Image courtesy of Square Enix
Most video game fans understand what we mean when we say “Cover Based Shooter,” but for those who are unsure: it’s a type of game, most likely with a third person camera, where you are constantly moving between pieces of chest high walls to avoid enemy fire, while popping up to take shots at opportune moments. Not invented but popularized by the Gears of War series, when a cover mechanic appears in a third person shooter you expect that you will be spending a fair amount of time behind that cover. Outriders, the new, definitely-not-a-games-as-service, third person, loot based shooter from People Can Fly has a cover mechanic, but the game isn’t really a cover shooter. Enemy attacks will constantly push you out of cover and deal massive damage as you try to run to the next available cover spot. It turns out that the game actually wants you to fight from open space in addition to the cover, giving each class a different way to heal by dealing damage under specific circumstances.But the game shoots itself in the foot by introducing cover in a way that is familiar to many people who are checking this game out for the first time, making it seem like the overly-familiar cover shooter that it’s very much not. We discuss this choice, the story after the credits of Monster Hunter Rise, and the unfortunate resolution problems of the otherwise beautiful Fantasian on this episode of Waypoint Radio.
You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. If you're using something else, this RSS link should let you add the podcast to whatever platform you'd like. If you'd like to directly download the podcast, click here. Please take a moment and review the podcast, especially on Apple Podcasts. It really helps.Interaction with you is a big part of this podcast, so make sure to send any questions you have for us to gaming@vice.com with the header "Questions." (Without the quotes!) We can't guarantee we'll answer all of your questions, but rest assured, we'll be taking a look at them.Have thoughts? Swing by the Waypoint forums to share them!
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You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. If you're using something else, this RSS link should let you add the podcast to whatever platform you'd like. If you'd like to directly download the podcast, click here. Please take a moment and review the podcast, especially on Apple Podcasts. It really helps.Interaction with you is a big part of this podcast, so make sure to send any questions you have for us to gaming@vice.com with the header "Questions." (Without the quotes!) We can't guarantee we'll answer all of your questions, but rest assured, we'll be taking a look at them.Have thoughts? Swing by the Waypoint forums to share them!