Outbuddies DX is a 2D side-scrolling Metroidvania action-adventure game developed by a single creator and released on PC. Players take control of maritime archaeologist Nikolay Bernstein after a shipwreck strands him deep beneath the South Atlantic in the sunken city of Bahlam. Connected against his will to a supernatural Buddy unit, he navigates hostile caverns while uncovering the fate of the Wozan, a tribe of mining creatures enslaved by the Old Gods thousands of years earlier.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on non-linear exploration across five distinct areas filled with environmental hazards, puzzles, and secrets. Movement options include climbing, crawling, and diving available from the outset, with progression unlocking new weapon systems, suit upgrades, and hacking protocols that expand access to previously blocked paths. Combat involves precise shooting against varied enemies, while boss encounters demand pattern recognition and selective use of abilities in a demanding style reminiscent of Souls games.
The Buddy unit serves as both a mapping tool and an active companion. It can be switched to at will for scanning the environment, hacking objects or foes, and applying telekinesis to rearrange the surroundings or solve spatial puzzles. Gear choices remain balanced so that each item addresses specific challenges rather than overpowering the experience outright. A hybrid physics system supports realistic object behavior alongside pixel-perfect platforming precision, and the game maintains a steady 60 frames per second with crisp pixel art scaling that adapts cleanly to different display resolutions.
Input flexibility covers keyboard and mouse alongside multiple gamepad options, all with full remapping support. The soundtrack features an original score composed in the style of classic 16-bit hardware, enhancing the atmosphere of the undercity without overpowering the action.
Game Modes
Outbuddies DX emphasizes a single-player campaign that incorporates the Buddy unit as an integrated companion. Switching control between the main character and the drone allows seamless use of its abilities during exploration and combat. A local co-op mode lets a second player take direct control of the Buddy unit, enabling cooperative puzzle solving, mutual support during fights, and shared navigation through the maze-like ruins. This setup also opens opportunities for coordinated speedrunning sessions between two players.
No additional competitive or online modes exist beyond the local co-op option. The focus remains on the core non-linear adventure and its dual-character mechanics.
Story and Setting
The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling and interactions with the Wozan. Some members of the tribe have escaped into hidden colonies within the ruins, while others remain under the control of hostile creatures that now dominate the city following the disappearance of the Old Gods. Bernstein's journey involves freeing captured Wozan and piecing together the history of Bahlam, revealing layers of ancient conflict and the lingering influence of its former rulers.
Memorable characters among the Wozan provide context for the world without lengthy cutscenes, keeping the emphasis on discovery through gameplay.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player feedback on PC has settled into a Mostly Positive rating based on hundreds of reviews, with praise directed at the rewarding exploration, creative boss designs, and the distinctive Buddy companion system. Many appreciate the high degree of movement freedom and the way upgrades meaningfully alter navigation and combat. Critic scores have varied more widely, often citing the steep difficulty curve, occasional control quirks, and the need for careful map reading as points of friction.
The game suits players who enjoy challenging Metroidvania titles with strong emphasis on backtracking, ability-gated progression, and a unique co-op twist. Those seeking a polished retro-inspired experience with local multiplayer support will find its strengths in the detailed world and responsive platforming once the initial learning curve is cleared. Availability on PC remains straightforward through standard digital storefronts, and the title continues to receive occasional community discussion years after its DX update improved controls and quality-of-life elements.
