Every time Nightdive Studios announces another LucasArts revival, I get the same rush of “finally — someone is looking after this stuff.” They’ve already given us an incredible Dark Forces remaster, and now they’re saddling up again with Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster — out today on PC and modern consoles (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S).
If you missed Outlaws the first time around, that’s understandable — the FPS scene in 1997 was dominated by Quake and GoldenEye hype. But Outlaws carved out its own place thanks to bold Western theming, chunky hand-drawn visuals, and a surprisingly strong story. It was LucasArts doing a Spaghetti Western with gunslinging first-person action, and it absolutely worked.
Outlaws, rebuilt
Now it’s back, rebuilt using Nightdive’s KEX engine. The remaster runs up to 4K at 120FPS on the right hardware, finally freeing the game from the CRT haze of the late 90s. The art has been redrawn, the controls modernised with full gamepad support (even gyro), and multiplayer returns with proper online crossplay.
The Handful of Missions expansion is included too, adding extra levels that some players never even knew existed. That already makes this release the most complete way to experience the game’s revenge-driven campaign, following ex-Marshall James Anderson as he hunts the land baron who destroyed his family. It’s pure Western melodrama, but that’s part of its charm — you’re here for the soundtrack, the standoffs, and the moment a revolver decides the next chapter.
“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Lucasfilm Games on such amazing projects. First, STAR WARS™: Dark Forces Remaster, now Outlaws + Handful of Missions Remaster,” said Nightdive Studio Head Stephen Kick. “The original Outlaws helped define the Wild West genre in video games and has been regarded as one of the most iconic FPS games of the 20th century, so reintroducing it to a new generation of players is a true honor.”
Extras-in-law
Also included in this collection are some behind-the-scenes extras, which I always like to see in these remasters and re-releases. If we’re going to revisit lost classics, let’s make sure we keep their history intact, too.
I’ll be honest: Outlaws is one of those games I always meant to play properly, but never quite got around to. It sat in that pile of “I’ll get to it after Unreal… or maybe Half-Life…” So having it not only back but cleaned up and playable on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox (it’s Steam Deck Verified, which is a relief as I won’t be playing on Windows)?
Perfect timing for a fresh playthrough!
Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster is available now for $29.99. If you missed this gunslinger the first time around, now’s your chance to see why so many PC players still talk about it like a hidden gem of the era. And if you played it back in the day, well — the West is still wild. Saddle up, and learn more either by heading to Steam or GOG, or finding it on the PlayStation Store, the Xbox Store, or the Nintendo eShop.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
