I hadn't logged in to GOG.com for quite a while when I stumbled upon this classic - added it to my most wanted games but never expected it to actually turn up!
I've played a lot of games over the years but my first experience of Outcast still ranks up there with Shenmue 2 as one of the best. It has a smart sci-fi story, a great lead in Cutter Slade and the scale of the graphics is still impressive to this day. The use of voxels to create vast, organic-looking landscapes never really caught on in gaming but that just makes Outcast all the most unique - and just look at the ripples when you jump into water!
Basic gameplay is a third-person action/adventure and while the shooting probably seems quite basic by todays standards the range of weapons is decent and all can be upgraded for some enjoyable pyrotechnics. But its the structure of the game that is most compelling, as you move from area to area, gaining the trust of the local populace in order to weaken the infrastructure of the enemy - targeting their food stocks first, etc so that you can whittle down the resistance before taking on the main stronghold. The range of quests makes it more akin to an RPG and there are always a ton of sidequests to keep you entertained.
The story borrows liberally from elements of Stargate, with portals that transport you from place to place, but the plot is actually quite strong and I have to admit I teared up a little at the ending. A sequel to the game was officially cancelled a few years ago so we'll never know what happened in the continuing adventures of Cutter Slade.
BUY IT NOW! And listen to the swell of that brilliant Moscow Symphony Orchestra soundtrack!