Supermassive Games’ Directive 8020: A New Chapter in The Dark Pictures Series

Supermassive Games continues to strive to replicate the success of their 2015 hit, “Until Dawn.” That game offered a variable narrative where players’ choices determined the fate of characters. In 2019, the studio launched “The Dark Pictures Anthology” with mixed results. Over four years, four games were released, each exploring a different horror genre. Despite these efforts, none matched the impact of “Until Dawn.” For fans, however, it was exciting to receive a new eerie adventure regularly.

After finishing the first season, Supermassive paused “The Dark Pictures,” but the series returns now with “Directive 8020.” This entry doesn’t bear “The Dark Pictures Anthology” label on the front cover, yet it marks the beginning of a new phase. The Curator remains part of the game, though in a minor role akin to a hidden Easter Egg. The core gameplay involves keeping five characters alive amid a horror setting. Changes in the formula and subtle innovations make “Directive 8020” an attempt at “The Dark Pictures 2.0.”

The Setting and Story

In contrast to previous introductions by The Curator, players are immediately immersed in the action. The plot unfolds in deep space, where Earth is becoming unlivable. Players guide the crew of the Cassiopeia, a scout ship for a colonization vessel named Andromeda. Events take an unexpected turn, leading to a blend of influences from films like “The Thing” and “Alien.” Despite a derivative story, a late-game twist cleverly alters the game’s context without giving spoilers.

Although the narrative might seem familiar, it engages throughout. Supermassive Games delivers effective scares, maintaining suspense with Quick Time Events where mistakes can result in permanent character deaths. This continues to create a tense gaming experience.

Gameplay Innovations

“Directive 8020” offers players more control during non-QTE segments. Unlike previous entries with fixed cameras, players can now rotate the camera fully, enhancing exploration and immersion. However, new stealth sections appear too frequently and lack tension since they are easily bypassed.

The game’s most significant addition is the rewind feature, allowing players to revisit and alter plot-changing decisions. This option enhances narrative exploration and accessibility. While recommended to keep it off during the initial playthrough, it enables players to explore different outcomes later.

Rewinding simplifies exploring narrative branches and locating collectables. It also highlights potential connections to earlier “Dark Pictures” stories, offering insight into the overarching narrative.

Technological Developments

“Directive 8020” is exclusive to current-generation consoles and runs on Unreal Engine 5, bringing visual improvements. Options include playing in 30 FPS, 40 FPS, or 60 FPS modes, with 60 FPS recommended for smoother gameplay.

However, character animations often fall short of voice performances, creating a disconnect. Although enhancing facial capture may not be cost-effective, improvements are necessary to match the game’s cinematic ambition.

Conclusion

“Directive 8020” deserves praise for retaining familiar elements while introducing fresh changes, even if the stealth features seem excessive. This is characteristic of an anthology series, potentially offering more detective-style exploration in future iterations. For Supermassive fans, “Directive 8020” is essential. Those seeking a true successor to “Until Dawn” might find it lacking, especially without the online “Shared Story” mode from previous titles.

Overall, “Directive 8020” caters to enthusiasts of the series, though newcomers might remain unmoved by its additions, aside from the engaging rewind mechanic. While not perfect, it provides an intriguing experience. The game’s unique blend of endings and ominous sequences offers enough to sustain interest until the next Dark Pictures installment appears.

Newsweek Score: 6/10

A memorable 6/10, providing an enjoyable experience but not one likely to be revisited. Reviewed on PS5 Pro. Newsweek received a review code from the publisher.