Outriders

This is a scene from the video game "Outriders." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Entertainment Software Rating Board rating is M –- mature. (CNS photo/Square Enix)

Unique combat abilities, an engaging storyline and stellar graphics make this futuristic adventure looter-shooter title fun for adults. But intense mayhem and other elements render it unsuitable for kids. After various calamities devastate Earth, the last vestiges of humanity flee to the stars in search of a new home. But the planet chosen for colonization turns out to be wracked by a strange storm that has the capability of tearing people apart — or endowing them with superhuman powers. The gamer’s goal is to overcome both factional infighting among the other colonists and the potentially fatal weather to reach the source of a mysterious signal that holds out the newcomers’ last hope for help and survival. While rough around the edges, the persona the player controls does maintain honorable ideals amid a broken society. These include a determination to save humanity, even if doing so will require the ultimate sacrifice. Such positive underlying values help to offset the game’s grittier ingredients. Playable on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Google Stadia and Windows PC. Graphic combat violence with bloody effects and gruesome images, occasional rough and some crude language, mature references. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Entertainment Software Rating Board rating is M — mature.

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