The original Outlast established Red Barrels a major studio to watch for horror fans, and so anticipation was high for Outlast 2. Outlast 2 takes some major risks, abandoning the first game's setting for something completely different, but the risks definitely paid off, as the game is just as good, if not better, than its predecessor.
Outlast 2 trades the cramped mental asylum halls of the first Outlast for the wilderness of northern Arizona. In the game, players take on the role of Blake Langermann, an investigative journalist, continuing the found footage aesthetic of the original. While investigating a mysterious murder, Blake and his wife Lynn stumble upon the secluded town of Temple Gate, which just so happens to be run by a murderous cult.
Langermann has to manage his supply of camcorder batteries while hiding from Temple Gate members that want him dead. Outlast 2 has no shortage of tense, heart-stopping moments as players have to flee from crazed cult members, with no recourse except to hide because Langermann has no real way to defend himself against the horrors he experiences.
In the original Outlast, the horrific Richard Trager was the game's defining villain, but in Outlast 2, it's Sullivan Knoth. Knoth is the leader of the Temple Gate cult, and while he's not nearly as grotesque as Richard Trager, he's equally as terrifying thanks to the control he is able to exert over people.
With plenty of solid scares, improved visuals, and an upgraded gameplay experience, Outlast 2 is arguably superior to the original game and a must-play for horror fans on PS4 and Xbox One.
Outlast 2 is out now for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.