It is quite delightful, which is a nice change of pace from Limbo and the others. I played it last year with game pass and really enjoyed my short time with it.

You could buy the game on Steam, get the source code archive and then refund I guess. Or keep it anyway to play, I understand it’s quite good.

I will admit that Outward is something of an acquired taste. It’s not a looker for sure, and starts a bit harsh, difficulty-wise. However it has surprising depth and a true sense of discovery. It is very rewarding once you really get into it.

Plus it really shines in co-op play. It is the closest thing I know of, that can be compared to “Skyrim, but co-op”.

I stand by my recommendation as it is very much a “B game” and pretty unique.

Here are a few picks off the top of my head:

• Control: TPS, open-ish world, present day setting, solo only
• Deep Rock Galactic: FPS, mission-centric, sci-fi setting, solo & co-op
• Generation Zero: FPS, open world, sci-fi setting, solo & co-op
• Kena: Bridge of Spirits: Action-Adventure, open-ish world, fantasy setting, solo only
• Outward: RPG, open world, fantasy setting, solo & co-op
• Remnant: From the Ashes / Remnant 2: TPS, open-ish world, sci-fi & fantasy setting, solo & co-op

If combat is an option, those simple ARPGs could fit the bill nicely:

• Quest Hunter
• Cat Quest 2

They are as ugly to look at as they are fun to play. That is to say a lot.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is solid and Chainsaw Man is enjoyable, if a tad overhyped.

That’s a shame that even a 30 year-old studio is just one commercial failure away from closure, even when part of a larger company. Then again, Volition’s output after Saints Row IV has been pretty middling… So it’s not that big of a surprise that they were on the chopping block.

Thanks for your insight.