Outlaws + A Handful of Missions Remaster Reviews
Nightdive Studios did a wonderful job with Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster. This spaghetti western, first-person shooter from 1997 may seem goofy and harmless now, but that's what makes it so fun to play. Unfortunately, the credits roll too soon.
Back in 1997, Outlaws did a great job of turning classic Western tropes into a video game. Still, it’s hard to ignore that the gameplay and design are stilted and simplistic compared to modern shooters. Fans of the original will certainly appreciate the happy jolt of recognition, and there’s a bit of value in new gamers walking through the time machine to a much simpler period in technology. All that aside, Outlaws’ fun doesn’t last very long, even remastered.
Much like its grizzled and long dormant protagonist, Outlaws + A Handful of Missions has been pulled out of the doldrums of retirement to lace up its boots, load up its guns and ride into the sunset. It's old, gruff, unapologetic and certainly not for everyone. For me however, the opportunity to replay one of my favourite cult PC shooters of the 1990s in arguably its definitive form, easily makes Outlaws + A Handful of Missions worth the price on its head. For everyone else, a snappy and surprisingly clever Wild West retro shooter beckons.
Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster is another great port by Nightdive, featuring modern improvements to the game's visuals and accessibility features like Gamepad support. Guns feel powerful, and enemies are equally deadly, but Outlaws is let down by its lack of gun variety and obtuse level design.
For those of us who played Outlaws when it first came out, it's a great treat to jump back into that world (especially without having to dust off the old CD and fiddle with compatibility modes). For those new to the game, the retro charm of the gameplay and the subject matter may be a fresh change from the standard sci-fi or World War shooter fare that tends to dominate the FPS category. Yes, there are some frustrating issues with the game… but those are simply elements we had to put up with back in the day, and the extra content provided here helps give you something to explore while your emotions cool from falling off a ledge or getting stuck figuring out where you need to go next. Worth a look for fans of the original release or for those who love a bit of retro gaming… maybe wait for a sale, but even at full price, there's a lot here to enjoy or reminisce about.
A great way of taking Outlaws for a spin on new hardware
Long before Red Dead Revolver, Red Dead Redemption and Call of Juarez, we were immersed in the Wild West thanks to the video game Outlaws. It's now available in a solid remastered version. Unfortunately, the creators didn't fix the bugs that were present in the original game.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
I think that this game will be one that fans of the original will adore – it’s always fantastic to see POV-only games from the ‘90s/00’s available on console, and Nightdive are the best at what they do – but the sheer design philosophies that run through the game from the original development will be a tough sell to modern audiences that aren’t familiar with the game, and I can imagine that it’s a bit of a hard sell. Whilst there’s online multiplayer, it would have been cool to see local multiplayer included here but overall, I’m just over the moon that Outlaws is finally available to play on console, as it’s a bit of a forgotten title that has a very unique personality that still shines through today, there’s nothing quite like it out there.
Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster is a good version of the original 1997 title that may bring a smile to the faces of those who played the original version...
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster is a fitting tribute to an underrated gem from the glory days of FPS. As usual, Nightdive has done an excellent job of updating the game without sacrificing the original style and substance. The Outlaws remaster is one I’d suggest checking out, though you can decide for yourself if it justifies the $29.99 price tag.
I feel that I haven’t tackled the best part of this game. Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster will certainly thrive in a multiplayer field. The brilliant gameplay, simple ideas, incredible audio, and old-school edge will appeal to older gamers and newcomers. Moreover, if you’ve played the original, this doesn’t lose any charm.
Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster preserves the identity of the original while adding technical and gameplay improvements that make the journey more accessible to today's audience. Although its dated mechanics may put off players accustomed to modern shooters, Outlaws remains an important milestone for LucasArts and a valuable piece for those who appreciate the history of video games — especially classic PC gaming.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review