by Chris PenwellOut in the deep expanses of space, we don’t know what’s out there. Directive 8020 delivers a thrilling narrative around that very unknown. While the franchise’s name isn’t attached to the game’s title, it certainly is a follow-up to the Supermassive series in more ways than one… for better or for worse.
The world is doomed
Earth has been decimated, and Mars isn’t suitable for colonization. Our only hope is to find another planet to live in, and these astronauts are humanity’s last effort. They are called the best and brightest of Earth. To be honest, it sounds quite a bit like Project Hail Mary. Trust me, it’s far more horrific than that.
The writing sounds natural, and the performances help ground the characters within a frantic scenario. Additionally, the overall story is intriguing, and while I don’t want to spoil any of it, I will say there are plenty of twists and turns you won’t see coming. I wasn’t particularly scared, however, as none of the jump scares worked on me. I knew what was coming in that sense.
Each choice feels important, leading to multiple scenarios within the engaging narrative. There’s an Explorer Mode that lets you rewind events (Turning Points), so you can experience different story paths. If someone dies, you can rewrite this fault on the fly. If you want the traditional experience you expect in a Supermassive game, you can choose Survivor. All of the characters can die, too, so watch out.
An issue that did come up, on the other hand, is how both seemingly important decisions lead to the same scenario. It’s a bit of a letdown. Directive 8020 also feels slow with its pacing. The mystery of what is going on with the ship is intriguing, but it hangs on for an hour or so too long.
What Directive 8020 has done well, however, is help you connect to the characters. They each have distinct personalities and flaws to go with them. Once again, I don’t want to spoil much, but the characters can get lost at times. Your choices in how you speak to your fellow crew mates also shape your personality, affecting your decision-making later on. This game is quite in-depth, with many layers.
I hope you like stealth gameplay…
The gameplay, unfortunately, spoils the broth that is the compelling storyline. There are only so many times you can avoid an enemy through stealth and following a vent before it gets old quickly. If the developer branched out with different gameplay scenarios, like a third-person shooter level or other minigames, that would’ve been great. Some of the puzzles, while lacking in quantity, are fun to figure out as you search the room for clues. Manipulating electricity to help unlock doors? Not so much.
While it pops up way too frequently, the stealth is fairly well done. You’ll be hiding behind tables and all sorts of objects to keep out of sight. You can distract them by activating nearby gadgets too. It is simple but effective at drawing tension. At points, the stalking foe can be a bit slow, and in one section, it didn’t move at all, but the stealth is well-implemented, even if it shows up a frustrating number of times.
Looking around each room for secrets is always entertaining, though. You’ll get more of an understanding of the lore and learn about the two characters who look after the crew over the first four years of the mission. The collectibles are well hidden, too, adding to the game’s replayability.
Truly “a space odyssey”
Directive 8020 is impressive graphically. The characters look incredible, with lifelike facial movements, and the acting is superb across the board, especially from the lead, Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die, Matilda the Musical). There were a few moments, in a Polar Express kind of way, that the uncanny valley did approach–I believe it’s in the eyes. Otherwise, the characters look superb.
The sci-fi theme is perfect in this game. Some of the grotesque scenery really pops and stirs a creepy scene. The gadgets feel grounded but suit the 2060 era that Directive 8020 is going for. It feels believable but high-tech at the same time. Also, the lighting is absolutely gorgeous, especially as you see a fan spinning with a glow behind it. Additionally, I love how the LED signage flickers, indicating the ship’s deterioration.
What adds to the atmosphere of the game is the excellent use of the DualSense’s features. You’ll hear the radio in a clear quality, thanks to the speakers. You’ll also hear sound effects from the controller that add to the experience. I certainly recommend playing the game without headphones. It’s a shame that the adaptive triggers weren’t used more.
As a sidenote, don’t watch any trailers or even look at the Steam page. The game is best when knowing very little about the narrative. I personally think the trailers have spoiled too much about what horrors lie ahead for the crew of the Cassiopeia.
Overall, Directive 8020 is a fantastic narrative journey with memorable twists and turns. The stellar performances from the actors, out-of-this-world graphics, and sci-fi theming are on point. It’s just a shame that the game is repetitive, with too many arduous stealth sections. If you can get past some bad pacing issues as well, Directive 8020 is worth the riveting trip it takes you on. It’s time for me to check out Supermassive’s other hits like The Quarry and more The Dark Pictures installments like Little Hope.
Directive 8020
