Nightdive Studios has breathed new life into the beloved 1997 LucasArts classic with Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster, now available on Nintendo Switch.
Known for its distinctive blend of spaghetti western theming and first-person shooter mechanics, Outlaws carved out a cult following in the late '90s.
With its remastered release, both nostalgic fans and a new generation of gamers can experience one of the most unique shooters from LucasArts’ storied history, now conveniently accessible through the Nintendo eShop. Developed originally by LucasArts, Outlaws set itself apart with its narrative-driven campaign centered on retired U.S.
Marshal James Anderson.
The story’s inciting event, where Anderson’s refusal to sell his land leads to personal tragedy and a quest for vengeance, is as riveting now as it was decades ago.
The remaster preserves this heart while updating visuals, controls, and accessibility for modern hardware—perfectly suited to the Nintendo Switch’s hybrid play environment. Nightdive Studios, acclaimed for revitalizing classic games, handled the remaster with meticulous attention.
Key enhancements include a new weapon selection wheel for intuitive control, smoothed-over textures, and support for gyro aiming.
Players can seamlessly toggle between original pixel art graphics and updated visuals, maintaining the essence of the game's original western aesthetic while offering a polished experience for new players. "We wanted to honor both the original charm and the legacy of LucasArts, while making Outlaws more approachable for today’s players," a Nightdive Studios representative said in a statement.
The level design remains intact: expansive barns and iconic western locales, often exaggerated in scale, provide ample space for classic shooter action.
Bodies of defeated adversaries continue their quirky spins on the ground, and the limited dialogue from non-player characters remains, echoing the era’s memorable game design. The main campaign unfolds across nine interconnected levels, each requiring strategic decisions regarding approach and difficulty.
Lower difficulties allow for a more action-oriented, forgiving experience, while increased challenge levels demand careful stealth and resource management.
Puzzle-solving remains central to progression.
For instance, finding hidden keys or utilizing secret passages is essential, often requiring players to think like an old-school adventurer.
The game supports a three to five-hour main campaign, with the included Handful of Missions expansion further extending playtime. Beyond the unique gameplay, Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster stands out for its vibrant soundtrack, inspired by the very western movies that influenced its narrative, and its entertaining, tongue-in-cheek voice acting.
The remaster introduces bug-free performance, solid controls, and optional multiplayer modes, though its lasting appeal lies in its single-player campaign—a rarity in today’s shooter landscape. Priced at $29.99 USD on the Nintendo eShop, Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster is especially appealing to retro FPS enthusiasts and fans of LucasArts’ golden age.
While the experience may feel brief by modern standards, the dose of nostalgia and historic importance make it a worthwhile addition to the Nintendo Switch’s expanding library of remastered gems.
For those seeking a reminder of why LucasArts is so revered, Nightdive Studios delivers a polished return to the wild west. Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster is available now for Nintendo Switch and other modern platforms.
For more updates and in-depth reviews on classic game revivals, stay tuned to our Nintendo Switch coverage.
Known for its distinctive blend of spaghetti western theming and first-person shooter mechanics, Outlaws carved out a cult following in the late '90s.
With its remastered release, both nostalgic fans and a new generation of gamers can experience one of the most unique shooters from LucasArts’ storied history, now conveniently accessible through the Nintendo eShop. Developed originally by LucasArts, Outlaws set itself apart with its narrative-driven campaign centered on retired U.S.
Marshal James Anderson.
The story’s inciting event, where Anderson’s refusal to sell his land leads to personal tragedy and a quest for vengeance, is as riveting now as it was decades ago.
The remaster preserves this heart while updating visuals, controls, and accessibility for modern hardware—perfectly suited to the Nintendo Switch’s hybrid play environment. Nightdive Studios, acclaimed for revitalizing classic games, handled the remaster with meticulous attention.
Key enhancements include a new weapon selection wheel for intuitive control, smoothed-over textures, and support for gyro aiming.
Players can seamlessly toggle between original pixel art graphics and updated visuals, maintaining the essence of the game's original western aesthetic while offering a polished experience for new players. "We wanted to honor both the original charm and the legacy of LucasArts, while making Outlaws more approachable for today’s players," a Nightdive Studios representative said in a statement.
The level design remains intact: expansive barns and iconic western locales, often exaggerated in scale, provide ample space for classic shooter action.
Bodies of defeated adversaries continue their quirky spins on the ground, and the limited dialogue from non-player characters remains, echoing the era’s memorable game design. The main campaign unfolds across nine interconnected levels, each requiring strategic decisions regarding approach and difficulty.
Lower difficulties allow for a more action-oriented, forgiving experience, while increased challenge levels demand careful stealth and resource management.
Puzzle-solving remains central to progression.
For instance, finding hidden keys or utilizing secret passages is essential, often requiring players to think like an old-school adventurer.
The game supports a three to five-hour main campaign, with the included Handful of Missions expansion further extending playtime. Beyond the unique gameplay, Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster stands out for its vibrant soundtrack, inspired by the very western movies that influenced its narrative, and its entertaining, tongue-in-cheek voice acting.
The remaster introduces bug-free performance, solid controls, and optional multiplayer modes, though its lasting appeal lies in its single-player campaign—a rarity in today’s shooter landscape. Priced at $29.99 USD on the Nintendo eShop, Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster is especially appealing to retro FPS enthusiasts and fans of LucasArts’ golden age.
While the experience may feel brief by modern standards, the dose of nostalgia and historic importance make it a worthwhile addition to the Nintendo Switch’s expanding library of remastered gems.
For those seeking a reminder of why LucasArts is so revered, Nightdive Studios delivers a polished return to the wild west. Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster is available now for Nintendo Switch and other modern platforms.
For more updates and in-depth reviews on classic game revivals, stay tuned to our Nintendo Switch coverage.
