Outland is a 2D platformer that combines mechanics from various games and genres, such as fast and agile movement, a wide range of fighting tactics, a relatively open world where newly acquired abilities encourage the player to return to earlier areas and explore new paths, and color-based gameplay inspired by bullet hell shooters. The game is set in a mythical universe in which a man must establish a balance between two opposing forces, which is represented in the gameplay.
The game is organized into five big worlds that are eventually unlocked. At the start of the game, the player’s character can only move in the following ways: (wall) jumping, crouching, hanging on to ledges, and a simple sword attack that can be built into a combo. The emphasis is primarily on eliminating opponents to proceed through the environment, typically accomplished using conventional platformer aspects such as ladders, ledges, climbing against walls, manipulating levers and switches, and crossing moving levels. However, the landscape is immediately crowded with paths that cannot be explored. They must be able to smash through stone floors, charge assaults through walls, trigger jump pads, find keys, and use teleporters. These are obtained through defeating bosses and discovering shrines. Once received, it is possible to return and continue exploring. However, the entire game is linear because skills are usually granted when required to continue. Another significant puzzle mechanic is enemy bombs that can be tossed about to blow up opponents or break through walls. Slides, air attacks, an upwards slash, a devastating strike based on a finite quantity of energy, spikes, and the ability to shoot a massive laser beam are also gradually learned by the character. Combos can be formed by linking attacks and launching opponents into the air to make them dizzy.
The essential game mechanic is a two-color polarity system, blue (bright) and red (dark), akin to games like Ikaruga. After gaining both abilities, pushing a button changes the character’s color to blue or red. This color change has various impacts and frequently necessitates quick reflexes. Enemies can only be defeated by shifting to the opposite color; else, their assaults cause no damage. Simultaneously, the area is flooded with lasers, balls, and cannons of the same two colors. To absorb beams and bullets in the environment, the player must switch to the corresponding color, which becomes challenging when attackers and multiple sorts of projectiles cross paths in enormous waves. The screen is crowded with many items in several portions, notably during boss encounters, forcing the player to swap colors while striking frequently. Color changes can also impact the environment, such as raising or lowering spikes or hiding and revealing platforms.
A level map that shows the goals and all significant elements can be used to measure progress. At any point, while playing, a rush of wind carrying gold leaves indicates the general direction. Checkpoints in the game save the game. After learning the teleporter skill, returning to practically any environment is possible. While playing, the character collects gold, which may be exchanged for more health or energy at statues, while green hearts repair overall health. Many optional paths lead to remote regions where players can gain gold, health, or hidden masks. These enable features like concept art but are otherwise optional.
The game includes an online cooperative game mode, arcade levels, and different cooperative tasks that may be earned via the single-player mode.
