Open-world games are a whole lot of fun for gamers who like to explore and see what developers have in store in the different nooks and crannies of a given map.
If you're that type of gamer, the good news is an open-world exploration game was released last May 11 called "Outbound."
The question, however, is... is it worth the purchase?
'Outbound'
Developed and published by Square Glade Games, "Outbound" is set in a utopia, and players are given an empty camper van that they should turn into their home.
This is an online co-op game, which allows players to build said camper van homes with their friends. However, there's also an option to do it on their own.
Players have the freedom to explore at their own pace. Aside from building homes, players can also grow their own gardens, adopt pets, and even go on road trips.
Here's the official gameplay trailer to give you a better idea of what "Outbound" is all about.
What Do the Critics Say?
"Outbound" seems like a relaxing game, but do critics think it's worth checking out? Critic reviews have been mixed.
Creative Bloq has given the game a rating of six out of 10, calling the game "a road-trip that's more charming than challenging."
In their review, Creative Bloq call Outbound "A wonderfully realised, stylised world ripe for exploration," but cautions that "what you find in 'Outbound's' vibrant wilderness rarely surprises."
Metacritic has given "Outbound" the score of 64 based on 17 critic reviews. TierraGamer's critic review gave the game a score of 75, noting that "Amid luminous forests, deliberate construction systems, and a quiet sense of freedom, this indie title turns solitude into a form of comfort, delivering a cozy journey that proves getting lost can sometimes become the best way to find oneself."
In contrast, Checkpoint Gaming gave it a score of 40, saying that the game "struggles to justify its own loop."
"It presents a beautiful, yet empty, isolating space that exists without tension or inscribed drive," said Checkpoint Gaming. "Focusing on a purely gentle, slow experience is intentional, but results in a world that does not feel worth inhabiting after a few hours."
'Mostly Positive' Reviews on Steam
Over at Steam, "Outbound" has been rated "mostly positive" based on more than 1,200 user reviews as of press time.
Steam user steponme1971 noted that they "Love the chill and relaxing style of the game."
"I had a blast exploring and crafting in this game," steponme1971 added. "I can see myself re-playing it and becoming one of my favorites to always go back to."
Another Steam user, Vitor, said they do not recommend the game, admitting that such a review is "a sad review to give, but at least it's sincere."
"This game starts so well, it's crazy. The first 10~20 minutes are just amazing," Vitor explained. "The way the game starts, the van, the first scenarios, the atmosphere, the way it teaches you the basic mechanics, it's just well done."
Vitor added, "But then you get to stamina and resource management, and the game becomes a slog; it's not cute anymore to leave the van, it's annoying, and you have to do it 5 times per minute."
