Revision as of 11:54, 2 October 2007 edit217.73.101.30 (talk) →Single Player← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 21:20, 12 August 2024 edit undoSer Amantio di Nicolao (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Administrators6,251,764 edits Removing from Category:Video games set in the United States using Cat-a-lotTags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit | ||
(268 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Infobox video game | |||
:''This article is about the 1997 first-person shooter. There was also an earlier game called '']'' for the ].'' | |||
|title = Outlaws | |||
| image = |
| image = OutlawsLucasArtsBoxCover.jpg | ||
| caption = Cover art | |||
| developer = ] | | developer = ] | ||
| publisher = LucasArts | | publisher = LucasArts | ||
| producer = Lleslle Aclaro | |||
| designer = ], ] and ] | |||
| designer = {{ubl|Stephen R. Shaw|Daron Stinnett|Charlie Ramos|Adam Schnitzer}} | |||
| engine = ] | |||
| programmer = {{ubl|Stephen Michael Ash|Richard Fife|Aaron Giles|Stephen R. Shaw|Daron Stinnett}} | |||
| released = 1997 | |||
| artist = {{ubl|Maria Bowen|Kevin Evans|Adam Schnitzer|Patrick Sirk}} | |||
| genre = ] | |||
| writer = {{ubl|Matthew Jacobs|Stephen R. Shaw}} | |||
| modes = ]<br>] | |||
| composer = ] | |||
| ratings = ]: Teen (T) | |||
| |
| engine = ] | ||
| released = April 7, 1997<ref>{{cite web|title=Outlaws Shipping|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-04-07.html|author=Staff|website=PC Gamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980218070730/http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-04-07.html|archive-date=February 18, 1998|url-status=dead|date=April 7, 1997|access-date=December 5, 2019}}</ref> | |||
| media = ] | |||
| genre = ] | |||
| requirements = ] 60 ], 16MB ], ] ] | |||
| modes = ], ] | |||
| input = ], ] | |||
| platforms = ] | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Outlaws''''' is a ] released by ] in 1997 using an enhanced version of the ] ], first seen in '']''. It is one of the very few FPS games with a ] setting. ] animation (using special filters to look hand drawn) sequences play between each mission and set up the action in the next area. | |||
'''''Outlaws''''' is a ] developed and published by ] on April 7, 1997. Set in the ], it follows retired ] James Anderson, who seeks to bring justice to a gang of criminals who killed his wife and kidnapped his daughter. It uses an enhanced version of the ] ], first seen in '']''. It is also largely credited as the first shooter game with a ], as well as one of the first to feature a gun reloading mechanic. LucasArts' ] was used to render ] animation sequences. These have special filters to look hand-drawn, and play between each mission and set up the action in the next area. | |||
Although not a huge economic success it does enjoy a strong cult-like following that is still strong ten years after the initial release. | |||
The game received generally favorable reviews from critics. While the graphics were often the topic of scrutiny and comparison to better looking titles of the time, such as '']'', reviewers were largely unanimous in praising the game's ]l soundtrack, composed by ], and solid gameplay. The voice cast includes veteran talent such as ], ] and ]. A free expansion, entitled ''Handful of Missions'', was released in 1998. Community-created expansion levels are also available and have received media coverage. Although not a huge financial success, the game has a ]. | |||
In 2001, LucasArts released a patch to add ] ability to the game, complementing the existing ] and ] support. | |||
==Gameplay== | |||
Tagline: ''Dyin's too good for 'em.'' | |||
] system. Unlike many modern shooters, which switch to a full screen zoom, here only the scope itself is affected by the zoom.]] | |||
''Outlaws'' is a ]. Players control the character as he utilizes several ] weapons and items, such as a rifle, shotgun, dynamite and revolver. The player can activate the ] inventory item to lighten dark areas, and use a shovel in specific areas to dig holes. In the lower ]s, termed Good and Bad, the player is able to sustain several bullet wounds with no apparent ill effects. In the hardest difficulty level, Ugly, the player's resistance is reduced to one or two shots. This forces the player into a different style of play. Where on the easier difficulty levels a player might charge into a gunfight heedless of Anderson's personal health, in Ugly mode, the player must use stealth and cover to win.<ref name="pc mag review">"The New Sheriff in Town". Ryan, Michael E. ''PC Magazine''. July 1997</ref> | |||
Aside from the main single player campaign, ''Outlaws'' includes a set of five discrete missions that chronicle Anderson's rise to the rank of U.S. Marshal. Each of the missions requires Anderson to either capture or kill a specific outlaw. Ranks (Deputy, Sheriff, and Marshal) are awarded on the accumulation of a set number of points. Points are awarded for recovering stolen gold, capturing/killing the outlaw, and for killing enemies. Each outlaw that the player captures or kills appears in a jail cell in Anderson's field office. More points are awarded for capturing an outlaw than for killing one, due to the difficulty in capturing one alive. Completion of the Historical Missions is not a requirement for playing the single player campaign.<ref name="pc mag review" /> | |||
==Plot== | |||
James Anderson, a retired ], comes home after a trip to the general store to find his wife Anna murdered and his daughter Sarah, kidnapped by two outlaws known as Matt "Dr. Death" Jackson and "Slim" Sam Fulton, under the employ of the evil railroad baron named Bob Graham. Graham has hired several wanted outlaws to "enlighten" the people of the county to sell their land to him, so that he can make money on a huge railway. To get his daughter back, Anderson takes out his gun again and travels across the West to hunt down each prominent member of Graham's gang of outlaws. However, on his journey, Anderson is haunted by dreams of his father's murder as a child; while the two were camping out in the wild, an unknown assailant shot him in his sleep, but left young James alive. Anderson's quest takes him through old western towns, the canyonlands, a Spanish villa, a moving train, an abandoned mine, and a ruined indian village, where he finally finds out where Graham is keeping Sarah; at his estate, the Big Rock Ranch. Anderson blasts his way into Graham's villa, and finally confronts him. However, Anderson loses his gun, and at gun point, it is revealed that Graham was his father's murderer. Just as Graham is about to deliver the final blow to Anderson, however, Sarah manages to shoot Graham. After a tearful reunion, father and daughter ride into the sunset. | |||
''Outlaws'' also features a multiplayer ] in four variants, including a ] mode. Multiplayer can be played over ], and it was one of the featured games on the ] before its demise. The player can assume the role of one of six characters from the main game: James Anderson, Matt "Dr. Death" Jackson, "Bloody" Mary Nash, Chief Two-Feathers, "Gentleman" Bob Graham, and "Spittin'" Jack Sanchez. Each character has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed/maneuverability, weapons selection, and resistance.<ref name="pc mag review" /><ref name="gamespot preview">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/outlaws-preview/1100-2560268/ |last=Hudak |first=Chris |website=] |access-date=March 13, 2017 |date=December 8, 2003 |title=Outlaws Preview |archive-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315174514/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/outlaws-preview/1100-2560268/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==Single Player== | |||
In the lower ]s, termed "Good" and "Bad", the player is able to sustain several bullet wounds with no apparent ill effects. In the hardest difficulty level, "Ugly", the player's resistance is reduced to one or two shots. This forces the player into a different style of play. Where on the easier difficulty levels a player might charge into a gunfight heedless of Anderson's personal health, in Ugly mode, the player must use stealth and cover to win. | |||
==Plot== | |||
===Historical Missions=== | |||
James Anderson, a retired ], comes home after a trip to the general store to find his wife Anna dying and that his daughter Sarah has been kidnapped by two outlaws known as Matt "Dr. Death" Jackson and "Slim" Sam Fulton, under the employ of the railroad baron Bob Graham. Graham has hired several wanted outlaws to "enlighten" the people of the county to sell their land to him, so that he can make a profit off of a huge railroad. However, the psychotic Dr. Death misinterprets Graham's meaning of enlightenment, attacks Anna and leaves her for dead, kidnaps Anderson's daughter, and burns his home to the ground. After burying his wife, the retired Marshal picks up his gun once again and rides off to find his daughter. He travels around the old West, shooting his way through each member of Graham's hired outlaws. | |||
Aside from the main single-player campaign, ''Outlaws'' includes a set of 5 discrete missions that chronicle Anderson's rise to the rank of U.S. Marshal. Each of the missions requires Anderson to either capture or kill a specific outlaw. Ranks (Deputy, Sheriff, and Marshal) are awarded on the accumulation of a set number of points. Points are awarded for recovering stolen gold, capturing/killing the outlaw, and for killing enemies. | |||
On his journey Anderson is haunted by dreams of his father's murder as a child. He recalls that while the two were camping out in the wild, an unknown assailant shot his father in his sleep for no specific reason, but left young James alive, telling him "to keep that fear , kid". After questioning more and more outlaws, Anderson is confronted by Dr. Death in an old mine. Anderson eventually gets the drop on him; he gets tangled up in a rope above a deep mine shaft. Dr. Death tells him that his daughter is hidden in an old Indian cliff village. After finding out that Anderson is not going to let him out of the pit, he teases Anderson about the murder of his wife. Anderson is enraged and puts his cigar in the pulley from which the rope is hanging, eventually burning up the rope and sending Dr. Death plummeting to his demise at the bottom of the shaft. | |||
Each outlaw that the player captures appears in a jail cell in Anderson's field office. More points are awarded for capturing an outlaw than for killing one, due to the difficulty in capturing one alive. Completion of the Historical Missions is not a requirement for playing the single-player campaign. | |||
At the Indian village, Anderson is ambushed by renegade Indian Two Feathers. After defeating him, Two Feathers praises Anderson's strength in battle, and out of sympathy because he once had a child he had lost, tells him the real location of Sarah: Bob Graham's estate, Big Rock ranch. Anderson blasts his way into Graham's villa, and finally confronts him. After a fierce gunfight, Graham is believed dead and falls to the ground, and Anderson reunites with his daughter. Graham, clinging to life and gun trained on Anderson, reveals that he was the one who murdered Anderson's father. Just as Graham is about to finish off Anderson, Sarah manages to shoot Graham with Anderson's gun avenging her grandfather's death. After a tearful reunion, father and daughter ride into the sunset. | |||
In 1998, LucasArts released a set of 4 unconnected single-player missions, called ''Handful of Missions'', for download from the official website. The package includes several new multiplayer missions, and a patch to update the game to version 2.0. The single-player missions take place outside of the original game's storyline. | |||
==Development== | |||
name of the outlaws killed in the game: | |||
{{multiple image|width=175|direction=vertical|image1=John_de_Lancie_casual.jpg |footer=] portrays Matt "Dr. Death" Jackson.}} | |||
''Outlaws'' is powered by an upgraded version of the ], which was previously used on '']''.<ref name="rogue leaders">{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Rob |title=Rogue Leaders: The Story of LucasArts |publisher=] |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-8118-6184-7}}</ref> LucasArts' ] is used to display the game's cutscenes. The game was also originally planned to have 12 unique multiplayer characters, each with their own in-game attributes. The final release halved that number to six characters. The game was inspired by western films such as '']'' and '']'', as well as other ] westerns.<ref name="gamespot preview" /> It was released for ] on April 7, 1997. It is the first video game to feature a ], and one of the earliest examples of a reloading mechanic.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/gamings-most-important-evolutions/a-20101008102331322035/p-6 |title=Gaming's most important evolutions |publisher=] |date=October 9, 2010 |access-date=October 9, 2010 |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110615222925/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/gamings-most-important-evolutions/a-20101008102331322035/p-6 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="remembering outlaws">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/videos/remembering-lucasarts-outlaws/2300-6406518/ |title=Remembering LucasArts: Outlaws |access-date=March 14, 2017 |website=] |date=April 5, 2013 |first=Tyler |last=Winegarner |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316025453/http://www.gamespot.com/videos/remembering-lucasarts-outlaws/2300-6406518/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the serious tone of the game, ''Outlaws'' maintained a few ] jokes, including Max of the ] series, hidden inside a building, a pair of ] experimenting on a cow, and several references to the '']'' series of games and movies.<ref name="rogue leaders" /><ref name="remembering outlaws" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/secret-aliens-hard-find/ |title=7 secret aliens that are insanely hard to find |publisher=] |access-date=March 13, 2017 |date=July 9, 2014 |first=Tony |last=Wilson |archive-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313231914/http://www.gamesradar.com/secret-aliens-hard-find/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
In 1997, LucasArts released a patch to update the game to version 1.1 to add ] and ], and another one to add ] compatibility to the game in 2001, complementing the existing ] support. Shortly after the initial release, a small official expansion pack called ''Handful of Missions'' was released for free. It added four single player missions as well as multiplayer maps and updated the game to version 2.0.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/outlaws-handful-of-missions |publisher=] |access-date=March 13, 2017 |title=Outlaws: Handful of Missions |archive-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225120248/http://www.mobygames.com/game/outlaws-handful-of-missions |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Outlaws'' is listed as one of noted ] ]'s all-time favorite games.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/outlaws/reviews/reviewerId,16081/ |publisher=] |access-date=March 13, 2017 |title=MobyGames: John Romero |archive-date=June 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614094357/https://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/outlaws/reviews/reviewerId,16081/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mobygames.com/user/sheet/userSheetId,16081/ |publisher=] |access-date=March 13, 2017 |title=User Rap Sheet: John Romero |archive-date=April 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412120540/http://www.mobygames.com/user/sheet/userSheetId,16081/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 19, 2015, ] re-released the game for ] on ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gog.com/news/release_outlaws_a_handful_of_missions |title=Release: Outlaws + Handful of Missions |date=March 19, 2015 |access-date=March 13, 2017 |publisher=] |archive-date=October 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013013916/https://www.gog.com/news/release_outlaws_a_handful_of_missions |url-status=live }}</ref> In contrast, the community-created XL Engine allows players to use their original CD to play through the game with a modern setting.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://xlengine.com/engine/ |publisher=XL Engine |title=Engine overview |access-date=March 14, 2017 |archive-date=January 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129103339/http://xlengine.com/engine/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Sam "Slim" Thompson | |||
Jack "Spitn" Sanchez | |||
Bloodeye Tim | |||
"Rattlesnake" Dick Farmer | |||
George "Henry" Rowers | |||
Russel "Chubby" Sims | |||
"Dynamite" Dick Clifton | |||
Chief Two-Feathers | |||
"Bloody" Mary Nash | |||
Matt "Dr. Death" Jackson | |||
"Buckshot" Bill Morgan | |||
Bob Graham | |||
In 1998, LucasArts released a set of four single player missions, called ''Handful of Missions'', for download from the official website. The package includes several new multiplayer missions, and a patch to update the game to version 2.0. The single player missions take place outside of the original game's story, and each level is unrelated to the next.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.lucasarts.com/support/update/outlaws.html |title=Handful of Missions from LucasArts |publisher=] |access-date=September 10, 2010 |archive-date=April 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423213736/http://www.lucasarts.com/support/update/outlaws.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Third party levels have been created by the game's community. On April 5, 2013 ] and several other media outlets organized a playthrough of several LucasArts games to honor the then recently closed developer. GameSpot staff noted that the "community for has created like 75 user generated maps."<ref name="remembering outlaws" /> In reality more than 1,500 custom multiplayer maps have been created since ''Outlaws'' was released, and maps continued to be released until late 2012.<ref name="shacknews">{{Cite web |first=Brittany |last=Vincent |publisher=ShackNews |access-date=March 14, 2017 |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/87864/5-lucasarts-classics-ripe-for-remakes |date=January 15, 2015 |title=5 LucasArts Classics Ripe for Remakes |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316025027/http://www.shacknews.com/article/87864/5-lucasarts-classics-ripe-for-remakes |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==Multiplayer== | |||
The player can assume the role of 1 of 6 characters from the main game: Matt "Dr. Death" Jackson, "Bloody" Mary Nash, James Anderson, Chief Two-Feathers, "Gentleman" Bob Graham, and "Spittin'" Jack Sanchez. Each character has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed/maneuverability, weapons selection, and resistance. As a result, a majority of players used Dr. Death, James Anderson, and Jack Sanchez with hardly any opting to play as Bob Graham. From 1997-2000, the IRC channel dedicated to ''Outlaws'' hosted a tournament every Sunday, sometimes with prizes and sometimes without. | |||
Music for the game was scored by composer ]. An ] was used with authentic instruments which was uncommon at that time. In total, ] contains fifteen different audio tracks which were suitable for playback on a regular CD player. It is noteworthy that the crystal case of the game's original release had a tracklist printed on its back side as it is the case with most normal audio CDs. | |||
More than 1,500 custom multiplayer maps have been created since ''Outlaws'' was released. New maps continue to be released as of 2007. | |||
Several veteran actors lend their voices to the game. ] of '']'' plays the game's main antagonist, Bob Graham. ] portrays Matt Jackson, the secondary antagonist. Veteran voice actor ] portrays two characters, George Bowers and Jack Sanchez. ], himself a veteran of western ]s, voices the game's protagonist, U.S. Marshal James Anderson.<ref>{{cite web |website=] |access-date=March 13, 2017 |title=Outlaws (Video Game 1997) |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0164127/fullcredits/ |archive-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315181539/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0164127/fullcredits/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Almost all players agreed not to use items deemed unfair (weapons like the Sawed-Off Shotgun or the Invisibility Lotion) that could be found in the original multiplayer maps (very few custom maps included these). The community was very close-knit especially on IRC and KALI networks. Some players joined "Posses" or "Gangs", the ''Outlaws'' equivalent of ]s. ''Outlaws'' was one of the very first games to spawn clan-based gaming. {{Fact|date=February 2007}} | |||
== |
==Reception== | ||
{{Video game reviews | |||
The game's original score by ] received a great deal of praise, and won several awards for best game soundtrack of 1997, including from ]. It closely follows the style of ]'s ] scores, combining orchestral instruments with male choirs chanting and grunting, as well as a variety of unconventional sounds. | |||
| title = Outlaws | |||
| GR = 79.80%<ref name="gamerankings">{{cite web |title=Outlaws for PC |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/24355-outlaws/index.html |publisher=] |access-date=January 30, 2016 |archive-date=September 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909042503/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/24355-outlaws/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| GameRev = A−<ref name="grev review">{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/outlaws |publisher=] |access-date=March 13, 2017 |date=June 5, 2004 |first=Mark |last=Cooke |title=Outlaws Review |archive-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315174614/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/outlaws |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| CGW = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="cgw review">''Computer Gaming World'', July 1997</ref> | |||
| Edge = 4/10<ref name="edge review">''Edge Magazine'', July 1997</ref> | |||
| GSpot = 8.6/10<ref name="gamespot review" /> | |||
| rev1 = '']'' | |||
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="cgm review">''Computer Games Magazine'', July 1997</ref> | |||
| NGen = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name=NG32/> | |||
| rev3 = '']'' | |||
| rev3Score = 83/100<ref name="pc zone review">{{cite magazine |magazine=] |date=August 13, 2001 |access-date=March 15, 2017 |title=PC Review: Outlaws |archive-date=March 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328042313/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=3272&skip=yes |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=3272&skip=yes |first=Charlie |last=Brooker}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
''Outlaws'' received mostly positive reviews from critics. It has been featured in multiple Best Of lists since its release. ] writer Gus Turner included it in his list of The 25 Best LucasArts Games. Of its legacy Turner said it was not a "major financial success, the title has only been able to attract a cult following since its release."<ref name="complex">{{Cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/10/best-lucasarts-games-ever/outlaws |date=October 15, 2013 |access-date=March 14, 2017 |first=Gus |last=Turner |title=The 25 Best LucasArts Games Ever |publisher=] |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316024928/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2013/10/best-lucasarts-games-ever/outlaws |url-status=live }}</ref> Brittany Vincent of ShackNews placed it on her list of Five LucasArts Classics Ripe for Remakes, and noted that it "deserves another chance to woo gamers."<ref name="shacknews" /> | |||
'']'' stated that "''Outlaws'' uses the '']'' engine, and it shows. The graphics are a bit outdated, a bit disorienting, and more than a bit pixelated in close. The game's saving grace is its plot, admittedly and oft-overlooked aspect of this genre."<ref name=NG32>{{cite magazine |title=Finals|magazine=]|issue=32|publisher=]|date=August 1997|page=119}}</ref> | |||
The music is contained on the games' two CD-ROMs in the standard ] CD-audio format, and are played in-game. A stand-alone soundtrack CD was released by Lucasarts featuring all of the music included with the original ''Outlaws'' game, but on one CD and minus the game data. | |||
] reviewer Chris Hudak commended the game's story and cinematic cutscenes, calling it a "movie-worthy experience" and citing the cinematic and musical influences of ]'s ] and ]'s scores, respectively; he overall praised the game and called it "the most complete and faithful Old West shooter in the industry to date".<ref name="gamespot review">{{cite web |last=Hudak |first=Chris |title=Outlaws Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/outlaws-review/1900-2543567/ |website=] |date=April 30, 1997 |access-date=January 30, 2016 |archive-date=January 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103191913/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/outlaws-review/1900-2543567/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In a ] review of the game, ] editor Luke Plunkett praised the game's soundtrack and called the multiplayer "excellent."<ref name="kotaku retro">{{cite web |website=] |first=Luke |last=Plunkett |access-date=March 14, 2017 |title=An Outlaw to the End |url=http://kotaku.com/5824664/outlaws-to-the-end |date=June 26, 2011 |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316113431/http://kotaku.com/5824664/outlaws-to-the-end |url-status=live }}</ref> Plunkett cited the release of the visually superior '']'' a year earlier and '']'' not long after as factors that led to the game fading into obscurity for most players.<ref name="kotaku retro" /> '']'''s Stew Shearer gave high marks for the game's villains; he called them "fun to hate."<ref name="escapist retro">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/goodoldreviews/13769-Good-Old-Reviews-Outlaws.2#&gid=gallery_4019&pid=1 |magazine=] |first=Stew |last=Shearer |access-date=March 14, 2017 |title=Good Old Reviews Outlaws |date=April 11, 2015 |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316113143/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/goodoldreviews/13769-Good-Old-Reviews-Outlaws.2#&gid=gallery_4019&pid=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> He stated that ''Outlaws'' "isn't just Doom with cowboys; you can tell that the developers put some real hard work into making the player feel like they're the hero in a Sergio Leone flick."<ref name="escapist retro" /> The reviewer for '']'' noted that while the game did not look as visually appealing as its competitors, other developers should "show as much thought in level and multiplayer design."<ref name="cgm review" /> | |||
'''Track Listing''' (name and time) | |||
Some reviewers were more critical of the game. The reviewer for '']'' said that "There's nothing really wrong with ''Outlaws''. There just isn't much right with it."<ref name="cgw review" /> The reviewer noted that the game had excellent music and art, but felt that the game had nothing new or innovative to offer players.<ref name="cgw review" /> '']'' magazine's reviewer stated that "not for the first time, shown that it's not infallible."<ref name="edge review" /> Charlie Brooker of '']'' had to take time to warm up to the game. "when you start playing Outlaws, it feels downright cruddy."<ref name="pc zone review" /> Brooker stated that after a lengthy amount of play his opinion changed, and ultimately he gave the game a favorable review.<ref name="pc zone review" /> | |||
'''CD 1''' | |||
'']'' gave the soundtrack for ''Outlaws'' its 1997 "Musical Achievement" award.<ref name=cgwpremier1997>{{cite magazine | author=Staff | magazine=] | title=''CGW'' Presents The Best & Worst of 1997 |date=March 1998 | issue=164 | pages=74–77, 80, 84, 88, 89 }}</ref> During the ]' ], ''Outlaws'' was a finalist for "]",<ref name=aias1997-2>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980615090128/http://www.interactive.org/html/award/awardupdate.htm |url=http://www.interactive.org:80/html/award/awardupdate.htm |title=The Award; Award Updates |publisher=] |archive-date=June 15, 1998 |url-status=dead }}</ref> which ultimately went to '']''.<ref name=aias1997>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980615090115/http://www.interactive.org/html/award/awardwin98.htm |url=http://www.interactive.org:80/html/award/awardwin98.htm |title=The Award; Award Updates |publisher=] |archive-date=June 15, 1998 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2008 '']'' selected the soundtrack from ''Outlaws'' to its "10 Great Videogame Albums" list.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/26/10-great-videogame-albums?page=2 |title=10 Great Videogame Albums |website=] |last=Zelfden |first=Alex Van |quote=Encompassing classic Ennio Morricone as well as Mariachi and American Indian-themed cues on the side, it's hard to imagine a finer Western score. |date=September 26, 2008 |access-date=March 21, 2014 |archive-date=March 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322132623/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/26/10-great-videogame-albums?page=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
# Outlaws - 3:21 | |||
# Sanctuary - 4:22 | |||
# The Shack - 3:52 | |||
# Anna's Theme - 3:55 | |||
# Revenge - 4:49 | |||
# The Train - 3:46 | |||
# Sanchez the Outlaw - 3:37 | |||
==References== | |||
'''CD 2''' | |||
{{Reflist|30em}} | |||
# The Ballad of Dr. Death - 4:46 | |||
# Hideout - 5:38 | |||
# The Sawmill - 3:30 | |||
# The Mine - 7:18 | |||
# Two Feathers - 4:07 | |||
# Wild Card - 5:16 | |||
# The Last Gunfight - 3:45 | |||
# Showdown - 2:25 | |||
==Awards== | |||
* Best Music - ] - 1997 | |||
* Best Story - ] - 1997 | |||
== Post-release life == | |||
In spite of there being no plans of a sequel, the game still lives on through a very dedicated, though small, fanbase. As of September 2005 as many as 20 players can be found in the MSN Gaming Zone and several websites still serve up new levels that are still being created to this date. | |||
A less popular game, The Outlaws Mod for '']'', also exists. The ''Half-Life'' port of the classic game of ''Outlaws'' never caught on, but like the game it was based on, there also exists a cult-like following. | |||
===Decline in popularity=== | |||
''Outlaws'' and its ] have become quite dated in terms of gaming technology. Thus very few players are found playing it on ] or ] and its small community on the ] program is basically extinct. Tournaments are no longer held in the IRC channel or on MSN gaming zone. | |||
Other reasons for the decline in multiplayer play is that it has become less and less compatible with newer versions of ]. ''Outlaws'' was originally intended to be played on ]. ] brought compatibility issues which LucasArts issued a patch for, but still problems persisted. ] brought further problems that have made online play even more difficult. | |||
=== Sequel petition === | |||
A petition has been made by the fans to get LucasArts to consider making a sequel for ''Outlaws'' but so far no plans have been made. The petition has received over 2900 signatures so far. In interviews LucasArts staff have claimed that they consider ''Outlaws'' one of its best classic games, however it seems unlikely it will get a sequel, much to the dismay of its fanbase. | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{ |
{{Wikiquote|Outlaws}} | ||
* archived via the ] | |||
*{{moby game|id=/outlaws|name=''Outlaws''}} | |||
* | |||
*{{moby game|id=/outlaws-handful-of-missions|name=''Outlaws: Handful of Missions''}} | |||
=== Fan sites === | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
=== Other sites === | |||
* | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Outlaws (1997 Video Game)}} | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] |
Latest revision as of 21:20, 12 August 2024
1997 video gameOutlaws | |
---|---|
Cover art | |
Developer(s) | LucasArts |
Publisher(s) | LucasArts |
Producer(s) | Lleslle Aclaro |
Designer(s) |
|
Programmer(s) |
|
Artist(s) |
|
Writer(s) |
|
Composer(s) | Clint Bajakian |
Engine | Jedi engine |
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
Release | April 7, 1997 |
Genre(s) | First-person shooter |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Outlaws is a first-person shooter developed and published by LucasArts on April 7, 1997. Set in the Wild West, it follows retired U.S. Marshal James Anderson, who seeks to bring justice to a gang of criminals who killed his wife and kidnapped his daughter. It uses an enhanced version of the Jedi game engine, first seen in Star Wars: Dark Forces. It is also largely credited as the first shooter game with a sniper zoom, as well as one of the first to feature a gun reloading mechanic. LucasArts' INSANE animation engine was used to render computer graphics animation sequences. These have special filters to look hand-drawn, and play between each mission and set up the action in the next area.
The game received generally favorable reviews from critics. While the graphics were often the topic of scrutiny and comparison to better looking titles of the time, such as Quake, reviewers were largely unanimous in praising the game's orchestral soundtrack, composed by Clint Bajakian, and solid gameplay. The voice cast includes veteran talent such as Jeff Osterhage, Richard Moll and John de Lancie. A free expansion, entitled Handful of Missions, was released in 1998. Community-created expansion levels are also available and have received media coverage. Although not a huge financial success, the game has a cult following.
Gameplay
Outlaws is a first-person shooter. Players control the character as he utilizes several American Old West weapons and items, such as a rifle, shotgun, dynamite and revolver. The player can activate the lantern inventory item to lighten dark areas, and use a shovel in specific areas to dig holes. In the lower difficulty levels, termed Good and Bad, the player is able to sustain several bullet wounds with no apparent ill effects. In the hardest difficulty level, Ugly, the player's resistance is reduced to one or two shots. This forces the player into a different style of play. Where on the easier difficulty levels a player might charge into a gunfight heedless of Anderson's personal health, in Ugly mode, the player must use stealth and cover to win.
Aside from the main single player campaign, Outlaws includes a set of five discrete missions that chronicle Anderson's rise to the rank of U.S. Marshal. Each of the missions requires Anderson to either capture or kill a specific outlaw. Ranks (Deputy, Sheriff, and Marshal) are awarded on the accumulation of a set number of points. Points are awarded for recovering stolen gold, capturing/killing the outlaw, and for killing enemies. Each outlaw that the player captures or kills appears in a jail cell in Anderson's field office. More points are awarded for capturing an outlaw than for killing one, due to the difficulty in capturing one alive. Completion of the Historical Missions is not a requirement for playing the single player campaign.
Outlaws also features a multiplayer deathmatch in four variants, including a Kill the Fool with the Chicken mode. Multiplayer can be played over local area network, and it was one of the featured games on the MSN Gaming Zone before its demise. The player can assume the role of one of six characters from the main game: James Anderson, Matt "Dr. Death" Jackson, "Bloody" Mary Nash, Chief Two-Feathers, "Gentleman" Bob Graham, and "Spittin'" Jack Sanchez. Each character has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed/maneuverability, weapons selection, and resistance.
Plot
James Anderson, a retired U.S. Marshal, comes home after a trip to the general store to find his wife Anna dying and that his daughter Sarah has been kidnapped by two outlaws known as Matt "Dr. Death" Jackson and "Slim" Sam Fulton, under the employ of the railroad baron Bob Graham. Graham has hired several wanted outlaws to "enlighten" the people of the county to sell their land to him, so that he can make a profit off of a huge railroad. However, the psychotic Dr. Death misinterprets Graham's meaning of enlightenment, attacks Anna and leaves her for dead, kidnaps Anderson's daughter, and burns his home to the ground. After burying his wife, the retired Marshal picks up his gun once again and rides off to find his daughter. He travels around the old West, shooting his way through each member of Graham's hired outlaws.
On his journey Anderson is haunted by dreams of his father's murder as a child. He recalls that while the two were camping out in the wild, an unknown assailant shot his father in his sleep for no specific reason, but left young James alive, telling him "to keep that fear , kid". After questioning more and more outlaws, Anderson is confronted by Dr. Death in an old mine. Anderson eventually gets the drop on him; he gets tangled up in a rope above a deep mine shaft. Dr. Death tells him that his daughter is hidden in an old Indian cliff village. After finding out that Anderson is not going to let him out of the pit, he teases Anderson about the murder of his wife. Anderson is enraged and puts his cigar in the pulley from which the rope is hanging, eventually burning up the rope and sending Dr. Death plummeting to his demise at the bottom of the shaft.
At the Indian village, Anderson is ambushed by renegade Indian Two Feathers. After defeating him, Two Feathers praises Anderson's strength in battle, and out of sympathy because he once had a child he had lost, tells him the real location of Sarah: Bob Graham's estate, Big Rock ranch. Anderson blasts his way into Graham's villa, and finally confronts him. After a fierce gunfight, Graham is believed dead and falls to the ground, and Anderson reunites with his daughter. Graham, clinging to life and gun trained on Anderson, reveals that he was the one who murdered Anderson's father. Just as Graham is about to finish off Anderson, Sarah manages to shoot Graham with Anderson's gun avenging her grandfather's death. After a tearful reunion, father and daughter ride into the sunset.
Development
John de Lancie portrays Matt "Dr. Death" Jackson.Outlaws is powered by an upgraded version of the Jedi engine, which was previously used on Star Wars: Dark Forces. LucasArts' INSANE animation engine is used to display the game's cutscenes. The game was also originally planned to have 12 unique multiplayer characters, each with their own in-game attributes. The final release halved that number to six characters. The game was inspired by western films such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars, as well as other Clint Eastwood westerns. It was released for Microsoft Windows on April 7, 1997. It is the first video game to feature a sniper zoom, and one of the earliest examples of a reloading mechanic. Despite the serious tone of the game, Outlaws maintained a few easter egg jokes, including Max of the Sam & Max series, hidden inside a building, a pair of grey aliens experimenting on a cow, and several references to the Indiana Jones series of games and movies.
In 1997, LucasArts released a patch to update the game to version 1.1 to add Glide and Aureal A3D, and another one to add Direct3D compatibility to the game in 2001, complementing the existing software rendering support. Shortly after the initial release, a small official expansion pack called Handful of Missions was released for free. It added four single player missions as well as multiplayer maps and updated the game to version 2.0. Outlaws is listed as one of noted game designer John Romero's all-time favorite games. On March 19, 2015, Disney Interactive re-released the game for Digital distribution on GOG.com. In contrast, the community-created XL Engine allows players to use their original CD to play through the game with a modern setting.
In 1998, LucasArts released a set of four single player missions, called Handful of Missions, for download from the official website. The package includes several new multiplayer missions, and a patch to update the game to version 2.0. The single player missions take place outside of the original game's story, and each level is unrelated to the next. Third party levels have been created by the game's community. On April 5, 2013 GameSpot and several other media outlets organized a playthrough of several LucasArts games to honor the then recently closed developer. GameSpot staff noted that the "community for has created like 75 user generated maps." In reality more than 1,500 custom multiplayer maps have been created since Outlaws was released, and maps continued to be released until late 2012.
Music for the game was scored by composer Clint Bajakian. An orchestra was used with authentic instruments which was uncommon at that time. In total, Mixed Mode CD contains fifteen different audio tracks which were suitable for playback on a regular CD player. It is noteworthy that the crystal case of the game's original release had a tracklist printed on its back side as it is the case with most normal audio CDs.
Several veteran actors lend their voices to the game. Richard Moll of Night Court plays the game's main antagonist, Bob Graham. John de Lancie portrays Matt Jackson, the secondary antagonist. Veteran voice actor Jack Angel portrays two characters, George Bowers and Jack Sanchez. Jeff Osterhage, himself a veteran of western television films, voices the game's protagonist, U.S. Marshal James Anderson.
Reception
OutlawsAggregator | Score |
---|---|
GameRankings | 79.80% |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
Computer Gaming World | |
Edge | 4/10 |
GameRevolution | A− |
GameSpot | 8.6/10 |
Next Generation | |
Computer Games Magazine | |
PC Zone (UK) | 83/100 |
Outlaws received mostly positive reviews from critics. It has been featured in multiple Best Of lists since its release. Complex.com writer Gus Turner included it in his list of The 25 Best LucasArts Games. Of its legacy Turner said it was not a "major financial success, the title has only been able to attract a cult following since its release." Brittany Vincent of ShackNews placed it on her list of Five LucasArts Classics Ripe for Remakes, and noted that it "deserves another chance to woo gamers."
Next Generation stated that "Outlaws uses the Dark Forces engine, and it shows. The graphics are a bit outdated, a bit disorienting, and more than a bit pixelated in close. The game's saving grace is its plot, admittedly and oft-overlooked aspect of this genre."
GameSpot reviewer Chris Hudak commended the game's story and cinematic cutscenes, calling it a "movie-worthy experience" and citing the cinematic and musical influences of Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns and Ennio Morricone's scores, respectively; he overall praised the game and called it "the most complete and faithful Old West shooter in the industry to date". In a retrospective review of the game, Kotaku editor Luke Plunkett praised the game's soundtrack and called the multiplayer "excellent." Plunkett cited the release of the visually superior Quake a year earlier and Half-Life not long after as factors that led to the game fading into obscurity for most players. The Escapist's Stew Shearer gave high marks for the game's villains; he called them "fun to hate." He stated that Outlaws "isn't just Doom with cowboys; you can tell that the developers put some real hard work into making the player feel like they're the hero in a Sergio Leone flick." The reviewer for Computer Games Magazine noted that while the game did not look as visually appealing as its competitors, other developers should "show as much thought in level and multiplayer design."
Some reviewers were more critical of the game. The reviewer for Computer Gaming World said that "There's nothing really wrong with Outlaws. There just isn't much right with it." The reviewer noted that the game had excellent music and art, but felt that the game had nothing new or innovative to offer players. Edge magazine's reviewer stated that "not for the first time, shown that it's not infallible." Charlie Brooker of PC Zone (UK) had to take time to warm up to the game. "when you start playing Outlaws, it feels downright cruddy." Brooker stated that after a lengthy amount of play his opinion changed, and ultimately he gave the game a favorable review.
Computer Gaming World gave the soundtrack for Outlaws its 1997 "Musical Achievement" award. During the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences' 1st Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, Outlaws was a finalist for "Outstanding Achievement in Sound and Music", which ultimately went to PaRappa the Rapper. In 2008 IGN selected the soundtrack from Outlaws to its "10 Great Videogame Albums" list.
References
- Staff (April 7, 1997). "Outlaws Shipping". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on February 18, 1998. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
- ^ "The New Sheriff in Town". Ryan, Michael E. PC Magazine. July 1997
- ^ Hudak, Chris (December 8, 2003). "Outlaws Preview". GameSpot. Archived from the original on March 15, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
- ^ Smith, Rob (2008). Rogue Leaders: The Story of LucasArts. Chronicle Books. ISBN 978-0-8118-6184-7.
- "Gaming's most important evolutions". GamesRadar. October 9, 2010. Archived from the original on June 15, 2011. Retrieved October 9, 2010.
- ^ Winegarner, Tyler (April 5, 2013). "Remembering LucasArts: Outlaws". GameSpot. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
- Wilson, Tony (July 9, 2014). "7 secret aliens that are insanely hard to find". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on March 13, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
- "Outlaws: Handful of Missions". MobyGames. Archived from the original on December 25, 2016. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
- "MobyGames: John Romero". MobyGames. Archived from the original on June 14, 2019. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
- "User Rap Sheet: John Romero". MobyGames. Archived from the original on April 12, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
- "Release: Outlaws + Handful of Missions". GOG.com. March 19, 2015. Archived from the original on October 13, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
- "Engine overview". XL Engine. Archived from the original on January 29, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
- "Handful of Missions from LucasArts". LucasArts. Archived from the original on April 23, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
- ^ Vincent, Brittany (January 15, 2015). "5 LucasArts Classics Ripe for Remakes". ShackNews. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
- "Outlaws (Video Game 1997)". IMDb. Archived from the original on March 15, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
- "Outlaws for PC". GameRankings. Archived from the original on September 9, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
- Cooke, Mark (June 5, 2004). "Outlaws Review". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on March 15, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
- ^ Computer Gaming World, July 1997
- ^ Edge Magazine, July 1997
- ^ Hudak, Chris (April 30, 1997). "Outlaws Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on January 3, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
- ^ Computer Games Magazine, July 1997
- ^ "Finals". Next Generation. No. 32. Imagine Media. August 1997. p. 119.
- ^ Brooker, Charlie (August 13, 2001). "PC Review: Outlaws". PC Zone (UK). Archived from the original on March 28, 2007. Retrieved March 15, 2017.
- Turner, Gus (October 15, 2013). "The 25 Best LucasArts Games Ever". Complex.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
- ^ Plunkett, Luke (June 26, 2011). "An Outlaw to the End". Kotaku. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
- ^ Shearer, Stew (April 11, 2015). "Good Old Reviews Outlaws". The Escapist. Archived from the original on March 16, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
- Staff (March 1998). "CGW Presents The Best & Worst of 1997". Computer Gaming World. No. 164. pp. 74–77, 80, 84, 88, 89.
- "The Award; Award Updates". Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on June 15, 1998.
- "The Award; Award Updates". Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Archived from the original on June 15, 1998.
- Zelfden, Alex Van (September 26, 2008). "10 Great Videogame Albums". IGN. Archived from the original on March 22, 2014. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
Encompassing classic Ennio Morricone as well as Mariachi and American Indian-themed cues on the side, it's hard to imagine a finer Western score.
External links
Categories:- 1997 video games
- American Civil War video games
- First-person shooters
- LucasArts games
- Sprite-based first-person shooters
- Video games developed in the United States
- Western (genre) video games
- Windows games
- Windows-only games
- Multiplayer and single-player video games
- Video games scored by Clint Bajakian
- Video games set in the 19th century
- Video games about police officers
- Video games with 2.5D graphics