Supermassive Games has aimed to replicate the success of their 2015 hit “Until Dawn.” This game offered a narrative with player-driven choices impacting character survival. In 2019, they introduced “The Dark Pictures Anthology,” with varying levels of success. Over four years, they released a quartet of games, each exploring different horror genres with cinematic flair and similar branching narratives. While these games did not reach the acclaim of “Until Dawn,” they delivered annual spooky adventures for fans.
After Season 1, Supermassive stepped away from “The Dark Pictures,” but the series resumes with “Directive 8020.” Despite the absence of “The Dark Pictures Anthology” branding, this marks the start of a new chapter. The Curator, a familiar presence, now appears briefly as more of an Easter Egg than a central narrative device. The game retains the focus on keeping five characters alive in a horror setting. Yet, it introduces unseen changes and twists to suggest a new direction, dubbed “The Dark Pictures 2.0.”
The Narrative
The game begins without the typical introduction, propelling players into deep space. Earth faces uninhabitable conditions, and the characters form the crew of the Cassiopeia, a scout ship for the Andromeda colonization vessel. Predictably, things go wrong, resembling a mixture of “The Thing” by John Carpenter and “Alien” by Ridley Scott, with additional influences. Despite some derivative elements, the story captivates with an unexpected twist that reframes the entire game cleverly.
Supermassive excels at instilling fear through quick-time events. The possibility of character death instills genuine tension, making even recycled scenarios engaging if not repetitive. The blend of suspense and consequence offers a gripping first playthrough experience.
Gameplay Evolutions
“Directive 8020” enhances interactivity. Instead of fixed camera angles, players can now fully rotate the camera, making exploration more engaging. However, forced stealth sections detract from the experience. These segments occur frequently and are easily escapable, reducing their intended tension.
A new rewind feature lets players undo critical decisions. Although optional, it is recommended to experience the story without it during the initial playthrough. The ability to replay choices makes exploring the narrative branches more accessible and enjoyable. This feature is appreciated, especially given past frustrations with irreversible mistakes in similar games.
The game runs exclusively on current-gen consoles, utilizing Unreal Engine 5. It offers impressive visuals on the PS5 Pro with multiple frame rate options. The 60 FPS mode provides the best fluidity. Despite the detailed character models, there is a gap between performance and animation, which is noticeable due to the cinematic aspirations of the game.
Closing Thoughts
“Directive 8020” experiments within the framework of the series while retaining familiar elements. Although some changes feel like filler, the anthology format allows for evolution. If already invested in Supermassive Games, this is a worthy addition. It innovates enough to suggest a new era while staying true to the series’ core themes.
While missing the multiplayer “Shared Story” mode, the game remains a strong entry for fans. With or without the rewind feature, it offers an engaging, if imperfect, experience. Over time, as players explore all outcomes, they can anticipate another “Dark Picture” installment in the future.
Newsweek Score: 6/10
Reviewed on PS5 Pro. Newsweek received review code from the publisher.
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