Supermassive Games has been on a quest to replicate the success of its 2015 hit, Until Dawn. Known for its variable narratives where characters live or die based on player decisions, the game set a high standard. Since 2019, Supermassive has developed The Dark Pictures Anthology, featuring four games, each centered around different horror genres. These games maintained cinematic quality and branching storylines reminiscent of Until Dawn, though none reached the same acclaim.
After concluding the first season of The Dark Pictures, the studio paused the series. Now, it returns with Directive 8020, marking a new evolution without the anthology branding. The Curator makes a limited appearance, serving more as an Easter Egg. Keeping five characters alive remains the core goal, with new changes hinting at The Dark Pictures 2.0.
Setting the Stage: Space Horror
Directive 8020 begins with immediate immersion. The tale unfolds in deep space, as Earth’s habitable days dwindle. The story follows the crew of the Cassiopeia, a scout ship for a future colonization mission. Things take a dark turn, echoing influences from The Thing and Alien. While parts of the story feel familiar, a surprising twist near the end changes everything, adding depth to the narrative.
Gameplay Evolutions and Challenges
The narrative never grows dull. Supermassive excels in delivering suspense, though some scenarios may seem borrowed. The Quick Time Events heighten pressure, where a single mistake risks a character’s life. Two major gameplay changes are evident: expanded camera control and the controversial stealth segments. The new camera allows greater exploration and immersion, enhancing clue discovery. In contrast, stealth sections lack challenge, quickly losing their edge once mastered.
A new rewind feature allows players to undo choices and explore different outcomes. While optional, it adds accessibility to the branching narrative. Players can now revisit points to see how different actions affect the story, a welcome tool for those who found previous games less forgiving.
Technical Aspects and Performance
As the first current-gen exclusive in the series, Directive 8020 runs on Unreal Engine 5. It offers multiple FPS modes, with the 60 FPS setting recommended for smooth play. Despite detailed character models, there’s a disconnect between animation and performance, particularly noticeable against the high cinematic standards. This gap is evident despite commendable voice performances from the cast.
The game’s combination of traditional and new elements deserves recognition. Though some changes, like stealth, feel unnecessary, the overall attempt to innovate is clear. The absence of the online multiplayer mode is felt, though fans of the series will find much to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Directive 8020 marks more of what fans appreciate about The Dark Pictures. If you enjoy the series, this latest installment is worth playing. Those seeking a true successor to Until Dawn may feel it’s not quite there, but the game offers enough new content to warrant a look.
Newsweek Score: 6/10
While not perfect, Directive 8020 remains engaging, offering experiences that fans will fondly remember.
Reviewed on PS5 Pro. Review code was provided by the publisher.