Outward is harsh and occasionally frustrating, but it does what so few games do. It requires you to put real thought into the choices you make, and it makes those choices feel like they really matter. Most of all, it makes you approach each and every encounter as if your life depended on it—even though you never die.

Outward is a fun and unique experience for those who desire the harder type of gameplay reminiscent of Souls like games.

Outward is a tough game to review because I know there are a ton of people that are going to pick this thing up and absolutely detest it, and, as I said, sometimes I felt that way myself. For the right kind of person, though, this game is going to scratch an itch that not many others can. Because of its relatively niche appeal, I don’t see Outward breaking any sales records, but it does seem like a game destined to be revered in the right circles for quite some time.

Although certainly not technically impressive, the amount of fresh ideas, innovative mechanics and interwoven systems make this a survival RPG experience like no other. A punishingly difficult game that will reward those who put in patience and disparage fast play. Heartily recommended.

This is a great choice of old-school RPG fans, with many, many good ideas, and only a few issues preventing it from being something excellent.

Outward is a special videogame capable of the best and the worst. It's not a typical videogame, and that is something noticeable.

Outward mixes elements of survival games and the old school RPG virtues, but its creators needed more time and money to create a memorable experience. It is a big map, there are many things to do and it is a difficult journey. However, all that is not enough for him to work perfectly. There are technical errors. If you want a challenge and remember another time of RPGs, enter in its spell.

Outward is an ambitious, uncompromising game, sometimes to its own detriment. There’s a lot to like about it, from its unique take on player character death to its focus on the mundane aspects of adventuring. But every moment when it really shined was surrounded by drudgery and frustration. Outward is sure to appeal to some players, but it often undercuts its own best features.

Outward is a true old-school RPG with feels as well-rounded as the best games from the past but also as dated, as the technical side of things isn't really up-to-date. If you can forget about the wrapping and focus on its internals, Outward is clearly worth a shot.

Outward is a survival RPG that might seem a bit chaotic at first, but it might be able to entertain those who can overcome its many flaws.

It's still a solid playthrough and unique enough to consider worth experiencing -- especially with a friend. The best case scenario is that Outward serves as a successful proof-of-concept that leads to an experience down the road that hits a bullseye where Outward just narrowly missed the mark.

Quotation forthcoming.

Outward has two natures: there is the hardcore role-playing game capable to engage the player, but there is also one of the crudest titles of the year.

Taken as a whole, Outward practically screams "cult classic." Its consistent challenge, cumbersome combat, and co-op systems won't resonate with everyone. But for a particular type of player—ones that don't mind trading dozens of frustrating moments for open-ended experiences—Nine Dot Studios' RPG is sure to find a dedicated audience. Outward's aspirations are commendable, but just like its protagonist, the end result is just average.

Outward is simultaneously mesmerizing and full of missteps. What could have been a truly special game is damaged by how tedious and ill-advised so many of its design decisions are.

A difficult survival game with some interesting elements that is significantly hindered by tedious mechanics and a superficial world.

Outward is an open-world survival RPG that starved me of fun and left me thirsty for bug fixes and a better combat system.

Outward isn't so much bad as it is outwardly bland. Bolstered by its genuinely endearing premise, and an emphasis on a more "human" approach to the RPG genre, the title is simultaneously held back by lacklustre presentation, an underwhelming combat system, and a main game that goes on far too long to justify the onslaught of hostility thrown at the player. The survival elements do help to keep the experience engaging, but, more often than not, they hold back what would otherwise be a rather atmospheric and pleasant action-RPG. The hostility on offer is a genuine strength on a conceptual level, but it perhaps goes too far, resulting in an RPG that can't quite overcome its flaws despite its qualities.

Nine Dots Studio's RPG will appeal to people who love fiddly systems and have enormous patience. But if that isn’t you then it'll simply feel like a time drain.