Directive 8020 Review, Gameplay Impressions, Videos and Top Features

Directive 8020 from developer Supermassive Games is the latest evolution for a narrative-based series. 

This time, the anthology series The Dark Pictures tackles sci-fi in an often grisly story that evokes apt comparisons to experiences like The Thing or, in the video game realm, Dead Space. 

Enfused with stunning visuals and some broadened gameplay elements compared to past games in the series, Directive 8020 also boasts that unique Supermassive flair when it comes to branching narratives and the ability to bounce around key points in the tale's timeline. 

Still, Directive 8020 faces a big challenge, considering the narrative-based niche in gaming has exploded in recent years. 

Graphics and Gameplay

Directive 8020 is nearly a tech demo of what modern gaming hardware can do. 

It's a feast for the eyes, really, in terms of immersion on nearly every level. The lighting and shadow work, sound design that can alert enemies, and tension-riddled soundtrack, complete with jump scares, forge the expected sci-fi horror goodness. 

There are some series-long hiccups, like some odd moments with character's eyes. But by and large, they're extremely lifelike. Taken as a whole, somebody walking through the living room could be forgiven for thinking the player is simply watching a Hollywood flick. 

As a third-person horror experience, it's all harrowing in its own right. But things go over the edge a bit, considering, to stay light on spoilers, aliens in this setting happen to be able to…mimic the look of their prey. 

Yeah. 

In a refreshing twist for the series, in addition to the usual quick time events (QTEs), players will also engage in live action. Not necessarily combat, but more like evasion while attempting to survive. 

As such, there's a stealth mechanic where sticking to the shadows matters. So, too, does flashlight usage, as turning it on will lead to detection by enemies. 

This can vary, though. In a very real video game sense, enemies can at times follow obvious routes through areas, really easing the tension of what are supposed to be nail-biting survival moments. 

Players have a variety of other tools on a utility strap. There's an expected scanner for the obvious reasons, a remote for hacking, as well as a wedge tool that can open doors or, if things get really bad, temporarily stun attackers via volt discharge. 

Like in the past, a "turning points" feature lets players rewind to pivotal decisions. But thankfully, there's also a mode where the run is the run and whatever unfolds, sticks. 

Directive 8020 loses some of its tension in the gameplay sense because of its obvious newness to elements that aren't just QTEs. But it's a forgivable offense, given the presentation values, interesting characters and impressive things like branching storylines and relationships. 

Story and more

Players control five protagonists from a ship that was supposed to survey Tau Ceti f from orbit before a crash landing and premature hypersleep awakening. This mission is critical: Earth is dying.

Chaos ensues. 

It's expected sci-fi horror in a great way across eight episodes. Where Supermassive really puts a personal touch on it, though, is the branching storylines and interpersonal relationships of the characters. 

Yes, permanent death is a factor. Games similar to this in the past, due to technical hardware limitations or otherwise, merely had pass-fail systems that influenced character fates. Here, the game promises that those checks, plus the long-term relationships, ultimately decide what happens to characters. 

And that's just the big stuff. Even pulling up and text messaging crewmates stranded elsewhere and checking up on them is fun. Each character has their own motivations and things they're clearly withholding, which weaves nicely into the narrative. 

Supermassive's Movie Night multiplayer mode returns, letting up to five players in a local setting pass the controller around and have a say in how things unfold. An online multiplayer version of this is planned after launch. 

In the interim, this is the first Movie Night with the Turning Point branching tree system. That should add some fun elements as players can agree (or disagree) to go back and redo key moments of the episodes. 

There's a strong suite of options baked into an experience that runs well on the technical side, too. That includes expected stuff, but also accessibility toggles like auto-survive stealth sections. 

Conclusion 

Directive 8020 is another standout from Supermassive in its niche. 

Granted, Directive 8020 isn't going to deliver the same live-action, jump-scare horror in the same way a Dead Space will. 

But the branching narratives and character relationships that lead to a wide variety of outcomes is almost unmatched in gaming right now. As a bonus, of course, players have the agency to go back on the timeline and change what they want, when they want. 

Zooming out, Directive 8020 might not top the list of Supermassive hits over the years. But it's a fantastic standalone and, if nothing else, really lays the groundwork for massive hype around a possible sci-fi sequel that ramps up the tension around stealth and overall horror.