Though, on the surface, it looks like an ideal horror game, once you start peeling off its layers bit by bit, you realise there is not a whole lot to Outlast.

Surely, the setting is sufficient enough not to warrant boredom, and the camera gimmick is simple but effective. However, despite that, the gameplay loop is, more often than not, tedious and very bare bones. The second an enemy appears, you run around chaotically until the AI forgets you were ever there. If they spot you again, you do that again and eventually complete the task at hand/find the exit. It works at the beginning of the game, but once the novelty wears off, progressing the narrative forward is more of an indifference-engendering chore than an exciting, blood-pumping experience. It is a shame because the story is not all that impressive, so combining a not-too-fun gameplay with a plot that does not leave any sort of impact brings forth a digestible yet ultimately lukewarm and weak game.

Despite some of its neat ideas, it feels like Outlast shot for the stars and missed big time. As a result, I do not harbour any greater feelings towards it, for better or worse. It is painfully unimpressive.