderlands 3, etc). There are definitely pros and cons and I wouldn't say Outriders is the only option I would recommend.

For example, Borderlands 3 is a very good time and a very different experience to Outriders despite being basically the same idea. I prefer Outriders to Borderlands 3 due to the relative simplicity of the systems at work...but I also highly recommend Borderlands 3 if you are seeking a different kind of experience.

I have found myself being able to stop playing Outriders for 2 months and being able to jump back in and enjoy everything within 3 minutes of loading the game. It's just straightforward. Warframe, as a contrast, is not like this. If you want to leave for a great deal of time you should expect to spend a decent amount of time catching up and re-learning several systems within the game.

More complex systems can provide more engaging and immersive experiences. There are trade-offs for sure. I recommend Outriders very highly to anyone who is looking for something they can jump in and out of at any time, has an end-game meta, engaging gameplay (constant action), fast missions (20-30 minutes or so)...it's just a great option for a lot of people.

I'd like to add a final comment about one particular nuance of the game that I appreciate a great deal. The world level and end-game mission difficulty choices the player gets. You receive a higher probability of better gear with harder missions, but it also requires a lot more coordination, time, and effort to do this. So you have a choice of

easy + lots of bad loot + hope of decent loot + lots of missions and gameplay
OR
hard + little bad loot + hope of great loot + few missions and gameplay

It's an interesting trade-off. Do I want to play MORE and forego min-max and just have fun? Or do I want to focus on building my character and getting into the meta, but play LESS? hmmm...meta can be just as fun as gameplay. My point is, the game leaves this decision to the player. You are not forced into a corner. :)

After 45+ Hours of Gameplay: I haven't played video games in nearly 10 years (for the most part) and this game I received as part of a purchase of a new computer. I did not indicate that I received this game for free because it was included in the cost of a very pricey gaming laptop...marketing deals are not "free" for the consumer. I've thoroughly enjoyed myself. - Leveling keeps things interesting during the grind. - The encounters are engaging and fun. - Systems aren't too complicated. This is a primary reason I haven't played much recently - if a game is too complex and requires too much time to learn it hasn't been an option for me. Outriders systems are straight forward so I can enjoy spending my time playing the game, not trying to remember how it all worked. My opinion of this game has only strengthened over time. I'm finding it to be the most enjoyable among many others I've now tried in the genre (Warframe, Borderlands 3, etc). There are definitely pros and cons and I wouldn't say Outriders is the only option I would recommend. For example, Borderlands 3 is a very good time and a very different experience to Outriders despite being basically the same idea. I prefer Outriders to Borderlands 3 due to the relative simplicity of the systems at work...but I also highly recommend Borderlands 3 if you are seeking a different kind of experience. I have found myself being able to stop playing Outriders for 2 months and being able to jump back in and enjoy everything within 3 minutes of loading the game. It's just straightforward. Warframe, as a contrast, is not like this. If you want to leave for a great deal of time you should expect to spend a decent amount of time catching up and re-learning several systems within the game. More complex systems can provide more engaging and immersive experiences. There are trade-offs for sure. I recommend Outriders very highly to anyone who is looking for something they can jump in and out of at any time, has an end-game meta, engaging gameplay (constant action), fast missions (20-30 minutes or so)...it's just a great option for a lot of people. I'd like to add a final comment about one particular nuance of the game that I appreciate a great deal. The world level and end-game mission difficulty choices the player gets. You receive a higher probability of better gear with harder missions, but it also requires a lot more coordination, time, and effort to do this. So you have a choice of easy + lots of bad loot + hope of decent loot + lots of missions and gameplay OR hard + little bad loot + hope of great loot + few missions and gameplay It's an interesting trade-off. Do I want to play MORE and forego min-max and just have fun? Or do I want to focus on building my character and getting into the meta, but play LESS? hmmm...meta can be just as fun as gameplay. My point is, the game leaves this decision to the player. You are not forced into a corner. :)