Competent & addictive // Recommended for those who hold gameplay in higher esteem than plot development

*This review is based on a purely vanilla playthrough.

LockeProposal's Big Day Out

+ Offers internet and LAN co-op options for play; players seem to overwhelmingly report a satisfying online experience+ Cartoony art-style and aesthetics contrast nicely with more subdued atmosphere and somewhat unsettled soundtrack+ Offers a Game+ mode, unlocked upon successful completion of the game; does well to increase replayability+ Offers excellent mod support+ Rewards and challenges flow at a quick and satisfying pace; keeps the game from feeling overtly grindy+ Gameplay is generally snappy and engaging; visuals work superbly to keep up with and reflect combat well, and the overall experience is therefore greatly improved+ Skill development allows for great character customization and variety of gameplay+ Tons and tons of loot available, sidequests to complete for addition rewards, and option boss encounters+ Armor customization allows for further specialization of one's character, and meshes perfectly with the skill development mechanics+ Monster design is generally agreeable, and never really breaks away from the game's aesthetic design+ Game engine feels quick and optimized, with almost no noticeable demand on hardware- Generally uninspired and poorly implemented plot and characters