Outlast

Outlast is a first-person survival horror video game developed and published by Red Barrels. It was released for Microsoft Windows in September 2013, for PlayStation 4 in February 2014, for Xbox One in June 2014, and for Nintendo Switch in February 2018. The game is set in an abandoned psychiatric hospital overrun by homicidal patients, and the player assumes the role of investigative journalist Miles Upshur as he navigates the facility, attempting to uncover its secrets.

Gameplay

Outlast is played from a first-person perspective. The player controls Miles Upshur, who is equipped with a night vision camcorder that is used to see in the dark. The camcorder has a limited battery life, and the player must scavenge for batteries to keep it operational. Unlike many other horror games, Outlast does not feature a combat system; instead, players must rely on stealth, hiding, and running to avoid enemies.

Plot

The game begins with Miles Upshur receiving an anonymous tip about inhumane experiments being conducted at Mount Massive Asylum, a psychiatric hospital owned by the Murkoff Corporation. Upon entering the asylum, Miles discovers that the inmates have escaped and are roaming the halls. As he delves deeper into the facility, he uncovers the horrifying truth about the experiments and the supernatural entity known as the Walrider.

Development

Outlast was developed by Red Barrels, a studio founded by industry veterans who had previously worked on titles such as Prince of Persia, Assassin's Creed, and Splinter Cell. The game was built using the Unreal Engine 3, and the development team focused on creating a tense and immersive horror experience.

Reception

Outlast received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmosphere, sound design, and the effectiveness of its scares. The game was noted for its intense and terrifying gameplay, although some critics felt that the reliance on jump scares was excessive.

Sequels and Spin-offs

Following the success of Outlast, Red Barrels released a downloadable content expansion titled Outlast: Whistleblower in May 2014. The expansion serves as a prequel to the main game, providing additional backstory and context. A full sequel, Outlast 2, was released in April 2017, featuring a new setting and characters. The developers have also announced The Outlast Trials, a cooperative multiplayer game set in the same universe.