Outcast – Second Contact

This is a remake of a game from the 90s that nobody remembers. A lot of the side missions are fetch quests, the controls are clunky especially when you try to platform, and the camera gets really really up close and personal whenever you go inside buildings and the gunplay is about on par with the very first Hitman game. But aside from that I still found the game incredibly charming. My advise to those who are interested in this game is to only do the side missions that you find interesting and keep a walkthrough on how to do the main mission in case you get stuck.

First off: despite being an older game, it still works flawlessly on modern systems. I've only had a couple random crash but there are lots of auto save so it's fine. I didn't see anyone complain either.
However being an older console port, some controls can't be changed. But they're simple so it's no big deal or you can use an xbox controller.
As for the game, it's pretty good. It's an old school open world fetch quest adventure so there's a lot of back and forth, which is not for everyone but they're wrapped in diverse enough story plots to not feel boring.
There are a whole lot of dialogues and characters fully voiced. There's a very decent amount of sub quests on top of the main one. The world design, music and story is very well crafted and fun to explore. The whole experience is pretty interesting if you like this kind of game and there's a lot of very good ideas here and there.
I knew about the game but never played before and I'm glad I did end up trying. It seems to be quite a faithful remaster of the original one (Outcast 1.1) and after watching some gameplay videos, it looks impressive how they remade it and not changed everything like many modern game studios would.
So if you've played the very first one, you should try this as this game is probably gonna look like your memories of the 1.1 and if you've never played it, it still looks very nice. The textures, music and mechanics still hold up.
If you want to complete the adventure on the first try (15-20h), you probably won't. Being an older game, there's not much hand holding going on. If you want to understand what something does, you have to figure it out by yourself (like the tech gadgets you should use but don't know about if you don't dig around). Even the manual save sytem is hinted in the dialogues but not clearly shown unless you dig. There's no quest marker, no arrow, except for the main characters as there are lots of npc roaming around. It's refreshing if you like snooping around.
To be noted, the way to find characters is by asking any npc and they will give you an overall direction which is a very cool way to handle this, especially since both npc and some main characters just go about their life and move a lot.
For the achievements, if you want to 100% the game you'll need to go through it at least twice because there are lots of quests that aren't obvious and some seem secondary but are part of the main one. Missing these don't prevent you from finishing the game but you won't get 100% for the main story, if you finish without these hidden primary quests. A workaround would be to back up your saves, as you only get 3 manual slots and the auto save is very aggressive and will trigger at every interaction. Otherwise, you won't be able to go back a lot at all.
However there are guides online, notably planet-adelpha dot de and true achievements.
I'll definately play the second game once it's more affordable, hoping the story is expanded because it's quite an interesting set up.
Overall it's really a must for anyone who likes straight forward sci-fi adventure. The world is worth exploring and if you get it on sale, it's really more than worth its price.

I realy enjoyed the original game when it came out. I was one of my favourite games back then. But it was hard on the CPU with its voxel graphics and had to play it in lower resoultion back then. With the improved and butter smooth graphics in Outcast - Second Contact I even enjoyed it more now. It is still a great game to play with a excellent sci-fi story reminding me of Star Gate a bit and excellent music. The game was realy ahead of its time in 1999. Just try it out if you are an sci-fi and advanture fan you will love it for sure.

A game that I would absolutely love to get into, and could easily be a favourite, due to the extraordinary soundtrack, atmosphere, world-building, imaginative and creative elements, the wise-cracking protagonist, open world, interactive NPCs, innovative game design, and the sheer joy of light-hearted sci-fi.
I had played many more hours on console.
However, the gameplay is the issue. In all fairness, it is faithful to the original game, but the combat is as awkward as it is dissatisfying, and the mandatory over-the-shoulder aim they've added only adds to its stiffness. Neither the effects nor SFX have been updated nor improved over the original.
The enemies take shots like sponges, unphazed by every hit, which can make combat awkward, and the automatic pistol makes it tolerable. The AI will take cover, at least, so they're not inept.
Auto-aim is a must, for the enemies are very difficult to hit, but you shouldn't need to have it, especially on mouse+keyboard, in the first place.
They did improve projectile speed, as the original's bullets would travel at a slow speed. Initially, I thought that this was a testament to Adelpha's gravity, considering the way that Slade moves, but his walking animations have changed and improved here, so there's no visible difference in gravity, unless of course those were attributes of technical limitations at the time. Understandably, it would be amusing and distracting if Slade were waddling his way everywhere.
It does have that old school, tough strafe combat (which the over-the-shoulder mechanic does not suit,) and they didn't add button-cover or x-ray vision or any modern, dumbed-down elements, which I appreciate.
Conversely, movement can feel stiff, but this has been improved since its vanilla release, and it's not really a hindrance (for me,) and he does move like he's really in the world.
It's important to note that other players do report bugs.
I can see why some would be put off by the navigation and objectives. It is very old school, with no markers cluttering the screen and hints, and patience and attention is required to work out where to go. I do appreciate this, and I wish that more games would do this; and Slade won't talk aloud every ten seconds to remind you where to go. This is a lost form of art.
They've removed the option to go into first-person and the ability to crawl (not that you'd really need it,) and some elements of gameplay, such as combat difficulty and regenerative health (so that you won't have to visit the shaman for healing), are presented as individual options in the menu that you can toggle at any time, rather than having a separate mode of difficulty (Normal vs Easy,) which is odd and something I've never seen.
There are hardly any graphics options, and any PC game should have at least the basic settings. The colour/contrast options are very welcome, however (recommend playing on maximum,) and the game does look great. No advanced graphics settings, yet there are advanced settings for gameplay.
The dialogue's audio appears to have been peaked, making it sound scratchy, when the original's audio was clearer (but not perfect.)
The original opening sequence, which was completely rendered in 3D, has been replaced by 2D stills with some animation, similar to some comic book animated films, such as "Wolverine: Origin." I assume that this might be due to the original files' unavailability or incompatibility with newer technology to create a new higher resolution render with up-to-date visuals, and of course Cutter Slade having been redesigned -- I won't pretend to be an expert. In any case, they could have left it as it was, regardless of its outdated quality and Slade's lack of hair (not that the consistency of his hair should matter, considering that he went from black to brown and now black again in the sequel.)
One thing that's always bothered me about the recreation of the opening scene is that Slade, in the original, is approached in the bar as his feet are on a table as he reads a newspaper, introducing him as a carefree, good old scoundrel type of individual -- very suitable for his character -- but in the remake, he's sitting by the bar, head down, drinking -- the typical insinuation of a depressed or troubled character; and you can still hear the newspaper SFX. Though he may have lost someone in his unit on a previous mission, as shown, giving us some background, the story doesn't really lean towards this kind of character depth nor a story of redemption; and though it may be reminiscent of "Stargate," unlike O'Neil, Slade is more like O'Neill's TV counterpart, taking everything as more of a tongue-in-cheek, just-another-day, adventure. Just a nit pick.
Based on what I've played of the demo for the sequel, everything has been vastly improved, especially combat (and the weapons have those heavy, satisfying sounds.) A shame it hasn't received as much attention as I'd like; it truly deserves it; and they brought back Lennie Moore.
The soundtrack by Lennie Moore is INCOMPARABLE. "Shamazaar" is one of the GREATEST pieces of music I have ever been graced to hear.
How there hasn't been a movie adaptation for something as cool as this is such a waste.
I am left with the impression that production might have been under a tight schedule. But, overall, they brought "Outcast" back, and it's more beautiful than ever, and it does stay true to the spirit of the original. I just really wish that I could get into it.
It is a profound graphical improvement over the original, superior in some instances, and very faithful, but it needed vast enhancements here and there.

I had a great time with this game. Old School Action/Adventure. The combat is very primitive for a 3D setting but it somehow works given the context of the world and enemies. The story and voice acting are very 90's. The game does not hold your hand but gives more than enough information to figure it out. The world feels vast with its different areas but also small enough to memorize locations. Every time I played I was always making progress even if not in the correct order. I think I paid $3 for this and I more than got my money's worth. 7/10 Good Game.

the world and idea ist nice, but the gamplay is buggy and old, but it has it's touch

Outcast - Second Contact is a remastered version of the cult classic action-adventure game originally released in 1999. Developed by Appeal Studios, this updated edition seeks to preserve the charm and innovation of the original while bringing the experience into the modern era with improved visuals, enhanced audio, and refined gameplay mechanics. For fans of open-world exploration, rich storytelling, and classic sci-fi settings, Outcast - Second Contact offers a fascinating glimpse into a game that was ahead of its time, albeit with some rough edges that may affect the experience for new players.
The story follows Cutter Slade, a former Navy operative sent on a mission to a distant, alien world called Adelpha to prevent a catastrophic dimensional rift threatening Earth. The narrative blends science fiction with elements of exploration and diplomacy, as Cutter navigates a richly detailed and mysterious planet inhabited by various indigenous tribes and strange creatures. The plot unfolds gradually, with a mix of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving that encourages players to engage deeply with the world and its inhabitants. What stands out is the game’s commitment to creating a living, breathing world where player choices and interactions influence how the story progresses, adding a layer of depth and immersion.
Gameplay in Outcast - Second Contact centers around open-world exploration and mission-based objectives. Players are free to roam the diverse environments of Adelpha, from lush forests and towering mountains to ancient ruins and bustling alien villages. The game combines third-person shooting with puzzle-solving and NPC interaction, offering a varied gameplay experience. Combat feels somewhat dated compared to modern standards, but it remains engaging thanks to the variety of enemies and tactical options available. Exploration is rewarding, with hidden secrets, side quests, and lore scattered throughout the world, inviting players to take their time and fully absorb the environment.
Visually, the remaster improves significantly on the original, updating character models, textures, and environments to meet contemporary expectations while retaining the distinct artistic style that defines the game. The world of Adelpha is brought to life with vibrant colors and detailed landscapes, making exploration a visually pleasing experience. However, despite these upgrades, some elements—particularly animations and facial expressions—can still feel stiff or outdated, which may pull players out of the immersion occasionally. The remaster does an admirable job preserving the original’s atmosphere, though, maintaining the alien world’s unique blend of wonder and danger.
The audio design is similarly enhanced, with a remastered soundtrack and improved sound effects that enrich the sense of place and tension. Voice acting remains a mixed bag; while some performances convey emotion effectively, others can feel wooden or overly dramatic, reflecting the original’s late-90s production values. Nonetheless, the audio work overall supports the narrative and gameplay well, particularly the ambient sounds of the alien wilderness and the evocative musical themes.
One of the strengths of Outcast - Second Contact lies in its world-building and the depth of interaction with the native Adelphian tribes. Players must learn local languages, understand cultural nuances, and engage in diplomacy, which adds layers of complexity and immersion uncommon in many action-adventure titles. This interaction influences story outcomes and mission success, encouraging thoughtful engagement rather than brute force solutions alone.
Despite its many merits, Outcast - Second Contact does present challenges. The game’s mechanics, while faithful to the original, can feel clunky or unintuitive to modern gamers accustomed to streamlined controls and polished interfaces. Some quests may require significant backtracking, and the absence of a clear waypoint system can lead to confusion. Additionally, bugs and performance issues occasionally mar the experience, particularly on certain hardware configurations, which can be frustrating.
In conclusion, Outcast - Second Contact is a fascinating blend of old-school design and modern enhancements, offering a richly detailed sci-fi world filled with exploration, intrigue, and cultural depth. It’s a title that will appeal most to players with a fondness for classic adventure games or those interested in experiencing a unique story-driven open world from a bygone era. While some aspects feel dated and the game’s pacing and mechanics may challenge newcomers, the remaster preserves the original’s spirit and expands its accessibility, making it a worthwhile experience for those willing to embrace its quirks and immerse themselves in the mysterious world of Adelpha.
Rating: 8/10