Outbreak: Lost Hope
Developed/Published by Dead Drop Studios LLC
Released for Xbox One (6/26/2019)
Also on Linux/Mac/PC/PS4/PS5/Switch
Review Preface
Outbreak: Lost Hope is the 4th entry in the Outbreak series, which is basically a low-budget tribute to the old-school Resident Evil survival-horror games. Brought to us by a small indie studio based out of Connecticut in the USA, one has to keep their expectations in check and also bear in mind the price point the game sells at ($12.99). Being a fan of the old RE games, I've been interested in dipping into this series for some time and what better place to start than the 4th title in the series? At some point I intend to check out some of the other titles in the series, but for now let's check out Outbreak: Lost Hope and see how it fares at delivering the scares...
Graphics/Presentation
Outbreak: Lost Hope isn't going to blow anybody away with its visuals, but with that being said it's not a terrible-looking game either. The majority of the map consists of wooded areas that you'll be navigating in the darkness and rainfall. Visibility is constantly limited due to this and it does help to add to the game's atmosphere. The environment itself is detailed, but the protagonist's character model leaves something to be desired. The character more closely resembles a plastic action action figure more than an actual human, particularly when looking at the hair which looks like something from the PS2 generation. The creatures in the game fare much better, sporting some creepy looking monsters for you to shoot at. Another department that could use some improvement is the sound design, which feels downright barren at times. The game lacks any kind of footstep sound effects which would've helped add to atmosphere. While these things are forgivable to an extent and don't ruin the game, there are several aspects of the game in regards to the visuals and presentation that needs some work before it becomes better than slightly above average.
Gameplay/Controls
Outbreak: Lost Hope adopts a simple control scheme and it works well enough. The sprint is limited, only allowing you to dash for a quick burst before needing to recharge. The Y button brings up your inventory for quick access and it's easy to equip, aim, fire and reload your weapons. Inventory management is a big part of the game and you'll have limited storage space when you start. Additional inventory slots can be unlocked by picking up side pouches.
The gun-play leaves a bit to be desired, as the weapons don't have much weight to them when discharged. Headshots don't particularly seem to matter, as enemies can still take 5 or 6 shots to the dome before they fall to the ground. There's a random factor that gives all enemies a chance to get back up (if they fall flat, they're still alive but if they fall backwards they're dead). There's also no extra headshot animation, which feels lame especially in a zombie game. Dead enemy bodies also have a tendency to glitch and bounce around before spawning out of existence. Each gun has a mounted flashlight, which you'll need since the entire game takes place at night and in the rain so your visibility is constantly limited. Each weapon also has a laser sight to help line up your shots, making it easier to help conserve that limited ammunition.
Outbreak: Last Hope is your standard survival-horror fare. Your resources and inventory slots are limited, but like the Resident Evil games there are chests which allow you to stash items you don't wish to carry on you. Also like Resident Evil your saves are limited, but instead of typewriter ink you'll be using floppy disks to save your progress. Scattered around the map you'll find additional weapons (magnum, shogun, submachine gun and grenade launcher), health pickups and pouches that provide additional inventory slots. There are a few puzzles along the way, but nothing to difficult and that can't be quickly solved by looking up a guide (a handy one can be found in the links at the end of the review).
There are 3 difficulty modes, with 2 additional difficulties (nightmare/arrange) being unlocked after completing story mode. There's also an onslaught mode which tasks you with killing 75 enemies using whatever resources are given to survive. On the lower difficulties, the enemies are dumb but if you crank up the difficulty they can become a threat and generate some actual tension. The fact that there's no map or waypoints indicating where to go can cause navigation issues, mostly due to the lack of unique level design. You'll be backtracking frequently and even though the game is short, I found myself lost several times throughout.
Closing Thoughts
While there is some jank in regards to certain aspects, Outbreak: Lost Hope has enough positives that die-hard fans of survival horror games might find something to enjoy here. Considering that the game was put together by a single developer, there's an impressive amount of potential on display here. Hopefully future titles will build on the premise and correct some of the faults present in Lost Hope. The Outbreak titles tend to go on sale quite frequently, so if you're interested I'd recommend snagging it when it's at a discount price.
Final Verdict: Outbreak: Lost Hope pays homage to the classic survival-horror Resident Evil games. Developed by a single person, this is a low-budget effort that has its positive points. The enemies are gross, the atmosphere is foreboding and the multiple difficulties and onslaught mode add some replay value. On the negative side of things, the gunplay leaves something to be desired, the sprint is extremely limited, the game is short and the there's not much that stands out in the map design. If you get it I'd suggest waiting for a sale.
Outbreak: Lost Hope Definitive Edition
Developed/Published by Dead Drop Studios LLC
Developed/Published by Dead Drop Studios LLC
Released for Xbox Series (2/11/2021)
Also on Linux/Mac/PC/PS4/PS5/Switch
Quick Review
This review will be more about what's new (which isn't much) since almost everything from the Xbox One review of the game applies to this version. Outbreak: Lost Hope would see a re-release for the Xbox Series platforms in February 2021. This is almost the exact same game, framerate stutters and all. There is a noticeable improvement in regards to the sprint, which now lasts longer before you have to slow down to catch your breath, making it much more manageable when having to retreat from oncoming creatures. This is only a slight improvement though and all of the other issues from the Xbox One release are still present in this version. I even encountered a freeze only on this version, so remember to save every so often because I lost over an hour of progress when it crashed on me! It should also be noted that, while the game runs smoother than the Xbox One version, the framerate still stutters at times and is unable to maintain a steady 60 FPS despite the simple graphics. With this being an Xbox Series release and requiring to be installed on a SSD the load times are vastly improved from the original, which did contain long loading screens when first load up your save file.
The main target of this release is likely going to be achievement hunters, who will be happy to add another completion stack that can be knocked out in just a few hours. Outbreak: Lost Hope still isn't a terrible game, but it leaves much room for improvement. Like the Xbox One version, these titles tend to go on sale quite frequently so I'd advise waiting for a discount if you decide to take the plunge.
Final Verdict: Outbreak: Lost Hope Definitive Edition is mostly the same as the Xbox One version with some minor improvements. It's a decent attempt at a survival horror game from a single developer. It's short and not without its faults, but there is some fun to be had if you're in the mood for shooting some zombies in the dark.
Purchase Links:
Buy Outbreak: Lost Hope (Xbox One) - Xbox Store
Buy Outbreak: Lost Hope (Xbox One) - Xbox Store
Related Links:
Drop Dead Studios LLC - Official Site
Drop Dead Studios LLC - Official Site
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