KyosukeZX

Outbuddies (DX) is a difficult game to rate. TLDR: It has a rather wacky start but if you push through that, you’ll be incredibly rewarded! 8/10 Played the original on PC in 2019 and now also got the DX version on the Switch. I remember when first touching the game, it did not leave a very good impression. While controls are tight, the character felt very heavy and it also took me some time to get used to the drone mechanics. Starting the game I also thought the controls could be mapped easier, anyway, most decisions finally made sense in the later game when running fully geared-up. While the basic movement is slow, the steam-powered suit allows for some pretty quick and erratic dodges and bouncy wall jumps. There’s also a run button which will become your best friend. What I can say is that the DX version alleviates a lot of early game issues of the original. I personally think the game looks nice and it has a great intriguing atmosphere and soundtrack. Soundscapes also got updated for DX as far as I remember. What I don’t get is people buying this, then complaining it’s ugly and downvoting, that’s what trailers and screenshots are made for. Technically, the port runs great, no drops or stuttering. I appreciate that a lot, given the technical limitations of the Switch. Where the game really shines for me is its world design. While the early game is rather linear it becomes a vast open experience once you reach the central HUB area. There’s always multiple paths to go and all are viable options to progress. There’s a teleporter system which got improved for DX and also a basic map design that is constructed in loops, so pushing forward is usually your best option. I wished more MV had a sophisticated world design and progression tree like this. Boss encounters where also fun and challenging, some require figuring out special mechanics within the fight. I died a lot playing this, but it has an instant continue feature without any throwback so I was never discouraged from trying once more. As a conclusion I think Outbuddies DX is a game targeting experienced players. Controls are rather complex and it does not provide a lot of hand holding. I did not fall in love with it immediately but it actually became one of my favorite games in the end, due to great world design and interesting progression mechanics.