When it comes to the horror games of the last decade, two have undoubtedly defined the genre (for better or worse). We are talking about Amnesia and Outlast.
The first Outlast game was released in 2013, and it was heavily inspired by Amnesia in regards to many gameplay elements, but it also uses the standard horror tropes, like the haunted asylum setting.
The second one introduced new characters and locations, and although it wasn't as praised as the first game, it was still considered a great horror game.
And now, after two single-player games, studio Red Barrels is bringing us The Outlast Trials.
Let's see what we currently know about the third instalment in the Outlast series.
What is The Outlast Trials? Gameplay and features
At its core, The Outlast Trials is still a single-player horror game just like the previous Outlast titles, but it comes with a twist! In The Outlast Trials you can play either solo or with other players.
"Red Barrels invites you to experience mind-numbing terror, this time with friends," the developer announces. "Work together and maybe you’ll survive The Outlast Trials. It’s always better to shit your pants in good company."
The multiplayer aspect of the game will not be PvP, rather players will need to cooperate in an effort to try to escape the twisted experiment they have been drag into. The co-op will be for up to 4 players.
What is the story in The Outlast Trials?
Just like the previous two games, The Outlast Trials is set in the same in-game universe, but during a different era and in a different location.
"Set in the era of the Cold War, human guinea pigs are involuntarily recruited by the good folks at the Murkoff Corporation to test advanced methods of brainwashing and mind control," reads the description. "In a world of distrust, fear, and violence, your morals will be challenged, your endurance tested, and your sanity crushed. All in the name of progress, science, and profit."
We will play as one of these "human guinea pigs" who will try to escape these secret facilities, full of "twisted realism, decadence, and in-your-face gore."
Developers explain that these secret experiments are being conducted in abandoned warehouses where the Murkoff Corporation recreated real-life locations in order to carry out their testing.
For now, we know nothing about their motives, and how did we end up there, but we do know that our psyche is changed forever and the theme of freedom of body and freedom of mind are crucial for the story.
The Outlast Trials PC - system requirements
Unlike the previous two games, which were developed in Unreal 3, The Outlast Trials is created in the Unreal 4 Engine and it comes with various improvements and much more detailed graphics.
At the time of writing, the game's PC system requirements haven't been revealed yet, but we will update the article as soon as they become available.
The Outlast Trials - release date and platforms
The Outlast Trials was supposed to be released in 2021, but developers revealed they "need more time to refine the game" and thus the game has now been delayed to 2022.
When it comes to platforms, the game is set to be released on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.
Don't forget to check out our general video games section for industry news, guides, and much more.