As the title suggests, I was disappointed with Outlast 2. In particular, I was disappointed with the nearly comical linearity of the level design, the storytelling bordering on the edge of schizophrenia (maybe intentional?), the dissonance between the 'main' story and the flashback sequences, and the absolute hammering of the chase ques. In my review of Outlast 2, I believe I called the game a "running whilst slightly panicked" simulator. I still stand by that.

So when I followed my play-through of Outlast 2 with it's predecessor, I was reminded of what made this title such a household name - genuine horror. Staying true to the horror stereotype, Outlast still employs jump scares, off-the-charts gore, and some pretty freaked out cut scenes. However, where Outlast really hits the mark is in it's story telling. Of all the mediums used in this game to scare the player, none quite got under my skin than the idea of a mental asylum being used for an undercover experiment on the psyche in an effort to develop what I imagine would be a psy-op. The more I learnt about the 'truth' of mount massive asylum, the more fascinated (and freaked out) I got.

The Whistleblower DLC serves as a quasi-prequel to the base game, taking place before and during the events of it. More importantly, it adds to the story, and is arguably more scary and screwed up than Outlast. If it can do this whilst adding 5-8 hours of additional gameplay, then that is a win in my eyes.

When it comes down to it, Outlast is the embodiment of "show don't tell". The story, atmosphere, music, ambience, gore, jump scares and world building are all on full display here. In the end, however, I ask myself why Outlast 2 couldn't have been one of the greatest horror games of it's time, considering this game; Outlast + Whistleblower DLC, provided one of the most enjoyable horror experiences I've had in a while.

I absolutely recommend this game.