THQ’s first assault on the Xbox 360 arrived in the form of the original title; The Outfit: Destruction On Demand. Developed at Relic Entertainment as their first console production, at the time the studio’s experience revolves around RTS titles such as Homeworld and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War and little else. As a console production, The Outfit: Destruction On Demand set itself apart with a different set of boundaries to that of your typical PC RTS and a more immediate approach to gameplay.
Get to the Frontline, Soldier
The Outfit: Destruction On Demand is a third-person action game with a reliance on heavy weaponry. The Campaign Mode sees you playing through a story traversing across several maps. Each map requires you to capture strategic points along the way to your destination. This is performed by simply standing near and fending-off enemy hordes until your flag has been raised, with each then acting as a respawn point. Motor Pool, Radio Tower and Armoury strategic objectives allow you to call more powerful reconnaissance into play.
The ‘Destruction On Demand’ menu is a wheel through which you can select your type of unit; from Infantry Reinforcements to Tanks, Artillery and Air Strikes. Until the designated strategic objectives have been captured, your unit options will be incredibly limited and unable to cause any kind of serious devastation.
The Outfit Fits the Mold
The opening stages of the Campaign are enticing, but lack any longevity. They soon become little more than a stroll through from point-to-point. The Achievement structure is very rewarding; offering two mid-level Medal Opportunities, rather than the usual award simply for completing the map. This encourages you to explore further. Take on some tactical opportunities you might otherwise have ignored.
There are three characters playable – both for Allied and Axis forces – each with different weaponry and special attributes. The abilities of your character are very much a factor in your decision when choosing how to play the title as none of your AI will act in any major way without your say-so. They’ll man artillery and charge the enemy, but they’re never going to advance upon the next strategic objective without you.
Destruction on Demand Demands Multiplayer
The title also features multiplayer in the forms of split-screen, system link and online, both co-op and Deathmatch variations. Sadly, the latter is long gone. At the time of launch, it was almost flawless in its execution.
As well as offering the similar set-up to the Campaign Mode – capturing strategic objectives as a points-timer ticks away, with reaching zero losing the match – there’s also a handful of variations to cut your teeth on. Teaming-up with players either offline adds a great deal to the experience of The Outfit: Destruction on Demand, clearly proving that the title has been built around the ideal of immediate, outrageous multiplayer fun. Simple and addictive, yet under-the-surface a steaming pile of strategy and under-handed gameplay.
War ain’t Pretty
The Outfit: Destruction On Demand was decidedly average in its visuals. However, this wasn’t The Outfit: Destruction On Demand’s boast. Its presentation is pleasant with a decent draw distance. The Outfit: Destruction On Demand is performant, but never excelling at any particular visual or aural credence.
What it was however, was a breath of fresh air. On the Xbox 360, The Outfit: Destruction On Demand‘s ethos was to offer something unique. It proved that, while it may still be a bit all-gung-ho, there’s room for more guns as long as they have an individuality or spark to them. Many found the game an intriguing break-away here, and others credited the game with reliving the immediate nature of 90s gaming. The Outfit: Destruction On Demand is a classic title that deserved to be looked back upon fondly.
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