The Outlast Trials is the third installment, fourth if you count the standalone Whistleblower DLC, in Red Barrels' disturbingly violent horror series. While the previous games have been single-player experiences that pit an isolated individual surviving against the odds, the latest title will have more of a co-op focus. With the new gameplay trailer for the upcoming horror multiplayer currently doing the rounds, the developer has spoken about some of details about the game and what it promises players will get to experience when it's released in 2022.
In a recent interview on the PlayStation blog, Red Barrels co-founder, Philippe Morin, spoke about Outlast Trials, giving some background into what the game is about, and what are some of the key gameplay elements that differentiate it from the previous installments. What he goes on to say is that while Outlast and Outlast 2 are more akin to movies, the new game is more like a TV series, adding that the player's "journey to freedom will be a long one." On top of this, he also said players will see more "variety" in the enemies, getting to grips with a whole host of new "violent characters."
Morin added that the reveal at this year's Gamescom was an opportunity for the studio to reveal the bad news that the game was having to be delayed until next year. Up until the new trailer was unveiled, Outlast Trials was one of the most anticipated horror games of 2021. However, the reason for the push back, according to Morin, is so Red Barrels can continue to work on the game. While he said that the team is close to completion, the extra time will mean Trials will be a more refined experience. He also said that he wanted the studio to keep challenging itself, as it has done with the previous games.
The first teaser trailer for Outlast Trials was released last June, and since then, horror fans have been waiting with bated breath about any news on the games' development. Until the reveal at this year's Gamescom, there hasn't been a huge amount that the studio has been willing to talk about when it comes to the new game. There was some additional concept art unveiled in July, but generally Red Barrels have been keeping a bit of a tight lid on things up until recently.
Despite the shift into a more co-operative mode of play, the studio has said that Trials can still be played single-player as well. The Outlast games are notorious for their chillingly memorable enemies, terrifying setting, and themes that are not afraid to unsettle players and make them uncomfortable. It remains to be seen whether this latest game switching to a multiplayer format will pay off. It could put off old fans, but it could equally sit up there with the great co-op horrors, such as Phasmphobia or Dead by Daylight.
The Outlast Trials will be coming out in 2022.
Source: PlayStation.Blog