
Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster for Xbox proves once again that Atari and Nightdive Studios are the undisputed champions of bringing classic games back to life with modern polish. If you’ve trusted them before, you can trust them now—this release is pure quality.
Riding Back Into the Wild West
From the same team that delivered the excellent STAR WARS: Dark Forces Remaster, Nightdive and Atari now saddle up with Outlaws + Handful of Missions. Originally released in 1997, Outlaws was LucasArts’ western-themed FPS that stood out for its cinematic storytelling and gritty gunplay. In this remaster, you step into the boots of ex-Marshal James Anderson, armed with a trusty arsenal—your six-shooting .45 Revolver, Scoped .44 Rifle, 10-Gauge Shotgun, and Sawed-Off 12-Gauge Shotgun—to take down bandits and uncover a tale of greed and corruption.
The remaster doesn’t just preserve the game—it elevates it. High-resolution, uncompressed cutscenes breathe new life into the narrative, while updated visuals for weapons, characters, and enemies stay true to the original art style. The result is a game that feels both nostalgic and fresh, perfectly balanced between honoring its roots and appealing to modern players.
Multiplayer Mayhem
Beyond the single-player campaign, Outlaws + Handful of Missions offers Cross-Play Multiplayer, ensuring Xbox players can duel with friends across platforms. Classic modes like Deathmatch, Team Play, and Capture the Flag return, alongside the delightfully chaotic “Kill The Fool With The Chicken!”—a fan-favorite that embodies the quirky charm of the original.
Atari & Nightdive’s Winning Streak
What makes this release even more exciting is the track record of Atari and Nightdive. Over the past few years, they’ve been on a roll, consistently delivering remasters that exceed expectations. Just look at:
- Heretic + Hexen Remaster – A faithful revival of id Software’s dark fantasy shooters, complete with new episodes and online play.
- Turok Trilogy Remaster – Bringing Turok, Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, and Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion together in one polished package.
- System Shock Remake – A modernized take on the cult classic, praised for its preservation of atmosphere and gameplay.
These examples show a clear pattern: whenever Atari and Nightdive touch a project, it’s handled with care, authenticity, and technical excellence. That’s why I can confidently say that Outlaws + Handful of Missions is in the best possible hands.
Final Verdict
If you’re a fan of westerns, classic FPS games, or love seeing gaming history preserved with modern flair, this remaster is a must-play. With its cinematic storytelling, updated visuals, and robust multiplayer, Outlaws + Handful of Missions is more than just a trip down memory lane—it’s proof that Atari and Nightdive are setting the gold standard for remasters.
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