"Plasma Nexus" is a roguelike permadeath game set in a futuristic galaxy where slavery rumors run rampant. As a mercenary Android named Andro, you must use your plasma Nexus and combat skills to take down a criminal force known for its illegal plasma trading, android army building, and inhumane experiments. Choose from three combat styles and master various skills to face hardcore challenges.
Fast-paced combat and unique class abilities create an engaging gameplay experience.
The game features a strong narrative with dark themes and interesting character development.
The diverse class system and loot-driven mechanics enhance replayability and player customization.
Repetitive gameplay loop and clunky cover mechanics detract from the overall experience.
Numerous bugs, server instability, and performance issues hinder gameplay enjoyment.
The story can feel clichéd and poorly executed, leading to a lack of emotional investment.
story
27,750 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
57%
7%
The story of "Outriders" has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it engaging and well-paced, while others criticize it for being clichéd and poorly executed. Many appreciate the game's dark themes and character development, but note that the narrative can feel disjointed and rushed, particularly towards the end. Overall, while the story may not be groundbreaking, it offers enough intrigue to keep players invested, especially when paired with the game's enjoyable gameplay mechanics.
“The story is top notch and the voice acting is superb in the English version (the one I play).”
“The story leans heavily on sci-fi tropes but manages to stay engaging through its darker tone and twists.”
“The story is engaging enough, though a bit cheesy at times - however the game doesn't take itself too seriously... the characters are interesting and each bring their own thing to the table in the main story, and there are loads of side quests too.”
“The story is a mess and devolves the further you get into it.”
“For the rest of the story, it just rips off the slave trade, Exodus, Planet of the Apes/Moreau's Island, the Holocaust, and Pocahontas/Avatar/Gaia in a way that just doesn't fit well together.”
“The plot makes very little sense and gets over-dramatic at times, but despite all that, it's compelling and I definitely wanted to see where it all went.”
gameplay
12,204 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
50%
7%
The gameplay of "Outriders" has received mixed feedback, with many players praising its fast-paced combat, unique class abilities, and engaging loot mechanics. However, criticisms often focus on the repetitive gameplay loop, clunky cover mechanics, and numerous bugs that hinder the overall experience. While the core gameplay is enjoyable and offers a satisfying progression system, issues such as server instability and lack of endgame content have left some players feeling frustrated and disappointed.
“Outriders combines a strong narrative, fast-paced combat, and loot-driven mechanics to create an engaging experience.”
“The game rewards aggression through a mechanic where players heal by inflicting damage, encouraging a proactive and visceral playstyle.”
“The gameplay is fast-paced, fluid, and really fun.”
“I like the concept and some of the lore/story, but it is held back by a mediocre gameplay loop.”
“The gameplay loop is very repetitive.”
“The gameplay is so boring, I had to force myself to play the game to get my money's worth and it felt like hell.”
graphics
4,506 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
44%
4%
The graphics in "Outriders" receive mixed reviews, with many players praising the game's vibrant environments and impressive visual effects, particularly on high settings. However, some users note that the graphics can feel dated compared to modern AAA titles, with occasional stuttering, glitches, and performance issues, especially on lower-end systems. Overall, while the game showcases strong artistic design, it struggles with optimization and consistency in graphical fidelity.
“Outriders is without a doubt one of the most beautiful games I have played, graphically stunning in the forest zone.”
“The graphics are gorgeous, the setting is well-fleshed out, the story is quite good and at times shocking, the classes are robust and incredibly hard to pick a favorite for.”
“The graphics are amazing, the sounds are awesome, and the gameplay is some of the best you can find.”
“While the art direction is commendable, the graphics can feel dated compared to modern AAA titles.”
“Crashes constantly, I play several one-man made or indie games and this is the only game I have played that crashes my computer alongside it; it's several updates deep, let alone patches, and it's still bad. Graphics are mid, optimization is terrible, runs like ass.”
“The graphics feel like they're from 2016; the netcode does need more polish, the story is a little clunky at times, and if you try playing it purely as a cover shooter, you're just not going to get it.”
stability
3,948 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
96%
The stability of the game has been a significant concern among players, with many reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that detract from the overall experience. While some users have noted improvements since launch, the game remains plagued by issues such as server instability, quest tracking problems, and performance hiccups, making it difficult for many to recommend it at full price. Overall, players express a mix of frustration and enjoyment, acknowledging the fun gameplay but highlighting the persistent technical problems that hinder their experience.
“Definitely worth revisiting after all these years, not buggy at all and the DLC deserves a solid playthrough!”
“No frame drops, no stutter (DX11) and no glitches at all.”
“The game runs great on my system (i9-9900k, 2080, 32GB) and I have no performance issues whatsoever.”
“The game is a buggy mess, which is unfortunate.”
“This game is a buggy mess.”
“The game is buggy and disconnects sometimes but all new games do when they are new releases, it will improve and eventually go away through patches.”
optimization
3,190 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
42%
46%
The optimization of "Outriders" has received mixed feedback from players, with many reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, particularly during intense gameplay and in multiplayer settings. While some users with high-end systems have managed to achieve stable performance, others with mid-tier hardware continue to experience difficulties, leading to frustration. Overall, the game shows potential but requires further optimization and bug fixes to enhance the player experience.
“Players with mid-tier hardware might experience frame drops during intense combat sequences, but the game offers a range of settings to fine-tune performance.”
“The gunplay, fighting mechanics, and special abilities you can perform are perfectly optimized for almost every situation you come across.”
“The game now runs smoothly, with improved stability and reduced load times.”
“Performance issues: occasional glitches and optimization problems.”
“Performance is iffy at best and crashing at worst.”
“The optimization really is sh!”
grinding
2,730 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
97%
The grinding aspect of "Outriders" has received mixed feedback from players. Many appreciate the rewarding nature of grinding for legendary items and the sense of progression it offers, particularly in cooperative play. However, numerous reviews highlight the grind as tedious and repetitive, especially in the endgame where players often face bullet sponge enemies and experience low drop rates for desired gear. Overall, while some players enjoy the grindy gameplay, others find it frustrating and lacking in variety, leading to a sense of burnout.
“Also, I had character progression during the whole campaign, as in I just reached max level right before the very last boss (also did every side quest, no grinding).”
“Again, the gameplay loop is sufficiently satisfying to keep you grinding for gear, but it would be nice if there was an item rebalance sometime soon.”
“Good story, good gameplay, not too grindy, just an all-around good game.”
“It's very tedious.”
“The endgame is a repetitive tedious unfun grind.”
“End game content is grindy, not a big fan.”
humor
914 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in "Outriders" is a mixed bag, often described as dark, edgy, and sometimes unintentionally funny due to poor voice acting and awkward dialogue. Players appreciate the game's ability to blend serious themes with comedic moments, resulting in a B-movie vibe that can elicit genuine laughter, especially during cutscenes and side quests. While some find the humor to be hit-or-miss, many enjoy the absurdity of glitches and character interactions, making for a fun, albeit flawed, gaming experience.
“I don't know how this game has anything less than positive reviews with such great quality of life mechanics, satisfying visuals, buttery gameplay, and hilarious story bits.”
“The most fun experience you can have is laughing at stupid cutscenes or seeing some weird new glitch or broken experience to point at and shame.”
“The story is so bad it's funny, and I mean that, it is really really funny, especially once you get halfway in.”
“It feels like an April Fools' joke... though I paid €60 for this one... not funny!”
“In BL3, you get destroyed so easily, it's not funny.”
“Game balance with every patch changes so much that it's just not funny, and an endgame which features timers to get gold times.”
replayability
630 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
65%
8%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the variety offered by its four distinct classes and the ability to experiment with different builds, which enhances replay value. However, some reviewers criticize the linearity of the story and the repetitive nature of endgame content, leading to a perception of limited long-term replayability. Overall, while there are elements that encourage replay, such as class diversity and endgame expeditions, many feel that the game lacks sufficient depth to sustain interest over time.
“Diverse class system: the four distinct classes - technomancer, pyromancer, trickster, and devastator - provide varied playstyles, allowing for a deep level of customization and replayability.”
“The game has an engaging story and multiple class types and builds, ensuring some generous replayability without a seasonal model--or to say it a different way, the way games used to be.”
“The variety of mods, skills and classes makes this game extremely replayable.”
“But it's linear as hell and not replayable, and it's dead now.”
“The end game is pretty standard, respecing to play a new way, creating a new class, earning accolades and loot farming add some replayability time.”
“The only other replayability comes in making more classes which is also dealt with poorly in comparison to other games; the only option you have is just to replay the whole entire story again, with side quests instead of just letting you farm expeditions for XP.”
music
502 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
57%
9%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its immersive qualities and ability to enhance the atmosphere, while others find it generic and forgettable. Many appreciate the solid soundtrack and voice acting, noting that the music complements the gameplay, especially during combat. However, there are frequent complaints about repetitive tracks, glitches, and a lack of memorable themes, leading some players to prefer listening to their own music while playing.
“Solid soundtrack and voice acting: the music and voice performances complement the atmosphere, enhancing the immersion in the game's world.”
“The sound design complements the visuals, with a soundtrack that effectively underscores the action and emotional beats of the story.”
“The music is great, and it's full of immersive little details, so that I feel almost a little disoriented when I stop playing.”
“Music is sort of lackluster and unremarkable, and though it's generic, it does come in on cue and do its job.”
“I hope you really like the two combat songs they have in the game, because they're the only ones you're going to hear throughout the whole 30-hour campaign.”
“The music is horrible, bland, and uninspiring.”
monetization
440 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
36%
58%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players appreciating the absence of microtransactions, loot boxes, and pay-to-win mechanics, which they find refreshing in a market often filled with predatory practices. However, there are significant concerns regarding the game's perceived cash grab nature, particularly related to overpriced DLC and a lack of ongoing content updates, leading some to feel exploited despite the initial purchase being complete. Overall, while the lack of microtransactions is praised, the game's monetization strategy and future support are viewed skeptically by a portion of the player base.
“A fun looter shooter with no microtransactions, no season passes, no bullshit live service crap.”
“Amazing looter shooter without any microtransactions or cash shop.”
“You are buying a complete game here with no microtransactions, DLC, season pass or anything like that.”
“This game was great nice concept great classes couple of questionable choices but overall great the story is pretty good and engaging only problem is that the game is a cash grab if you are looking for a one playthrough experience then you could try it even though the price is too high for what it is the DLC is a complete joke and the game is completely abandoned...”
“Honestly I feel completely used and abused so I spent the full amount on the outriders first game.... and then they want us to spend an additional 52.99 CDN on the quote on quote upgrade this is pure BS and it's just a huge slap in the face to anyone that supported your game from day one and honestly it's the same damn thing oh you made it look more pretty and the UI is better big woop it's not worth an additional 50 bucks you cash grabbing!”
“This game is nothing but a cash grab for the company.”
emotional
224 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
82%
18%
The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players noting touching character arcs and moments that resonate deeply, while others criticize the overall narrative as boring and lacking emotional depth. Many reviewers express frustration over unfinished storylines and character development, leading to a lack of emotional attachment, while others highlight moments of genuine emotional impact amidst technical issues and gameplay frustrations. Overall, the game's ability to evoke emotion seems inconsistent, with some players feeling deeply engaged and others left feeling disconnected.
“The story made me cry and was thrilling the entire time.”
“Outriders is much more reactive and emotional, making the story far more engaging.”
“It's repulsive and heart-breaking, and hits uncomfortably close to home.”
“I want to like this game... but repetitive, derivative gameplay through a boring story that preempts and gives itself away with badly titled load screens, to reach an endgame that is just a lazy excuse to force you to play the same uninspiring levels over and over in a search of 'better' gear... no.”
“Any cool villains that can make the boring story at least more bearable, someone that can at least carry the dog sh*t dialogues written by a child whose only movies were B-rated action flicks from the 90's?”
“Impressive visuals and satisfying combat with serviceable RPG mechanics, but the game is kept from greatness by a ham-fisted and mostly boring story, along with a handful of less than stellar design decisions.”
character development
198 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
48%
15%
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the depth and relatability of certain characters, while others criticize it as shallow or poorly executed. Many reviews highlight that while character design is visually appealing, the narrative and emotional arcs often fall flat, leading to a lack of investment in character outcomes. Overall, the game offers a blend of enjoyable character customization and RPG elements, but significant improvements in storytelling and character development are needed to enhance the overall experience.
“The character development was not what I was expecting when I purchased a looter-shooter, and I have been consistently surprised by my level of interest in the characters and story.”
“The world of Outriders is rich with lore and character development, and skipping these interactions would mean missing out on a significant part of the experience.”
“I enjoyed the character development and story progression.”
“It has the worst character development and emotionless sacrifices I have ever seen attempted, yet it's often fun as hell.”
“Poorly written story with zero character development or, well, any characterization that doesn't boil down to cliched templates.”
“Well this game has no respect for its own characters at all, they are meatbags, that's it, there is no character development or arcs, no lessons to be learnt or meaningful interactions.”
atmosphere
188 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
36%
2%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and gritty design, complemented by beautiful visuals, a solid soundtrack, and engaging voice acting. Players appreciate the detailed environments and the sense of danger and desperation conveyed through the story and character interactions, although some note inconsistencies in audio and level design that can detract from the experience. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, enhancing the gameplay and narrative.
“Solid soundtrack and voice acting: the music and voice performances complement the atmosphere, enhancing the immersion in the game's world.”
“The atmosphere of the game is raw and, at times, terrifying (in a good storytelling way).”
“The visuals are beautiful and the atmosphere is top notch, the aiming is very reminiscent of good old CS 1.6 times, making it very direct and snappy.”
“It feels like they tried, but the voice acting and atmosphere just don't hit well enough.”
“Although the game is incredible in terms of gameplay and is extremely user-friendly, there are some errors that can ruin immersion into the atmosphere, most notably the cut-scenes can skip ahead and leave the audio behind whole scenes or completely cut altogether, or while traveling around the dialogue over comms might cut out when the character speaks, missing objective prompts and lore exposition.”
“Games combat feels so lacking, like it's just so boring and easy to cheese out, plus for some reason the game has such a weird atmosphere, just doesn't sit right with me.”