A mixed bag, Directive 8020 shows flashes of brilliance alongside notable shortcomings.
64
Verdict
59%
Steam
82
IGDB
Verdict score based on confidence-adjusted Steam reviews?
Unique gameplay concept
Limited professional critic coverage
Directive 8020 is an upcoming interactive drama and survival horror video game developed and published by Supermassive Games. It is the fifth game in The Dark Pictures Anthology. The game features a multilinear plot in which decisions can significantly alter the trajectory of the story and change the relationships between the five playable protagonists; some lead to their permanent deaths. The game introduces a feature called Turning Points, which allows players to rewind to a pivotal moment or decision. In Directive 8020, a colony ship called Cassiopeia crash lands on Tau Ceti f, a planet that is 12 light-years from Earth where the crew must try to survive a shapeshifting alien threat. Lashana Lynch, who plays astronaut and co-pilot of the Cassiopeia, Brianna Young, is being marketed as the game's leading actress. Directive 8020 is scheduled to be released for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on 12 May 2026.
Runs well on modern hardware.
Updated 1h ago
this game just isnt good at all. I tried really hard to like it but I just couldnt. its a waste of time and a waste of money. the writing is horrible, the voice actors sound like they were told to have no emotions what so ever and the music at the end of each episode takes you out of it 100%. I love Dark Picture games but oh man this one is NOT it.
almost 5 months post release and still no co-op update. what are you guys doing?
This game really deserves more credit than what its getting, and the negativity surrounding it is what keeps this genre stagnated, in my opinion. Trending along with the same choices-matter/branching story-driven games that Supermassive is known for, this game really bridges the gap well between narrative, choice and consequence, and sci-fi. The atmosphere is breathtaking, with the Cassiopeia in particular is superbly detailed in a way that blends form and function - a level of realism not often seen and reminiscent of Star Citizen in that regard. Ran the game on an RTX 4090 and it was absolutely GORGEOUS. The story is not ground-breaking but the game tells it well and the cinematic narrative is some of the best I've seen.
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Data sourced from RAWG, Steam, IGDB, CheapShark, Wikipedia, HLTB, and GX Corner. Sources: rawg, steam, cheapshark, igdb, wikipedia.
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