Outlaws Remastered: A Classic Western FPS Returns

A classic from the 1990s, 'Outlaws', a Western-themed first-person shooter, is set for a significant revitalization. This game, originally launched in 1997, is now receiving a comprehensive update from Nightdive Studios, renowned for their meticulous work on vintage titles. The forthcoming edition promises a substantial overhaul, bringing contemporary graphical fidelity and enhanced gameplay mechanics to a title that, while perhaps not universally remembered, introduced several innovative concepts to the genre. This re-release is poised to offer a fresh perspective on a game that dared to challenge the conventions of its time, providing both nostalgic appeal and a compelling modern experience.

Nightdive Studios' upcoming 'Outlaws + Handful of Missions Remaster' is slated for release later this year, promising a thorough upgrade to the original 1997 game. This includes support for stunning 4K resolution and high frame rates up to 120 FPS, which will dramatically enhance the visual experience. Players can also look forward to integrated gamepad support, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Furthermore, the remaster will incorporate a wealth of supplementary development materials, offering a deeper insight into the game's creation. Crucially, it will support four distinct multiplayer modes, including the intriguing 'Kill The Fool With The Chicken' mode, ensuring varied online engagement. The package will also include the 'Handful of Missions' expansion, mirroring the content of the existing un-remastered classic version available on digital platforms.

While the original 'Outlaws' might not evoke widespread nostalgia for everyone, its impending reintroduction piques curiosity, especially given the advancements in gaming technology over two decades. The game's ambition to depict an authentic Wild West setting, a characteristic that perhaps contributed to its dated appearance compared to more stylistically unconstrained contemporaries, also pushed the boundaries of genre innovation. It holds the distinction of being among the first shooters to feature a genuinely functional sniper scope with true zoom capabilities. Moreover, it pioneered the mechanic of gun reloading, a fundamental element in modern first-person shooters that was novel at the time. The game also stood out for its intricately animated cutscenes, a rarity in the narrative-light shooters of the 1990s, adding a layer of immersive storytelling.

Upon its initial release, 'Outlaws' received respectable reviews, yet it faced a challenging market landscape. It emerged into a gaming scene dominated by titles leveraging sophisticated engines like id Software's Quake engine and the versatile Build engine, which powered hits such as 'Duke Nukem 3D', 'PowerSlave', and 'Blood'. In comparison, 'Outlaws' could appear visually less impressive, potentially contributing to its lesser recognition. However, this perceived simplicity might now paradoxically enhance its charm for re-exploration. The ongoing remastering endeavors by Nightdive Studios have a commendable track record of transforming previously underwhelming titles into highly engaging experiences, exemplified by their successful revitalization of 'Heretic' and 'Hexen'. This precedent suggests that 'Outlaws' has the potential to similarly surprise and captivate, offering a renewed appreciation for its unique contributions and gameplay. The studio's ability to refine and modernize these older games often unveils their latent appeal, making them relevant and enjoyable for today's players. This careful attention to detail and commitment to quality instills confidence that 'Outlaws' will be more than just a nostalgic trip; it could become a rediscovered gem in the realm of classic shooters.