Outpost (1994 video game)
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Sierra On-Line |
| Products | Outpost (video game) |
Outpost is a video game created and distributed by Sierra On-Line in 1994. Distinguished by its commitment to hard science fiction, the development team included a former NASA scientist among its principal designers.
The game was made available on both Windows 3.1 and Macintosh platforms. It later inspired a loosely connected sequel titled Outpost 2: Divided Destiny.
Story
Earth faces an impending disaster as a colossal asteroid called Vulcan's Hammer heads directly toward it. Efforts to alter its trajectory failed; a nuclear strike fragmented it into two large asteroids rather than multiple smaller ones, posing a threat of near-total annihilation of life on the planet’s surface. With extinction not an option, humanity initiates a mission to establish a colony elsewhere in the galaxy, serving as the final refuge for mankind. The player assumes command of this critical expedition.
Reception
The game initially received strong acclaim. The American edition of PC Gamer awarded it a score of 93%, ranking among its top ratings at that period.
James V. Trunzo reviewed it in White Wolf #49 (Nov. 1994), assigning a perfect 5 out of 5 and highlighting its complexity, diversity, and educational aspects, describing the experience as akin to "a great science fiction novel."
Nevertheless, following release, negative feedback emerged due to technical issues, average gameplay quality, and missing functionalities, which contrasted with earlier favorable critiques. In 1996, Computer Gaming World lambasted the title for its unfinished design, inadequate documentation—necessitating purchase of the strategy guide authored by the designer—and a cumbersome interface. The magazine mockingly called Outpost "the greatest screen saver of all time" and labeled it the worst computer game ever produced.
See also
External links
- Outpost Universe – A fan community focused on Sierra/Dynamix's Outpost series.