Outcast 2 — A New Beginning

Two decades after pioneering the open-world genre, the long-awaited sequel to the cult classic returns with Outcast 2 — A New Beginning. Developed by Appeal Studios, this action-adventure title reunites the original creative team to deliver a non-linear experience set on the alien planet of Adelpha. Players step back into the boots of Cutter Slade, an ex-Navy SEAL with a dry wit and a jetpack, as he navigates a vibrant, sci-fi world filled with ancient magic and high-tech invaders.

Story and Setting

The game takes place 20 years after the events of the original Outcast. Cutter Slade wakes up in a Talan temple suffering from amnesia, unsure of how he arrived or how much time has passed. He soon discovers that the Talans—an ancient culture whose fate is linked to Earth—have been enslaved by ruthless robot invaders known as the Yods. The world of Adelpha has been stripped of its natural resources, and the balance of power has shifted violently.

As Slade regains his memory, he learns that his return is tied to a mission to stop a cataclysm he inadvertently helped create. The narrative follows his journey to free the Talan villages, uncover the truth about his past, and locate his long-lost daughter. Despite the high stakes, the game embraces a tone of "brazen silliness" and sci-fi camp, offering a lighthearted atmosphere that contrasts with the epic scale of the conflict.

Outcast 2 — A New Beginning: Gameplay Mechanics

At the heart of the experience is a fast-paced, non-linear open world where traversal is as crucial as combat. Cutter Slade is equipped with a versatile jetpack that allows for double-jumping, air-dashing, gliding, and hovering. This movement system creates a fluid "joyride" through the hand-crafted landscape, allowing players to explore hidden temples and dense forests without boundaries.

Combat revolves around a transforming laser gun and a massive laser shield. Players can customize their arsenal by combining dozens of different weapon modules to create unique loadouts that suit their playstyle, ranging from standard ranged fire to area-of-effect destruction. The gameplay encourages a "toybox" approach, where players can experiment with weapon modifiers and Talan powers—forces of nature that allow Slade to destroy enemies using the environment itself.

Notable Features

  • Non-Linear Exploration: Players have total control over the story's pacing, exploring a massive, boundary-free world.
  • Advanced Traversal: A robust jetpack system enables zipping, gliding, and hovering across the alien terrain.
  • Customizable Arsenal: A deep weapon modding system allows for extensive personalization of the laser gun and shield.
  • Talan Culture: Interact with the indigenous people to gain access to ancient powers and free their villages.
  • Original Soundtrack: Features an epic score by Lennie Moore, the composer of the original 1999 game.
  • Developer Reunion: Created by the original team behind the 1999 classic, ensuring a faithful continuation of the universe.

Who It Appeals To

Outcast 2 — A New Beginning is designed for fans of open-world action games and retro sci-fi aesthetics. It appeals particularly well to veterans of the original 1999 title who have waited a quarter-century for this sequel. The game also targets players who enjoy high-octane movement mechanics similar to titles like Just Cause, as well as newcomers who appreciate a lighthearted, "Avatar-like" alien world delivered with a sense of humor and a focus on fun over realism.

Platform Availability

Released on March 15, 2024, the game is available on the following platforms:

  • PC
  • PlayStation 5
  • Xbox Series S/X

Rated Teen (ESRB) and PEGI 16, the game is a single-player experience that focuses on individual exploration and combat.