Normally, gamers clamber over themselves to get their hands on the latest must-play title. However, niche games, sadly, often get overlooked. Yet, these unusual and fun experiences are usually so unique that they can be hit or miss. When it is the latter, it can put you off the genre altogether. But when you find a winner, it’ll stick in your memory forevermore. Outshine does just that with its simple but challenging core mechanics.
Developed by Fishing Cactus and published by Fishing Cactus and PID Games, this is a typing adventure title. What’s more, it is wonderfully futuristic and will test your typing prowess throughout. Now, I can guess what you’re thinking. You are thinking that a game that concentrates on typing can’t be fun. However, it is moreish, challenging, and undeniably addictive.
Outshine is easy to understand.
Outshine lacks a story, and there are no characters to relate to. Yet, this matters not, as the faceless protagonist is cold, focused, and determined to succeed. The hero must traverse a range of levels on a flowing pathway. En route, they’ll encounter obstacles, enemies, and mines. Each of these problems must be avoided while focusing on the task at hand. Your job is to identify the words that appear and type them as quickly as possible.
The words vary in length and the robots become more aggressive if you alter the difficulty. Moreover, different settings adjust the challenge further still. You can make the words appear soon or later, or you can make the AI deadly and super fast. Alongside this, you can alter the number of visible letters and the speed at which you must type. Accordingly, you can make the action as easy or as hard as you like.
Different worlds, same obstacles.
The action takes place in 4 different worlds that comprise unique stages. This was a great idea as the repetitive gameplay could have become tedious. Instead, the varied backdrops keep things fresh while reducing the monotony. During each run, you must move the hero left and right. By doing this, you’ll avoid obstacles and you won’t fall into any chasms. Furthermore, you’ll hopefully dodge every mine you encounter.
If you successfully type out every word and manage to survive to the end of the level, you’ll tackle an aggressive and unforgiving boss. Like the rest of the action, you can only defeat this monster if you correctly type each of the ridiculously tough words. What’s more, you’ll try to complete each task while bombs, lasers, and more are thrown your way. As such, you must be agile and divide your attention. Therefore, this is no mean feat, and you’ll fail repeatedly.
Outshine looks and performs great.
If you enjoy neon colours and a futuristic style, then Outshine will appeal to you. Moreover, its varied but basic stage design works wonderfully with the sci-fi theme. On top of this, the stripped-back approach makes it easier to identify each word, and this balances the gameplay nicely.
The audio was also impressive. The electronic soundtrack complements the futuristic ideas. What’s more, the shrill and loud sound effects add drama to the occasion. My only complaint is that it was tough to enjoy the audio as there was so much going on.
Excellent controls.
Though I’m normally a console gamer, I was impressed with how easy this was to play. Thanks to the basic movement arrangement, and a few special abilities, it was simple to play. The protagonist is armed with missiles and a shield and subsequently; they offer some respite from the non-stop typing. Talking of typing, the keystrokes and response rate were top-notch. Therefore, when things got hectic, it was only your lack of ability that let you down.
With many gameplay options at your fingertips, Outshine has plenty of longevity and replay value. Moreover, there is a leaderboard to compare your typing prowess. Consequently, this basic idea works brilliantly, as it makes the action even more addictive.
Outshine is unique, niche, and worthy of your time.
Though Outshine is repetitive, it offers enough to keep you going. Therefore, this unique and niche game is worthy of your time. I loved its challenging ways, its demand for fast typing and perfection, and its futuristic setting. What’s more, the array of gameplay options balances the difficulty. However, its hectic and fast-paced mindset won’t be for everyone, but I adored the madness, nevertheless. Accordingly, I recommend that you buy it here! Don’t let the robots stop you. Instead, avoid the obstacles, type as fast as you can, and defeat every boss.
