Puzzles in Puzzles in Puzzles

As per the developer “Once a Bird” Outsider: After Life is “a nostalgic puzzle-adventure that takes you on a galactic journey with HUD-ini, an android who may be the only one who can prevent the end of the universe.”, but there is so much more under the surface of this game. So much in fact, that after completion I was left contemplating what it was that I just played.

The narrative puts you in the robotic shoes of HUD-ini, an android that was awakened at the time the universe was ending. With a main directive of “Escape” you explore the environment to find a way to preserve yourself and the data within. Throughout, the game is broken up with odd (and for the most part creepy) scenes of an elderly doctor / janitor lady that has some sort of connection to the android. Without going into spoilers, I will say that this sub-plot is the main tool used in the story to tell a deep and intriguing history of what did or may have happened in the past. I was left with many, many questions but enjoyed the narrative a ton.

Exploration is usual point-and-click fare, but where this game shines is its construction and implementation of the various puzzles throughout. Never have I played a game that interweaves puzzles back to back as seamlessly and downright functionally as Outsider. For example, when rebooting HUD-ini you are tasked with fixing his optical systems. You start on the outside, connecting wires to finally open the optical housing only to have to refocus and adjust multiple synapses and almost organic looking wiring. The deeper you go, the more complex the systems become and in the end you truly feel like you just fixed a mechanical being in a tangible way. Difficulty wise the puzzles do become more complex the more that you complete, but I never felt they became unsolvable. After studying the patterns and skills used in previous puzzles, I was usually able to come out on top.

Outsider oozes artistic style throughout its world making, character design, puzzle visuals, and even the soundtrack. Everything about the world is bleak and foreboding, with broken infrastructure and a red haze over everything. The soundtrack blends synth, piano, and dulcet beats to perfection conveying emotion, fear, and confusion when appropriate. I also have to give credit to the voice and dialog script for HUD-ini. It’s not extensive, but what is there is both humorous and well-acted.

I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started Outsider, and to be honest I’m not sure what I’m taking away from it either except for the fact it’s one of my favorite puzzle games of the year. The story, although simple on the outside, goes to places I have yet to fully have time to ponder but gameplay wise this is excellence.

If you enjoy brain teasing puzzles with a dash of highbrow storytelling, Outsider is a perfect fit. Also, go into this one blind if you can. (I want you to watch my playthough, but only AFTER you play it yourself!) I can see it making a ton of difference.