Nightdive Studios Revives Outlaws: A Remaster of the Classic Cowboy Shooter
Nightdive Studios Revives Outlaws: A Remaster of the Classic Cowboy Shooter
Nightdive Studios is on a mission to resurrect “lost and forgotten gaming treasures,” a pursuit that has seen them successfully remaster classics like Quake, System Shock, and most recently, Dark Forces. Their upcoming project, Outlaws + Handful of Missions, promises to continue this legacy by bringing back a beloved yet underappreciated title in the gaming community.
A Forgotten Gem in Gaming History
During an interview at Gamescom, Larry Kuperman, VP of Business Development at Nightdive, shared insights into their selection process for remastering games. “When we look at titles, we consider their popularity and influence,” Kuperman explained. In this context, Outlaws stands out as a pivotal game that has left a mark on the first-person shooter (FPS) genre.
Released in 1997, Outlaws is a Western FPS that follows ex-Marshal James Anderson on a revenge quest after a gang brutally disrupts his life. The narrative, steeped in classic Western themes of justice and retribution, sets it apart from many other games in the genre. “You rarely see this stuff in video games, other than that obscure title with ‘Red’ and ‘Dead’ in its name,” Kuperman remarked, highlighting the scarcity of Western-themed games.
Technical Innovations that Shaped the Genre
One of the key reasons for reviving Outlaws is its technical contributions to the FPS landscape. Kuperman noted that the game introduced innovative mechanics, such as bullet count and reloading systems, which were relatively new at the time. “There’s some debate whether this was the first game to implement these features, but it certainly deserves credit for it,” he stated.
Additionally, the game’s use of sniper-like zoom mechanics when using rifles laid the groundwork for features that are now commonplace in modern FPS games like Call of Duty and Battlefield. These elements underscore Outlaws‘s importance in the evolution of game design, making it a worthy candidate for preservation.
A Rich Storytelling Experience
Westerns have always been an engaging backdrop for storytelling, and Outlaws excels in this regard. “The reason why Outlaws is such a good video game is because it’s a great story,” Kuperman said. The game’s exploration of themes such as new frontiers and the hero’s journey resonates with classic storytelling tropes, making it compelling even decades after its original release.
What to Expect in the Remaster
Nightdive Studios is committed to honoring the original while updating Outlaws for modern audiences. The remaster will feature enhanced visuals for weapons, characters, and environments, ensuring that both new players and nostalgic fans can enjoy a visually appealing experience. Moreover, the game will include cross-play multiplayer modes such as Deathmatch, Team Play, Capture the Flag, and a unique mode called “Kill the Fool with The Chicken.”
Initial glimpses of the remaster, showcased at Gamescom, revealed promising updates while retaining the essence of the original game. Kuperman emphasized the importance of balancing nostalgia with modern gameplay standards: “The crucial thing with remasters like this one is to capture the look and feel of the classic game while updating elements to make it more palatable for players today.”
A Treasure Worth Reviving
With the remaster of Outlaws, Nightdive Studios is poised to give this classic the recognition it deserves. Kuperman concluded, “Our mission is to bring back lost treasures, and this qualifies as one of them.” As gamers eagerly anticipate the release, the opportunity to revisit this iconic title will undoubtedly ignite discussions about its influence on the FPS genre and the Western-themed narrative.
