Nightdive Studios Brings Back Classic Western FPS 'Outlaws' with Remaster

Nightdive Studios is making a name for itself by breathing new life into cherished, often overlooked, gaming titles. Their latest endeavor involves meticulously restoring "Outlaws + Handful of Missions," a Western-themed first-person shooter from 1997. This initiative, highlighted by Larry Kuperman, VP of business development, at Gamescom, showcases the studio's dual approach: remastering popular classics like Quake and System Shock, and spotlighting influential yet less-known games that shaped the industry.

The decision to remaster "Outlaws" stems from its historical significance as the second game to employ Lucas's Jedi Engine, originally developed for "Star Wars: Dark Forces." Having recently completed work on "Dark Forces," Nightdive's team possesses a deep understanding of the engine, allowing for a seamless transition to the "Outlaws" project. This technical familiarity is crucial for preserving the authentic feel of the original while enhancing it for modern audiences.

"Outlaws" immerses players in the gritty narrative of James Anderson, an ex-Marshal driven by a quest for vengeance after his wife is murdered and his child kidnapped. Kuperman observes the scarcity of Western-themed games beyond prominent titles like "Red Dead" and "Desperados," underscoring "Outlaws'" unique position within the gaming landscape. He argues that the Western genre, with its rich storytelling potential, deserves greater attention in video games, and "Outlaws" stands as a prime example of its untapped depth.

Beyond its engaging storyline, "Outlaws" made notable contributions to the FPS genre. Kuperman points out its innovative mechanics, such as realistic bullet counts and reloading, which were pioneering features at the time and have since become staples in modern shooters like "Call of Duty" and "Battlefield." Furthermore, the game introduced the sniper-like zoom function for rifles, another early implementation that has become ubiquitous. These technical advancements alone mark "Outlaws" as an influential title deserving of preservation.

The remaster isn't merely about visual upgrades; it focuses on comprehensive enhancements. Nightdive is revamping weapon, character, and enemy visuals while ensuring cross-play multiplayer functionality. This includes classic modes like Deathmatch, Team Play, and Capture the Flag, alongside the whimsical "Kill the Fool with The Chicken." Though some cutscenes are still undergoing refinement, early glimpses suggest a faithful yet modernized rendition that honors the original's essence. The studio's collaborative relationship with Disney and Lucas, providing access to extensive archives, further reinforces their commitment to historical accuracy.

Nightdive Studios' philosophy extends beyond mere nostalgia. They aim to safeguard and reintroduce "lost treasures" to a new generation of players, eliminating the need for cumbersome emulators or complex setups. By making these historically significant games easily accessible on platforms like Steam, Nightdive ensures that the legacy of titles like "Outlaws" continues to inspire and entertain, reaffirming their mission to bridge the gap between gaming's past and present.