Supermassive Games sends us "Directive 8020" on a sci-fi horror journey that feels like a wild mix of "Dead Space" and "Aliens". Anyone looking for the next survival horror thrill should definitely make a note of this game.
The recent State of Play provided the first deep insight into the story of Directive 8020the latest installment of the The Dark Pictures Anthology. While the first season of the series came to an end with "The Devil in Me", Supermassive Games is starting a brand new phase with "Directive 8020" - and it has a lot to offer.
Sci-fi horror with a nasty twist
The setting could hardly be more atmospheric: a gigantic spaceship, the Cassiopeia, is on its way to a potentially habitable planet. But what began as hope for humanity quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival. An alien life form infiltrates the crew, and what is particularly perfidious about it is that the creature can transform itself into humans, mimic their DNA and thus fit in perfectly with the group. Who can still be trusted? Who is still human - and who is already a monster?
Supermassive's signature is evident here: the typical decision-making gameplay that was already used in "Until Dawn" or "The Quarry" provided the thrills. But this time the whole thing is given an extra layer of paranoia that is strongly reminiscent of John Carpenter's The Thing. Trust could be the biggest mistake - or the only salvation.
A mix of Dead Space and Alien
What immediately catches the eye is the oppressive atmosphere. The claustrophobic corridors of the Cassiopeia, the cold light of the ship's controls and the omnipresent feeling of being watched - all this brings back memories of "Dead Space" or "Alien: Isolation" to wake up. To its successor - Alien Isolation 2 - fans will have to be patient in the end. But instead of brutal action, "Directive 8020" focuses on psychological horror. It's not about shooting the monster - it's about identifying it in the first place before it's too late.
Fans can also look forward to a new facet of the "Dark Pictures Anthology": for the first time, Supermassive is focusing on body horror. The transformation of the alien creature is likely to provide some of the most disturbing scenes in the series. In addition Brand new gameplay mechanics presentedwith which the series reaches a new level of interactivity.
The release of "Directive 8020" is planned for the October 2, 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. At a time when horror games are booming - from "Silent Hill 2 Remake" to "Resident Evil 4" - "Directive 8020" could offer a fresh, terrifying experience. Anyone who loves sci-fi horror and enjoys despairing over their own decisions should mark this game on their calendar.
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