Look Outside

Developer: Francis Coulombe
Release: Mar 21st 2025
Platforms:
Adventure
RPG
Atmospheric
Creative
Emotional
Punishing
Backtracking
Look Outside Poster

" Atmospheric survival horror RPG with cosmic narrative and punishing difficulty "

Look Outside Review

Look Outside is widely praised as a standout indie RPG blending cosmic horror, body horror, and survival elements with a deeply engaging narrative. Players appreciate its unique pixel art style, atmospheric soundtrack, and the intricate design of grotesque yet charming creatures and characters. The game offers multiple endings and meaningful choices that impact the story, enhancing replayability. Combat is challenging but balanced, with an easy mode available for less experienced players. Despite some bugs and occasional frustrating difficulty spikes, the game’s emotional depth and storytelling have left a lasting impression on many. The exploration of a bizarre apartment building and the interactions with diverse companions create a captivating experience. However, some players note uneven pacing and unfinished quest lines, especially in the late game. Overall, Look Outside is considered a creative and rewarding cosmic horror RPG that delivers a fresh, memorable experience for fans of the genre.

Highlights

Players especially praise the game's compelling narrative and rich character development, which combine humor, horror, and emotional depth. The pixel art is described as stunning and distinctive, with exceptional creature designs that balance grotesque and endearing qualities. The soundtrack is frequently lauded as a masterpiece that perfectly complements the eerie atmosphere. Gameplay mechanics, including strategic turn-based combat and resource management, offer both challenge and satisfaction. Multiple endings and diverse party members add significant replay value. The game's unique setting—a surreal apartment building filled with mystery and danger—also receives high acclaim. Many players highlight the balance of horror and warmth, making the experience both unsettling and oddly comforting.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's punishing difficulty and save system, which can cause frustration due to lengthy backtracking after deaths. Some players find the RNG elements and certain encounters unfair or overly punishing, especially on normal difficulty. The late game, including the landlord’s apartment and basement areas, is noted as less polished, with some quest lines feeling incomplete or disconnected from the main narrative. Combat can become repetitive, and some choices or endings appear disconnected from player actions throughout the game. Minor bugs affecting gameplay and item interactions are reported but generally do not break the experience. Lastly, some mechanics like hygiene, social, and agility stats lack clear explanation, which can confuse players.

Pros

  • Unique and captivating cosmic horror narrative with meaningful player choices.
  • Stunning pixel art with highly detailed and grotesque creature designs.
  • Exceptional atmospheric soundtrack that enhances immersion.
  • Challenging yet balanced turn-based combat with strategic depth.
  • Multiple diverse companions adding personality and replayability.
  • Rich world-building within a surreal and mysterious apartment setting.
  • Blend of humor, horror, and emotional storytelling.

Cons

  • Punishing difficulty and save system cause frustrating backtracking.
  • Randomized elements and encounters sometimes feel unfair or overly harsh.
  • Late game areas and quest lines feel less polished and incomplete.
  • Some endings feel disconnected from player choices and story actions.
  • Combat can become repetitive with limited enemy mechanics variety.
  • Minor bugs affecting item usage and quest progression.
  • Unclear explanation of some game mechanics like hygiene and social stats.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Look Outside is a survival horror RPG set in a single apartment building. A mysterious event turns anyone who looks out the window into grotesque monsters, leaving the world in absolute chaos. Scavenge the building to seek food, supplies, and weapons while encountering strange characters.

Release Date Mar 21st 2025
Publisher Devolver Digital
Developer Francis Coulombe
Platforms

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (2,271)
99% Positive 1% Negative