Hypnospace Outlaw is a trippy detective game where you try to solve crimes and misdemeanors by scouring pages upon pages on a 90s themed internet space for clues. The game is most closely compared to something like a cross between Pony Island and Her Story with Outer Wilds or Return of the Obra Dinn. The difference, and my major complaint with the game, is that there is SO much content to browse that it gets overwhelming, especially as you hit the second half of the game when the entire space is in play. I thought the sense of discovery was fun, but some things just became too obscure. That said, if you don't mind reading pages and seeing a world develop through its archived pages, this game is going to be a blast. Special mention to the music, which is voluminous and ridiculously accurate. The presentation in general is a masterclass, and for many, I imagine that this is the sole reason to pick this title up.

Final notes: I wasn't able to get full achievements on a single run of the game. Several events/interactions are missable, which I am very opposed to in games. I wish there was still a way to see/complete all of the cases even after the credits scroll.

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2021


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