Nightdive Studios is poised to revitalize one of PC gaming’s classic shooters with the upcoming release of Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster.
Originally developed by LucasArts and released in 1997, Outlaws built a loyal following with its Western themes and challenging level design.
The remastered version, set to launch on November 20th, 2025, will be available across multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Windows PC (Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 4|5, and Xbox One and Series X|S. In celebration of the remaster, Nightdive Studios recently produced an in-depth interview on its official YouTube channel, featuring lead Nightdive producer Locke Vincent and Kevin Schmitt, an original level designer from the LucasArts era.
The discussion not only delved into the development background of Outlaws but also offered candid reflections on one of the game’s most infamous stages: the Sawmill. Longtime fans of the series will recognize the Sawmill as the fifth stage—a sprawling lumber mill rife with interconnecting waterways, enemies, puzzles, and secret areas.
The level’s unconventional design and high difficulty have made it a notorious talking point in gaming circles, with new players often finding themselves overwhelmed by its intricate layout and multi-stage challenges. During the interview, Vincent asked Schmitt about his personal experiences with the Sawmill’s design.
Schmitt explained that he has a “love/hate relationship” with the level, noting, “The team challenged me to create a notoriously tough puzzle area.
We introduced sections where you have to shoot sluices to redirect water and open gates, which really upped the complexity.” Reflecting on his original approach, Schmitt admitted that, given another chance, he might revise the level.
"Looking back, I'd probably reduce the number of sluices and make the skill-based sections less punishing," he said.
He described how the team used internal testing to adjust the stage’s difficulty, eventually slowing down water flow to provide a fairer, though still demanding, experience.
Despite these changes, the Sawmill retained its reputation for dividing players, with some loving its intricacies and others finding it frustrating enough to stop playing, earning it the nickname “Wall Mission.” Archive material and online discussions from Outlaws’ initial release corroborate Schmitt’s account, with players frequently sharing their struggles to complete the Sawmill stage.
Decades later, it continues to be a highlight—and a hurdle—of the Outlaws experience. The remastered edition by Nightdive Studios promises to preserve the legacy of Outlaws while introducing modern enhancements to graphics and accessibility.
For both returning fans and newcomers, Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster offers a chance to revisit—or conquer for the first time—the legendary Sawmill on Nintendo Switch and all major platforms this November.
Originally developed by LucasArts and released in 1997, Outlaws built a loyal following with its Western themes and challenging level design.
The remastered version, set to launch on November 20th, 2025, will be available across multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Windows PC (Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 4|5, and Xbox One and Series X|S. In celebration of the remaster, Nightdive Studios recently produced an in-depth interview on its official YouTube channel, featuring lead Nightdive producer Locke Vincent and Kevin Schmitt, an original level designer from the LucasArts era.
The discussion not only delved into the development background of Outlaws but also offered candid reflections on one of the game’s most infamous stages: the Sawmill. Longtime fans of the series will recognize the Sawmill as the fifth stage—a sprawling lumber mill rife with interconnecting waterways, enemies, puzzles, and secret areas.
The level’s unconventional design and high difficulty have made it a notorious talking point in gaming circles, with new players often finding themselves overwhelmed by its intricate layout and multi-stage challenges. During the interview, Vincent asked Schmitt about his personal experiences with the Sawmill’s design.
Schmitt explained that he has a “love/hate relationship” with the level, noting, “The team challenged me to create a notoriously tough puzzle area.
We introduced sections where you have to shoot sluices to redirect water and open gates, which really upped the complexity.” Reflecting on his original approach, Schmitt admitted that, given another chance, he might revise the level.
"Looking back, I'd probably reduce the number of sluices and make the skill-based sections less punishing," he said.
He described how the team used internal testing to adjust the stage’s difficulty, eventually slowing down water flow to provide a fairer, though still demanding, experience.
Despite these changes, the Sawmill retained its reputation for dividing players, with some loving its intricacies and others finding it frustrating enough to stop playing, earning it the nickname “Wall Mission.” Archive material and online discussions from Outlaws’ initial release corroborate Schmitt’s account, with players frequently sharing their struggles to complete the Sawmill stage.
Decades later, it continues to be a highlight—and a hurdle—of the Outlaws experience. The remastered edition by Nightdive Studios promises to preserve the legacy of Outlaws while introducing modern enhancements to graphics and accessibility.
For both returning fans and newcomers, Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster offers a chance to revisit—or conquer for the first time—the legendary Sawmill on Nintendo Switch and all major platforms this November.
