Publisher Headup Games and developer Julian Laufer have just announced that they will soon be releasing the Metroidvania title Outbuddies DX for the Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch this coming June 5. Initially released in October 2019 for PC via Steam and GOG, Outbuddies DX is an improved version of the original Outbuddies title with new added features. The game takes after the tried and tested formula of the Metroidvania genre, such as an open world with different areas, procedural map generation, and a focus on movement skills such as dodging, jumping, climbing, and diving.
Outbuddies DX is set in Bahlam, a sunken city of the Old Gods located deep in the South Atlantic Ocean. Outbuddies' plot is moved forward when Nikolay Bernstein, adventurer and maritime archeologist, survives a shipwreck and wakes up 36,000 feet under the sea. He is then unwillingly connected to a Buddy-unit that will help him navigate the underwater abyss towards safety, and maybe along the way, search for answers regarding the ominous presence in this deep undercity.
Outbuddies, as mentioned earlier, takes inspiration from Metroidvania classics by introducing a unique take on each of its mechanics. With its non-linear gameplay, players can finish the game however they want to, either taking their time searching every nook and cranny of the underwater city or rushing and dashing through each of the game’s five unique locations. Players also have the ability to outfit Nikolay with unique gear. Lastly, a co-op mode is also available for either the advantage or added challenge it can bring.
Currently, Outbuddies boasts a Very Positive rating on Steam with a 66 Metascore on Metacritic. Its main strengths being cited are its faithfulness to the Metroidvania genre with criticism pointed towards its sometimes-clunky controls and UI experience. Here’s to hoping that these issues get addressed in Outbuddies DX.
Outbuddies DX will launch for the Xbox One via the Microsoft Store and the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop on June 5 and will retail for $17.99. A PlayStation 4 version is currently in the works and is expected to drop before the end of 2020.
