Outpath Review: Not Just Another Crafting Game
Alright, strap in folks, because we’re diving head-first into "Outpath," a game that does for crafting what a tornado does for a junkyard: throws everything together and hopes it sticks. It’s like "Forager," but if "Forager" drank a six-pack and decided first-person was the way to go. It’s quirky, it’s fun, and it just might be the perfect antidote to your big-budget blockbuster blues.
Graphics: Cute as a Button, Sharp as a Tack
Let’s talk looks first, because let's be real, we’re all a little shallow. "Outpath" is like that indie movie that tries really hard to not look indie—with adorable, punchy graphics that pop like bubblegum. The islands aren’t just flat sprites; they’ve got more dimensions than a conspiracy theorist's blog. It’s simple yet effective, making you feel all warm and fuzzy as you chop, collect, and craft your way to glory.
Gameplay: Deceptively Addictive
If you thought this was going to be another idle clicker where you can half-watch Netflix and occasionally glance back to click something, think again. "Outpath" demands your attention like a cat at 3 AM—it’s insistent, a bit annoying, but ultimately too charming to ignore. With mechanics like auto-clicking that let you hold down your mouse button for continuous action, it’s clear the devs have thought about our lazy asses and our precious carpal tunnels.
But, and there’s always a but, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The lack of combat makes every critter on the island nothing more than a walking loot bag. I mean, come on, even Pac-Man had ghosts that chased him. And don’t get me started on the lack of native controller support. Mapping keyboard controls to a controller? What is this, the dark ages?
Sound: Crisp as Autumn Leaves
The sound effects in "Outpath" are so clean they’d make Marie Kondo proud. Every chop, every splash, every little thing you do has a sound that just feels right. It’s satisfying, like popping bubble wrap or stepping on a crunchy leaf. And yes, the soundtrack does loop a bit too much, but it’s the kind of loop that gets stuck in your head—not because it’s bad, but because it’s just that catchy.
Is It Just "Forager" in First-Person?
Here’s the tea: calling "Outpath" a "Forager" clone is like saying every burger joint is a McDonald’s ripoff. Sure, they share DNA—crafting, gathering, and a knack for making you forget time exists—but "Outpath" brings its own flavor to the party. It’s "Forager" in 3D glasses, with a first-person view that makes you feel like you’re really there, picking berries and dodging bees like some kind of suburban Bear Grylls.
The Verdict: Craft, Gather, Rinse, Repeat
So, should you buy "Outpath"? If you dig crafting, cute graphics, and have a tolerance for the occasional bug that makes you wonder if you’re still sober, then heck yeah. It’s a game that doesn’t just occupy your time; it makes you glad you gave up two hours of sunlight. It’s chill, it’s charming, and it’ll make you forget you’re basically playing a glorified fetch quest simulator.
Overall Score: Solid 8/10
"Outpath" isn’t going to rewrite the gaming rulebook, but it doesn’t need to. It’s fun, it’s frantic, and it’s a fresh take on a genre that can often feel as stale as last week’s bread. If you’re looking for a game that feels like a hobby and plays like a holiday, give "Outpath" a whirl. Just maybe keep a guide handy for when you inevitably get stuck trying to craft your first pair of pants.
We at NLM received a key for this game for free, this however didn’t impact our review in any way.