If you’re a fan of 2D platformers, you’ve probably played some of the most popular games in the genre. But have you heard of Outland? This hidden gem by Finnish developer Housemarque is an amazing 2D physics-based puzzle platformer that deserves more recognition.

Outland’s story revolves around two mystical sisters that control light and dark forces. Your character, imbued with the skill to utilize both powers represented by the colors red and blue, must navigate through various terrains, fight a number of monsters, and even solve puzzles. It’s a unique take on the genre, where the player’s ability to swing their sword isn’t enough to kill enemies; they must pay attention to the force color that the enemy is using.

What sets Outland apart from other platformers is its wide-open experience that encourages acquiring new skills and using them to progress through the adventure. The game’s various maps are more accessible with other abilities your character learns, such as sliding and wall jumping. The gameplay is smooth, and the controls are responsive, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Outland also offers an Arcade Mode that allows gamers to trek through previously-visited locales from the campaign to net high scores and fast times that can then be compared via online leaderboards. It also offers online cooperative features, where two gamers can choose to play through the entire campaign together, or work their way through a series of co-op-exclusive challenge rooms.

In addition to the platforming and puzzles, Outland’s boss fights are another standout feature. Each boss is unique and presents a creative challenge, pushing the player’s skills to the limit. The difficulty level also ramps up as the game progresses, with the last boss fight being an especially memorable and challenging experience. It took me about an hour of intense gameplay to finally emerge victorious, and the sense of accomplishment was truly satisfying. Whether you’re a fan of platformers, puzzle games, or just looking for an engaging and rewarding gaming experience, Outland is definitely worth checking out.

If you’re a fan of physics-based puzzle platformers, you should definitely give Outland a try. You can find the game on Steam, PS3, and Xbox 360. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to wishlist Beware, our upcoming 2D platformer that’s sure to provide a thrilling gaming experience.