Supermassive Games returns this year with Directive 8020 back – a game that does many things differently and yet is still in the Dark picturesTradition prevails. Anyone previously familiar with Victorian ghosts and abandoned hotels will likely rub their eyes in disbelief at the new sci-fi setting: spaceships, sleep capsules, meteorites, body horror. Welcome to season two – or not?
Horror in space: Fresh coat of paint or change of course?
Directive 8020 It doesn't start in a cursed village, but in space – a deliberate break with the previous formula. On paper, it's still a Dark picturesThe game, however, has dropped the "Anthology" label, as Dan McDonald, Executive Producer at Supermassive Games, told us. ComicBook reveals that long-time publisher Bandai Namco is also out; instead, the game will be released directly by Supermassive itself. No coincidence: According to McDonald, Directive 8020 It feels like a new beginning – “without throwing anything away".
A hands-on preview during the Summer Game Fest quickly reveals that the new course is well-designed and effective. Stun batons, claustrophobic corridors, alien-like mutations – instead of a classic haunted house, this course focuses on sci-fi horror that is significantly more physical. Added to this are gameplay innovations such as…Turning Points“: Key moments that players can return to in order to try alternative paths.
Less curator, more focus
One detail might surprise longtime fans: The Curator, hitherto the distinctive voice and face of the series, is taking a significant backseat. His iconic drawing-room simply doesn't fit into the sterile spaceship. According to McDonald, however, he hasn't been completely removed – it's more of a stylistic retreat. The story is intended to work this time without a constant narrator. Whether this has anything to do with the fact that the face behind the Curator – Tony Pankhurst – died unexpectedly is?
The term "Season 2" is also deliberately avoided. The reason is understandable: new players shouldn't think they have to spend ten hours beforehand. Man of Medan or The devil in me catch up. Directive 8020 It stands on its own – even if there are connections to the series behind the scenes.
Directive 8020 could be the restart that The Dark Pictures It needed something bigger, bolder, without losing the familiar. Supermassive Games is taking a big risk here – but perhaps that's exactly what's needed to keep the horror series fresh.
What do you think of the new sci-fi approach? Hit or miss? Let us know in the comments!
Does the game have gameplay in the style of Resident Evil, or is it just exploration and running around? I'm not getting anywhere with the game.