Look Outside
PC/Steam
3/21/25
Francis Coulombe/Devolver Digital
Whatever you do, DO NOT look outside! Alright, maybe just a tiny peek... NO, STOP! Don’t do it! Actually, wait—go ahead and look outside. People always do the opposite of what they’re told anyway, right? So, go for it! Should you look outside or not? That’s the dilemma at the heart of the latest release from Devolver Digital. But is this unique fusion of genres, wrapped in one truly bizarre gaming experience, actually worth a look at all? Well, let’s find out in our full review!
Describing Look Outside is no easy task, but here’s my best attempt: it’s a distinctive blend of survival horror and traditional turn-based RPG mechanics, mixed with the quirky humor of titles like Earthbound and Undertale. Add to that a dash of solitude that indie classic The Longing so masterfully evoked back in 2020, and you begin to get somewhat of an idea as to what you should expect. Yet, these comparisons only scratch the surface—Look Outside takes inspiration from many games, yes, but very much feels like its own thing.
You begin the game confined to your apartment, waking from a dream with a strong urge to look out your window—a choice that may or may not be in your best interest. Shortly after, you encounter Sybil, a mysterious figure on the other side of your wall that is spying on you through one of your apartment's many cracks. Strangely enough, Sybil quickly becomes your closest ally, warning you that there are just 15 days remaining before an unimaginable event takes place.
We can assume the world is going to end and everyone is going to die, but you know what they say about assumptions. From this point, you have the freedom to name your character whatever you wish, though by default, he is named Sam. So, for the sake of simplicity, I’ll refer to him as Sam for the rest of this review.
Look Outside delivers a narrative that is as disturbing as it is compelling, with moments of unexpected humor woven throughout. It’s packed with some of the most outlandish characters and conversations you’ll encounter in any video game, whether AAA or indie. From bizarre robed figures urging you to provide offerings, to an undead janitor obsessed with keeping your apartment spotless, the cast of Look Outside is both unforgettable and truly one of a kind. The writing is sharp here, delightfully witty, and endlessly entertaining, provided you’re willing to embrace its warped ideology.
For some, Look Outside’s twisted humor and unsettling atmosphere might be a bit overwhelming. However—and perhaps this says something about me—I couldn’t get enough of it. The very idea of being trapped in an apartment complex has always been deeply unnerving to me. This concept was masterfully executed in 2004’s Silent Hill 4: The Room. Despite its flaws, that game left me terrified as its central hub, your apartment, gradually deteriorated and became more warped as the story unfolded. Look Outside expands on this concept, granting players the freedom to explore their entire apartment complex, from the depths of the basement to the heights of the rooftop, and it won’t take long for you to notice that something is very wrong in the outside world.Â
From a gameplay perspective, Look Outside offers plenty of flexibility in how you choose to spend your 15 days. Technically, you could stay holed up in your apartment the entire time. There are video games to play, which boost certain stats and help pass the time, crossword puzzles to solve, frozen meals to cook, and even showers to take. Occasionally, visitors may knock on your door—selling survival gear, more video games, bringing you pizza, or attempting to trick or swindle you. Whether you let them in is, well, a choice.
Admittedly, this approach can feel monotonous and mundane, but that’s entirely by design—and, in fairness, probably reflects how one would feel in such a situation. Cabin fever is bound to set in eventually, inevitably compelling a venture beyond the apartment walls. The unsettling presence of Sybil watching every move certainly doesn’t help create a comforting atmosphere either.
Stepping outside reveals a sprawling complex filled with bizarre characters, winding hallways, and multiple floors. A variety of puzzles and battles offer flexibility in their approach. While Look Outside provides some freedom to explore, certain areas remain gated, requiring the discovery of keys or specific items to unlock access. For example, the laundry room stays inaccessible until particular characters have been engaged, and specific objectives completed.
The complex undergoes changes daily, adding an unpredictable element to the gameplay. A previously unseen character may appear, or a locked door could mysteriously open. And who knows—one day, a rat child might even be discovered, forcing a gut-wrenching decision about what to do next. Just saying!
The unpredictability of Look Outside is a key part of its appeal, even though it takes a somewhat safer approach as a survival horror game meets turn-based RPG. But where do those survival horror elements come into play? Well, various resources can be gathered to aid survival, such as healing items, grenades, and materials for crafting stronger tools within the living quarters. On normal difficulty, saving adds an extra layer of challenge, as it can only be done after a set amount of exploration and must be activated through Sybil in the apartment, requiring backtracking. This introduces risk, as allies and enemies are not always apparent, and a single encounter can lead to disaster. Thought must also be given to item collection, as plenty of loot is scattered throughout different areas, but taking everything in sight may not always be the smartest choice.Â
As an RPG, the turn-based battles and leveling systems are quite simple in design. Combat alternates between the party and enemies, with the option to recruit additional party members. Spells and attacks make up the arsenal, offering a straightforward but functional system. Weapons are plentiful and easy to equip, ranging from shovels to handguns, though they tend to break after a set amount of use, requiring constant replenishment and strategic switching. Weapon variety is decent, and certain characters bring unique abilities, such as healing or heavy damage special attacks.
Some encountered characters are largely harmless but can still be engaged in combat if desired. For instance, attacking the shopkeeper to steal items might seem tempting, but be prepared—this character is more than capable of defending themselves. Much like the pacifist run in Undertale, Look Outside grants players freedom of choice, with each decision carrying meaningful consequences.
In many battles, the most sensible choice is often to run. But what happens when escape isn’t an option and the apartment is far out of reach? That’s the inherent risk in Look Outside. It’s a game built on choices, consequences, and unbridled curiosity—though, as the saying goes, curiosity often kills the cat. Trust is nonexistent in this world. When the presumed end of days looms with only 15 days left, desperation takes hold.
Throughout the experience, the concept constantly captivates the player. Could others outside the apartment be enduring similar chaos? Is it wiser to stay holed up and wait for the madness to pass? Or should I perform the biddings of a peculiar caterpillar-like creature and kill who he has instructed me to? These are just a few of the thought-provoking dilemmas posed by the game.
In the roughly eight hours it took to complete Look Outside, countless "what ifs" lingered in my mind. What if the shopkeeper had been spared? What if the basement had been explored more thoroughly? What if that decision to eliminate someone had been different? These unanswered questions linger even through the credits, tempting further playthroughs—perhaps a second, third, or even fourth.
The visuals in Look Outside are simple yet striking, with traditional pixel art that truly shines during the turn-based battles. These moments showcase the grisly details of the game’s grotesque characters, with creature designs that stand out as a major highlight. From twisted teeth to glaring eyeballs and unsettling tongues flapping wildly, the artistic creations are nothing short of horrifying. The environments are equally dark and eerie, with the apartment taking center stage. Over time, it becomes infested with roaches, and these subtle, progressive changes are remarkably effective. With this developer having previously worked on Katana Zero, it’s no surprise how good this game looks.
Adding to the atmosphere is the synth-heavy soundtrack, which feels like it could seamlessly belong in a series like Stranger Things. The sound design is equally impressive, with many characters emitting stomach-turning noises that are especially impactful when experienced with a 5.1 sound system. Overall, Look Outside both looks and sounds chillingly brilliant.
In terms of accessibility, Look Outside includes an easy mode that allows for saving anywhere and provides additional resources to aid progression. While it wasn’t the preferred method of play, having options is always commendable, especially since losing significant progress unexpectedly on the default settings can be undeniably frustrating.
Performance, overall, proved solid, with the only notable issue being the inability to properly full-screen the game on the PC version. A minor typo was spotted here and there as well, though these small inconveniences are likely to be addressed in upcoming patches, ensuring a smoother experience moving forward.
There’s so much more to unravel in Look Outside, but uncovering its deeper, darker secrets is an experience best left unspoiled. This exceptional indie title brims with creativity and imagination, and a second playthrough is already calling—this time with hopes of making fewer missteps. So, the lingering question remains: should you look outside? That decision lies with each player, but overlooking this gem would be a monumental mistake. As a current front-runner for indie game of the year, it’s a must-play for fans of survival horror or RPG enthusiasts seeking something genuinely sinister and twisted.
ESSENTIAL