The Outlast Trials

The Outlast Trials takes a twisted spin on horror, for better and worse. Instead of shrieking in fear at sudden jumpscares, you're more likely to chuckle as your friends tease you from their hiding spots. Rather than a group of naive protagonists being picked off one by one, the ones making hilariously bad choices are the ones pursuing you and your team. While the initial access version of this cooperative horror game demonstrates the concept and features a couple of unforgettable maps, it's not a game that has fully matured overnight. Setting aside expected bugs and a general lack of polish, the content is currently limited. Still, I found enjoyment in the chaotic, gruesome, and uneven bloodbath even during these early stages.

By the way, if you're into games like Outlast, download CS 1.6 for added excitement.

The Outlast Trials throws you and your buddies into deranged "death games" reminiscent of Saw, requiring teamwork to conquer the gruesome horrors that await. The existing story is somewhat lackluster: you're kidnapped by an evil corporation, imprisoned under the guise of rehabilitation, and subjected to a series of seemingly random murder scenarios. Though you can uncover bits of intriguing lore by collecting evidence left behind by immoral corporate figures, it's not utterly captivating. And that's fine! The attraction of The Outlast Trials lies in witnessing a twisted spectacle of violence, such as a woman using a sock puppet to drill a man's face.