Out of Time Review – Chaotic Co‑op Roguelite Where Gear Rules
A turbocharged 4‑player co‑op roguelite that glues you to your squad with a quirky Tether system and a ludicrous pile of gear. Fast runs, wild era-mashups and an MMO hub make each session feel like organized chaos.
Out of Time throws you and up to three friends into collapsing timelines where gear choices matter as much as aim. It’s like Risk of Rain 2 met an MMO hub — only this one rewards sticking together with literal buffs and shared pain if someone wanders off.
Core runs are tight, timed sprints: you drop into era‑blended maps, face waves of corrupted enemies and over‑the‑top bosses, trigger chaotic mini‑games and try not to get overwhelmed before the clock rips everything apart. The real twist is gear‑defined chaos — dozens of weapons and sets unlock unique abilities (from dragon forms to airstrikes), so builds actually change how you play. The Tether system forces proximity; stay close for shared heals and buffs, or watch your squad crumble if someone runs off chasing loot. Progression leans roguelite: you get stronger between runs, unlock new gear and chase seasonal content in the Infinitopia hub where matchmaking and leaderboards live. Matches feel frantic and satisfying when the team clicks, though the gameplay can hinge heavily on player coordination — solo sneaking rarely ends well. Visually the maps are fun and varied, and performance on portable hardware like the Steam Deck is surprisingly good according to early players. If you love run loops with emergent moments, cooperative synergy and loot combing for wild combos, this scratches that itch well.
Out of Time is a loud, goofy and smartly designed co‑op roguelite that rewards teamwork and build creativity — just be ready to stick close to your teammates. It isn’t perfect, but it’s a compelling new take on multiplayer loot loops.
Pros
- Huge variety of gear and emergent build combos
- Tethered teamwork makes co‑op meaningful and tense
- Fast, replayable runs plus an MMO‑style hub for social play
Cons
- Tether punishes lone wolves — it can feel restrictive and lead to frustrating wipes
- Windows‑only at launch; seasonal grind and RNG may wear thin for some
Player Opinion
Players praise the gorgeous maps, distinct enemy design and the Steam Deck performance — a community reviewer reported smooth Ultra play at ~80 FPS on Deck. The Infinitopia hub gets nods for making matchmaking and social play easy, while the gear systems are the highlight for most. Criticisms center on occasional balance oddities, the punishing nature of the Tether system and the grindy feel once you’re chasing specific seasonal rewards. If you like Risk of Rain 2 or Deep Rock Galactic’s team‑focus, you’ll probably find a lot to love here.