One common element found in recent Sci-Fi RPG Shooter is some type of scientific phenomenon that influences the story. In Mass Effect Andromeda, for example, the Scourge went a long way in terms of world-building and would likely play a bigger role if Mass Effect 5 stays in the Andromeda Galaxy. In Anthem, it was the Cataclysm which typically manifested as a violent and unpredictable storm. In Outriders, there’s the Anomaly which plays a similar role.
NOTE: While we will be looking at what’s known about the Anomaly and Anthem’s Cataclysms, there’s the caveat that Anthem has released and Outriders has not. As such, execution will be key and we will discuss that as well.
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Outriders: What We Know About the Anomaly
The Anomaly is one of Outriders’ many mysteries, and as such, may not be fully revealed until the game releases. However, there’s a lot that can be inferred from what is known. First, it has a big role in the story, as Outriders will have to face it and its spawn in search of the Signal. It’ll change up environments, spawn new creatures, and looks like a massive storm. The game’s opening actually sees players awaken from cryo-sleep, just to return to it for an additional 30 years, and awaken with super powers granted by The Anomaly.
In fact, each class in some way references “Anomaly Powers,” and while that has yet to be really shown off, it likely deals with the abilities Outriders gain. The Trickster, for example, can manipulate time; the Pyromancer can obviously manipulate fire; and the Devastator, whose penchant is for earth, can manipulate the ground around them. In many ways, these classes could be considered walking-Anomalies in the world.
The Anomaly is also one reason the world is so hostile and violent, and it has some role in why the wildlife, etc. wants to kill the characters. It’ll be interesting to see exactly how it manifests gameplay wise, but it’s clear that it’s role in the game is not entirely unlike Anthem’s cataclysms.
Anthem: The Cataclysms
Anthem’s cataclysms were certainly impressive pre-release, but like many parts of the game, didn’t land well with players. Lore-wise, a Cataclysm is a “violent, unpredictable disturbance” which typically manifest as a massive storm. They’ve brought back creatures thought to be near-extinct like titans, caused earthquakes and rivers to flow backward, and far more. There’s a full history of them in lore, ranging from those that destroyed cities like Longfall and Anshar, brought Skorpions into the world, burning snow, and far more.
The Heart of Rage, lore-wise, is the most powerful cataclysm to ever manifest. It’s directly related to the story and the game’s antagonist, with the latter starting it and the Heart of Rage disgracing the Freelancers who were supposed to stop it. Many felt the return there, the game’s final mission, was underwhelming much like many other parts of the game.
Then, cataclysms translated to World Events. Upon reveal of its first, many were disappointed by what was shown, but it did take strides in making Anthem a little better. There were new environmental changes, challenges, weapons, gear, and more, but it was too little too late. Anthem is now focused on an overhaul, which may hopefully do a lot to fix players’ qualms with the game.
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Outriders vs. Anthem: The Execution
It’s clear that, on paper, the Anomaly and Cataclysms are comparable. Returning to the aforementioned caveat, though, it’s worth mentioning that execution is key, and there’s no way to know how the Anomaly works in full until a more proper reveal or until it releases. Still, on paper, there’s some notable qualities.
Both operate as massive energy disturbances, but whereas the Anomaly seems to be one focal component, Cataclysms happened everywhere and were triggered by certain events. The Anomaly seems more like one entity, whereas Cataclysms were the results of a ton of variables. Both have a huge emphasis in the story, which is to be expected, but the Anomaly seems more related to the playable characters than Cataclysms.
In Anthem, Freelancers existed to fight and end Cataclysms when and where possible, but in theory, anyone could be a freelancer. All it takes is the training to suit up in a Javelin and the bravery to enter a losing fight. Outriders, on the other hand, are noted as powerful enough to leave the settlements on Enoch. Very few seem to be able to do this, and that itself may be gratuitous. The players are actually shaped and given superpower-like abilities by the Anomaly, and are capable of fighting that which spawns from it. Outriders are joined by a crew, but it seems they stay within the safe confines of the truck.
Gameplay-wise is the biggest question mark. The Anomaly could easily spawn World Events much like Cataclysms, but it all depends on what developer People Can Fly wants to do with this. Loot-grinding and World Tiers are a part of Outriders, and there’s endgame content that has yet to be touched upon, so it makes a ton of sense. But again, that’s a point of comparison that is a non-factor right now.
What it comes down to, again, is execution. If Outriders can deliver on this phenomena and make The Anomaly feel like a genuine threat, then the Anthem overhaul has some big competition thematically. Outriders seems to be delivering on all of its content promises thus far, being very open about the game and answering fan questions in each Outriders broadcast, and there’s little reason to think it would drop the ball here.
Outriders releases Q4 2020 for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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