Outrider Mako Game Review – Best Indie Sci-Fi Shooter of the Year?

Introduction

The indie scene continues to deliver surprises, and Outrider Mako is no exception. Developed by solo dev Black Horizon Studio, this sci-fi twin-stick shooter channels the spirit of classic 90s arcade shooters—think Strike Suit Zero, R-Type, and Zone of the Enders—but repackages it with smooth modern controls, roguelike elements, and a deep love for all things mecha.

But is it just retro nostalgia in a shiny package, or is Outrider Mako a sleeper hit worth piloting in 2025? Let’s break it down.

Gameplay – Twin-Stick Combat, Evolved

Outrider Mako throws you into the cockpit of a customizable mech on the front lines of a galactic conflict. The game combines twin-stick shooting, real-time dodging, and modular mech upgrades, offering a fast-paced experience that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master.

What sets it apart:

Responsive, fluid controls with satisfying dash-and-fire movement
Modular customization: swap out weapons, boosters, and defensive systems
Procedural missions and enemies in a roguelite campaign structure
Boss battles that feel challenging but fair
Mid-run upgrade choices, a la Hades or Dead Cells

Combat is intense, with screen-filling bullet hell patterns and explosive effects. Despite the chaos, controls remain tight and intuitive, rewarding skillful movement and precise aiming.

Customization & Progression

Customization is a major strength of the game. Between missions, players can choose from a growing arsenal of weapons—lasers, homing missiles, charged particle beams—and support systems like shields, stealth modules, and EMPs.

Upgrades feel meaningful. You can:

Swap out chassis and loadouts for speed vs durability
Equip experimental tech found in missions for temporary buffs
Progress through a tech tree that carries over between runs

This adds strong replay value, making each run feel unique.

Art Style and Visuals

Outrider Mako’s retro-futuristic aesthetic works wonders. It’s not AAA-realism, but it doesn’t try to be.

Neon-soaked space stations and asteroid fields
Explosive particle effects with low-poly mech designs
CRT-style filters and scanlines for nostalgia (toggleable)

The game runs smoothly on all platforms, even during hectic boss fights with dozens of on-screen projectiles.

Sound Design and Music

The soundtrack slaps. It’s packed with synth-heavy tracks reminiscent of 80s sci-fi anime, elevating tension and pacing during battles. Sound effects are crisp and weighty, giving each weapon impact.

Voice acting is minimal, mostly robotic alerts and AI chatter, but it fits the aesthetic perfectly.

Game Modes & Features

Unlockable Mechs: Including hidden “legacy” models that reference classic mecha series

Roguelike Campaign Mode: Die and retry with persistent upgrades

Arcade Mode: Pure action with no progression—great for leaderboard chasers

Boss Rush Mode: Test your loadout against back-to-back encounters

Final Verdict

Outrider Mako doesn’t reinvent the genre—but it polishes it to a shine. For fans of fast-paced shooters, retro arcade games, and mech customization, this is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss.

It’s the kind of game that respects your time: snappy, stylish, and endlessly replayable.

If you liked Rogue Legacy, FURI, Returnal, or Geometry Wars, you’ll feel right at home in the cockpit of Mako.

System Requirements

Minimum:
    OS: Win 10
    Processor: Intel Core i7-6500U cPU @ 2.50 GHz or higher
    Memory: 8 GB RAM
    Graphics: Intel HD graphics 520 or higher
    DirectX: Version 12
    Storage: 200 MB available space