Outlast - initial thoughts / first playthrough

[Brookshw]

No spoilers please.

While on a horror kick recently I decided to, belatedly, pick up a copy of Outlast. It being on sale for $4 had nothing to do with my decision, I swear.

So far (a little under an hour in), I'm not really that impressed, especially given the hype I recall when the game was first released. Some jump out scare tactics? Okay. Gore? whatever.

The only thing that really seems to effectively add to the horror feel of playing is the constant hyperventilating that the character does. That's effective and good atmosphere I admit. However, I kind of feel like it's a bit of a cheap tactic to add to the horror aspect of the game. If you had a magic wand / setting to turn that off, I don't know what would be left that would really be scary (admittedly, I haven't checked the setting options, nor intend to). Otherwise, it's a game of hide and seek. So far that is. Maybe things will change.

[Toric]

My takeaway from both Outlast and its sequel was that a lot of the horror was reliant on immersion. If you're controlling the main character, nothing can get to you. If you are the main character, the situation becomes terrifying. And it's your own humanitarian curiosity that put you there. Hopefully if you stick it out a bit the game will manage to sink its teeth into your psyche.

[Wookieetank]

I had to give up on this game when I couldn't get past the first basement area. No matter what I did, or how quiet I was, everything always knew right where I was without fail. Close the door, activate the switch, hide under the bed? Found moments after door is opened by one of the things.
Close the door, activate the switch, hide in a locker? Same.
Either of the above with the door open? Same but faster.

[Iruka]

I had to give up on this game when I couldn't get past the first basement area. No matter what I did, or how quiet I was, everything always knew right where I was without fail. Close the door, activate the switch, hide under the bed? Found moments after door is opened by one of the things.
Close the door, activate the switch, hide in a locker? Same.
Either of the above with the door open? Same but faster.

Spoiler: just in case

Show

As I understand it, you have to get out of the room before the baddy returns.

Note, I did not actually play the game (too scary) but watch some let's plays.

[Wookieetank]

Spoiler: just in case

Show

As I understand it, you have to get out of the room before the baddy returns.

Note, I did not actually play the game (too scary) but watch some let's plays.

Tried it again ealier this week and running like mad ended up working for me. Seems being stealthy is overrated and just running everywhere is the best plan (so far). We'll see how long this lasts.