Outlast 2 Review – A Terrifying Success

As a true fan of the horror genre whether it’s movies or video games, it at times take quite a bit to actually become frantic or scared of what’s on the other side. Games like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, the once available demo P.T. and the jump scares in Until Dawn have proven it’s still possible. Red Barrels has also done the very same thing with their first title Outlast.

Outlast is simply one of most terrifying video games to date. It’s extremely gory and graphic in every way possible, delivering even more jump scares than most scary movies and games combined. And what’s to be expected within the experience of Outlast 2? Chills, deep breaths and possibly nightmares!

Not directly tied into the first story, in Outlast 2 you play as hopeful survivor Blake Langermann, husband of Lynn Langermann. As her assistant and cameraman, you assist her to Arizona to research the mystery murder of a pregnant woman. While flying in the engine breaks down causing a huge crash that sends Blake back down memory lane in a more horrific way.

What awaits however is the most brilliant concept, yet beyond understanding. As you begin your search for your wife you immediately find your pilot’s not dead from natural causes but strapped to a tree and tortured. And this is only the beginning of your findings. But similar to Resident Evil 7, your character isn’t a fighter or trained to operate a handgun or weapon.  All you have is a camera to help see what the eye can’t and your wits. And once an enemy is near, the only option at hand is run or hide; and of course a third option, die.

You have to be extremely cautious when using your camera however as once the batteries begin to die everything becomes blurry and you become that much more vulnerable. Expect to die quite a bit in Outlast especially as you make wrong turns and deal with the trial-and-error method Red Barrels implemented in this title. After making multiple mistakes through certain tasks the horror concept begins to slightly fade and opens room for frustration.

Visually Outlast 2 is dark yet detailed as an abandoned town where you would hope help was anywhere. Unfortunately the only help is the one that mean harm. Enhancing the visual effects is the night vision used on the camcorder, helping you see in darker areas, providing an ever more eerie sense to the story.

Expect to take plenty of breaks as Outlast scares the crap out of you. The first person view places you in the shoes of Blake and it’s a pair you loved to give back as you explore the darkest and most terrifying town through his eyes.