Look Outside

For a game that does such terrifying things to people- the way it warps their bodies, their minds: it's a game that truly, deeply, loves people. There's a tenderness to it- not the painful tenderness of Spine, but not dissimilar. There's a hope to it- not the hope of Jasper, but not dissimilar. There's all this care and optimism in the face of a world that is as bleak and cruel as can be and yet which is still filled with people who can all, as we always have done, love and look out for each other. There's mindless creatures that tear people limb from limb, there's beings that will absorb you and subject you to worse fates still, there's desperate fights and difficult choices and hallway upon hallway (and for floor one, upon hallway upon hallway upon hallway) of things that chase, stalk, and pursue. But it asks if you can put up with all that and still care. If you can still believe in others when they say they care for you, even as the world grows teeth and gnaws at you and screams with malice. It's a fun game, a scary game, too. But more than anything a game that truly, deeply, loves people.

Francis Coulombe and Eric Shumaker are actual geniuses. What started as a random recommendation I saw on X or somewhere, ended up being one of the best if not the best indie game I ever played, as well as a top tier RPG. This here is the Indie equivalent of Baldur's Gate 3. With its 20-some endings and a CRAZY story, this game is not only infinitely repayable but will have you at the edge of your seat the whole time. It's unbelievably immersive, the writing is as good as it gets. This game would make one of the top shows on Netflix if it got an adaptation which it absolutely should! As far as gameplay goes it's just as rich and sophisticated with some 20 extremely unique companions each with their lore, story, missions and wildly original abilities. Everywhere you look this game will surprise you with its creativity, originality and fun. It makes you feel like a little kid unwrapping presents, and it's happening every 10 minutes in this gem.

When I think about a game, I think "how much of my time is this worth?" When I think of Look Outside I think "Is there a way I can give Frankie's masterpiece even more of my time and support?" I would like to cover the art, story, and soundtrack to review this title. Art: When i first started playing this game I was genuinely confused, I bought a 10 dollar indie game to play just because I was bored. I didn't expect much? I wasn't waiting for this game to launch nor did I know anything about Frankie before this title. SO when I first started playing and literally within 5 mins saw art and design that challenged what I understood about the limits of pixel art, I was very confused. Moreover I was ecstatic to have discovered what I now recognize as the best art In any video game. The complexity of the sprite-work isn't the true miracle here, even games like octopath 2 have very detailed and complex sprite designs. Look Outside stands out due to the depth of those designs and how the art pushes boundarys. seeing body horror and monster design that seeks not to scare but to leave you astonished, In awe, and without description for what meets your eyes. The use of color and detail are top notch, but the attention to anatomy, structure, perspective, and contrast create sickeningly vivid creations that blew me away during my numerous runs through the game. Story: Frankie didn't just bang out a bunch of unbelievably good art for this game, he paid close attention to crafting a careful and well-written story as well. depending on how you choose to play and approach the world in this game you get filtered in to many endings and death sequences, none of which skimp on intricacy or detail in your fate. I in no way want to spoil even a single point in this game PLEASE play it and see what happens to you based on your own choices but if you go for all endings be prepared with a box of tissues and a loved one nearby to comfort you. It is genius in all regards, and this kind of story rewards you for every drop of exploration and time you put into figuring it out. Soundtrack: This game has some of the best soundtracks EVER in any video game. I mean this as a direct challenge to undertale, deltarune, omori, zelda, final fantasy, octopath traveler, and persona. Look outside surpasses those titles in many regards but in soundtrack quality and use of soundtrack in terms of story placement, timing, repetitiveness, and how the soundtracks add to ongoing ambiance, Look Outside masterfully draws on its already amazing tracks for perfect use and design. To point out a few of my favorites: The Wizard's Journey II, Verminator, Eviction, Run Away, Ride to Hell, Formaldehyde, Introspection, and my personal most listened Dragonslayer. I am of the belief that Eric Shumaker had to have been struck by once in a generation levels of inspiration and genius to have created such a perfect playlist. In summary I love this game with every fiber of my being and it is my favorite game. Frankie is my favorite developer, please play this game and buy it for all your friends ( I ran out of friends to give it to )