Look Outside is an unexpected cosmic horror masterpiece that shook me to the core

Engadget - Apr 9th, 2025

In the chilling RPG 'Look Outside' by Francis Coulombe, players navigate a world shrouded in cosmic horror, where venturing outside transforms individuals in unimaginable ways. Playing as Sam, you must decide whether to trust or avoid a mysterious neighbor, Sybil, who claims the apocalypse will end in 15 days. As you scavenge for resources and face disturbing enemies, the game challenges you to reflect on your moral choices and the person you become in the process. The unsettling, creative body horror and pixel art style add to the gripping atmosphere, with Eric Shumaker's soundtrack enhancing the emotional journey.

The game's depth lies in its exploration of human nature during an inexplicable catastrophe, forcing players to question their instincts and alliances. While initially expected to be a unique survival horror game, 'Look Outside' transcends expectations with multiple endings that leave a lasting impact. Available on Steam through Devolver Digital, the game has potential to reach broader audiences if launched on other platforms, offering a profound experience that lingers long after completion.

Rpg Steam Look Outside Francis Coulombe Devolver Digital Cosmic Horror Survival Horror Sybil Eric Shumaker

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides an engaging and generally accurate overview of the game 'Look Outside,' highlighting its unique blend of cosmic horror and RPG elements. It effectively conveys the game's atmosphere and mechanics, though it leans heavily on subjective interpretations and personal experiences. The lack of external sources and transparency in methodology slightly undermines its credibility, while the absence of critical perspectives limits its balance. Despite these shortcomings, the article is well-written and accessible, making it a valuable read for those interested in indie games and the horror genre. Its primary strength lies in capturing the game's essence, though further exploration of diverse viewpoints and verifiable sources would enhance its overall quality.

Accuracy

The news story provides a generally accurate depiction of the game 'Look Outside,' capturing its genre, gameplay mechanics, and artistic style. The description of the game as a cosmic horror RPG with survival elements aligns with known details about the game. The mention of the pixel art style and the soundtrack by Eric Shumaker are factual and verifiable. However, subjective claims about the game's emotional impact and its standing as one of the best cosmic horror games are less verifiable and rely heavily on personal opinion. The article accurately states the game's availability on Steam and its price, which are concrete facts. Overall, the story maintains a high level of factual accuracy, though some subjective elements could benefit from additional verification.

Balance

The article predominantly presents a positive perspective on the game 'Look Outside,' emphasizing its strengths in art style, gameplay, and emotional impact. While this highlights the game's appeal, it lacks a balanced view by not addressing potential criticisms or limitations that players might experience, such as the complexity of gameplay or any technical issues. The focus remains on the game's positive aspects, potentially skewing reader perception. Including a broader range of perspectives, such as player reviews or critiques, would have provided a more balanced view.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, descriptive language to convey the game's atmosphere and mechanics. The narrative flows logically, guiding the reader through the game's setting, plot, and gameplay elements. The tone is engaging and captures the reader's interest, though it occasionally leans towards subjective interpretation. Overall, the article is easy to understand and effectively communicates the game's essence, making it accessible to both gamers and general readers.

Source quality

The article does not explicitly reference external sources or authorities on the subject, which limits the assessment of source quality. The information seems to be based on the author's personal experience and interpretation of the game. While the article effectively conveys the author's insights, it would benefit from incorporating a variety of sources, such as interviews with the game's developers or player testimonials, to enhance credibility and provide a more comprehensive view.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of disclosing the author's methodology or any potential conflicts of interest. There is no mention of how the information was obtained or whether the author has any affiliations with the game's developers or publishers. While the article provides a clear narrative of the game experience, greater transparency regarding the author's background and the basis for their claims would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess the impartiality of the content.