| Main centres: | 1-3 business days |
| Regional areas: | 3-4 business days |
| Remote areas: | 3-5 business days |
Status:
Complete and Play Tested
For more games visit us on: https://www.bobshop.co.za/seller/4692286/Just_Press_Play_ZA
----------------------------------
Developer: Appeal
Publisher: Bigben Interactive
Genre: Action-Adventure / Open World
Release: 2017
Outcast: Second Contact is a remake of a cult-classic 1999 game that helped pioneer open-world design. While it modernizes visuals and makes the experience more accessible, it still carries much of its old-school DNA for better and worse. The result is a unique but uneven adventure that feels both ahead of its time and stuck in the past.
At its core, Outcast: Second Contact blends third-person shooting with light RPG elements and open-ended objectives.
Key gameplay features:
Mission-based progression with multiple ways to approach objectives
Dialogue and quest systems tied to NPC interactions
Weapons with upgrade options and strategic use
Minimal hand-holding, encouraging exploration and discovery
The game stands out for its freedom:
Youre often left to figure things out yourself
Quests can be completed in different ways depending on your actions
However:
Controls feel clunky and outdated
Combat lacks precision and can feel awkward
Movement and shooting mechanics dont match modern standards
Theres depth here, but it requires patience to appreciate.
The alien world of Adelpha is one of the games strongest elements.
Highlights include:
Large, open zones with distinct biomes
A living world with NPC routines and interactions
Cultural depth, with unique languages and societies
Exploration is rewarding because:
The game doesnt guide you heavily
Discovery feels organic and player-driven
However:
Navigation can be confusing without clear direction
The lack of modern quality-of-life features can frustrate players
Despite its age, the world design remains impressive and ambitious.
You play as Cutter Slade, a soldier sent to an alien world to prevent a catastrophe on Earth.
Themes include:
Cultural understanding and diplomacy
Colonialism and intervention
Heroism and destiny
The story is:
Interesting in concept
Told through dialogue and interactions rather than cinematic storytelling
However:
Writing and voice acting feel dated
Narrative pacing can be inconsistent
Its more about the world and its people than a tightly structured plot.
The remake replaces the originals voxel graphics with modern visuals:
Bright, colorful environments
Improved lighting and character models
Distinct alien world design
While the visual upgrade is noticeable:
Animations can feel stiff
Performance issues (frame drops, input lag) affect the experience
Overall presentation still feels dated compared to modern titles
Audio design is a mixed bag:
Atmospheric soundtrack enhances the alien setting
Environmental sounds add immersion
However:
Voice acting quality is inconsistent
Audio mixing can feel uneven or compressed
The music stands out more than the dialogue.
Outcast: Second Contact is a single-player experience focused on:
Story progression
Exploration and side quests
Player-driven discovery
Replay value is moderate:
Different approaches to objectives
Exploration of missed areas
However:
Clunky mechanics and repetition may discourage multiple playthroughs
Unique and ambitious open-world design
Deep and immersive alien setting
Strong sense of exploration and freedom
Interesting cultural and narrative concepts
Faithful remake of a cult classic
Clunky controls and outdated gameplay mechanics
Weak combat and shooting systems
Technical issues (frame rate, performance)
Dated presentation and voice acting
Can feel confusing without guidance
Outcast: Second Contact on PS4 is a fascinating but flawed remake that preserves the ambition and charm of a classic, while also exposing its age.
Its a game that rewards patience and curiosity, offering a unique experience rarely seen in modern titles but its outdated mechanics and technical issues make it hard to recommend to everyone.
Score: 6.5 / 10
