Uncompromising HDR

Canadian studio Red Barrels’ The Outlast Trials hits all the hallmarks of elite-tier HDR game design: a low APL, inky blacks, strong contrast, deep shadows, and carefully targeted, “high-octane” highlights. The game reminds us that HDR-strength highlights aren’t only about muzzle flashes and explosions. They’re found everywhere, reflecting off mundane materials like sheet metal, linoleum, enamel paint, chrome, lacquer, glass, vinyl, wallpaper, hardwood floors and dried blood. You can watch hours of gameplay footage in SDR and never even realize they’re there.