Gayme of the Week: Lookouts
“Maybe that’s what you’ll always be, gang or not. A hunted outcast.” These are the words that stick to me throughout my playthrough of Lookouts, a game about two trans cowboys finding solace with each other during a stakeout.
I am not trans, but lately I’m not even sure I’m cis. It’s something that I’m still working through, but the phrase above makes me think about being queer as a whole. Where I live, I’m not hunted, but I am indeed an outcast – someone that sticks out against the heteronormative mould. Someone whose identity is still deconstructed and analyzed by people who don’t try to know any better. In that way, I can relate to the player character. Being an outcast in a community of ‘normal people’ feels isolating, like your chest is being squeezed and everything appears much bigger and intimidating than it really is.
In Lookouts, you play as some sort of canid who never has a name but ‘You’. You’re called ‘tomboy’ by your gang, which feels like a slap in the face rather than some affectionate nickname. As the lookout, nobody talks to you unless they want something. You’re a tool, not a person.
This time you’re sent out to investigate a town that’s rumoured to have a lot of gold stored in their bank. It’s here you meet Joseph, an eagle who is from a rival gang that also heard of the same rumour. The easy thing would be to shoot him and be done with it, but there’s something about him that stays your hand.
Despite being from two different gangs, the way Joseph treats you with respect and affection is enough to satisfy you. In a way, the ease that you feel when you’re with him borders on desperation. After all, Joseph does say that he is ‘like you.’ You’ve never met anyone like him. And nothing binds people together quite like being outcasts.
What’s so incredible about Lookouts is that it takes the challenge set in the Gay Western Jam and creates a pivotal look at what it’s like finding someone who you just ‘click’ with. It feels like warmth, as though someone’s placed a blanket over your shoulders to let you know you’re safe.
I won’t say much else, as I don’t want to spoil anything else, but if you’re looking for an emotional journey from start to finish, Lookouts is the game for you.
If you’re looking for other great gaymes, check out our Gayme of the Week column to find out more.
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