The Outbound Ghost Reviews

As a longtime fan of Paper Mario and Bug Fables, I was genuinely excited to dive into The Outbound Ghost. These spiritual successors to the classic paper RPG formula tend to blend 2D charm with 3D depth in a way that's both nostalgic and refreshing. Visually, The Outbound Ghost fits right into that aesthetic hall of fame—it’s adorable, expressive, and visually cohesive, with an art style that pays homage while still feeling distinct. The gameplay systems show real promise too: collecting Aspects to modify combat, gathering materials to craft them, unlocking traversal-based abilities, and uncovering a layered world with philosophical depth. There’s an earnest attempt here to explore heavy psychological and existential themes, all wrapped in a soft, pastel world of spirits. It’s quirky, it’s heartfelt—and conceptually, it swings big. But in execution? It stumbles. Hard. Despite its strong start, the game quickly becomes mind-numbingly linear. I stayed up for three additional hours, not out of excitement, but sheer hope that the story would eventually open up or surprise me. Instead, what unfolded felt like a slow, overwrought high school drama—drawn out and emotionally weightless. Wins don’t feel like victories, pacing is relentless without offering breaks to explore or revisit previous content, and many moments that should’ve been charming or meaningful pass without impact. The world may be thoughtfully designed, but it’s wasted when players can’t meaningfully interact with it. The writing lacks depth, the story fails to breathe, and side content is nearly non-existent. What’s more frustrating is the input system. You’re expected to guess or memorize which keys perform what actions, as there’s no visible control map or option to rebind keys. Some functions even double up on the same key, which adds unnecessary confusion to what should be a smooth experience. It’s a rough oversight in a genre where accessibility and comfort matter. There are some “neutral” aspects that aren’t dealbreakers but still worth noting: no in-game store, NPCs that are mostly one-liners, limited item variety, no tutorials for niche mechanics like lockpicking, and a lack of more engaging side activities or team-based content. The combat is, honestly, the game's saving grace. It's clever, strategic, and polished. But strong mechanics can only carry so much when wrapped in a narrative that drags and a world that doesn't let you enjoy its details. Do I like the combat? Absolutely. Do I like the story? Unfortunately, no. Would I recommend this game? Not yet. With updates, it could become a hidden gem—but as it stands, it needs more time in the oven.