Engaging with a Supermassive game like Until Dawn or The Quarry often evokes a mix of excitement and frustration, particularly when it comes to the challenge of preserving every character’s life. Many players, including myself, grapple with a blend of indecision and impulsive choices, leading to chaotic outcomes where critical moments slip away. Yet, despite the setbacks, I persist, often transforming my gameplay into a thrilling quest for total annihilation. However, after experiencing the first chapter of Supermassive’s latest title, Directive 8020, at Gamescom, I find a glimmer of hope that even someone like me might succeed in keeping my favorite characters alive.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
Directive 8020 distinguishes itself from its predecessors through several key innovations. Set against the backdrop of space, it features a crew of adults rather than the typical youthful cast, and introduces a novel Turning Point system. For those unfamiliar with this concept, it essentially allows players to revisit significant decisions in the narrative, offering a chance to correct missteps without starting from scratch.
Creative director Will Doyle elaborates on this feature, noting, “There’s a bunch of players who get invested in the characters, and then when their favourite character dies, they turn off, they stop playing the game. So this gives them a second chance.” The experience of rewinding decisions not only alters the gameplay but also enhances enjoyment, as players can explore various outcomes. The Turning Point menu presents a complex web of choices, where early decisions branch out into numerous potential scenarios. Even seemingly minor choices can influence character dynamics, as I discovered when I guided scientist Tomos Carter to adopt a caretaker role, showcasing his ability to maintain composure during crises.
Doyle further explains that the Turning Point system caters to players who enjoy exploration and achievement. It transforms the decision-making process into a collectible experience, akin to filling a sticker book. Hints are provided to unlock different branches, requiring players to engage with the game’s mechanics thoughtfully. “It’s not as simple as just rewinding to a choice,” he adds, emphasizing the depth of strategy involved.
While the narrative can conclude sooner than in previous titles, the game maintains a cinematic quality, ensuring that even in failure, players are rewarded with new insights and experiences. “There’s a kind of wipe-out option that can happen if you really mess things up with the crew midway through your game,” Doyle notes, highlighting the balance between risk and reward that characterizes the gameplay.
This shift in gameplay mechanics represents a significant departure from the traditional Supermassive formula, where choices were irrevocable. Doyle reflects on this evolution, stating, “We try to create a kind of perfect dilemma where you’re caught between two seemingly equally bad options.” This philosophy has instilled a sense of tension and urgency in players, as the weight of their decisions becomes palpable. Even with the introduction of the Turning Point system, the emotional stakes remain high, as the dread of losing a character lingers, prompting players to replay and reconsider their choices.
For those who prefer a more traditional experience, the option to forgo the Turning Point system remains available. Doyle emphasizes that this innovation aims to enhance accessibility for fans, allowing them to revisit pivotal moments without the frustration of starting over. “We’re trying to make it as easy as possible to jump back straight to those moments and see the what-ifs,” he explains.
Having only explored the first chapter of Directive 8020, I am already captivated by the myriad of possibilities that lie ahead. The opportunity to delve into alternative outcomes adds a compelling layer of strategy to the horror experience, making it an exciting prospect for both new and seasoned players alike.
