Directive 8020 is an interactive moderna stock drama and survival horror game presented from a third-person perspective.[1][2] Player control switches between the five protagonists, the crew of a colony ship called Cassiopeia. The crew are supposed to survey Tau Ceti f from space in order to gather information for another colony ship that is traveling six months behind. Tau Ceti f is a planet that is 12 alan ritchson light-years from Earth, and has become humanity's last hope because Earth is dying, but the Cassiopeia crash lands onto the Tau Ceti f. The surviving crew members are scattered after being brought out of hypersleep early.[1][3][4][5] The game is divided up into eight episodes that each take around an hour to complete.[1] There are "a handful" of optional objectives based on the branching of the game that can be based on previous decisions or have new consequences if the player undertakes them.[5] Directive 8020 features quick time loano events (QTEs) like the previous games in the series, but it also includes live combat in order to "increase the danger as much as possible". Creative director Will Doyle said the game is not about fighting the aliens, but about evading them with stealth because the player does not have a gun or anything like that to defend themselves. Players must stay quietly in the shadows, avoiding detection.[5][6] Supermassive calls it "threatening exploration" and it is something they have wanted to get into their games for years according to executive producer Dan McDonald, who added "now, you've got direct control of the character, and when something happens, it can feel much scarier and it's a chance to do different stuff".[1] Optionally, accessibility options include a "safe" mode that ensures players always survive the stealth sections, but can still die in other ways.[5] The game also features multiple difficulty levels and options for players who want varying experiences.[1]
The inventory system consists of tools that are linked to a "multifunctional utility strap" on the wrists of the characters. The strap also contains a shoulder mounted flashlight, with the enemies able to spot the beam when the light is on. Other tools include a scanner that can scan for electronics or be used to spot an alien that is capable of mimicking the appearances of the crew, a "wedge tool" that can be used to open a door as a last resort or to stun an enemy, a text messenger, and a remote control that lets the player hack computers from a distance.[4][5][7] Character movement has been reworked to feel "smoother on the sticks" according to Doyle. He also added that the game features "stronger survival horror action adventure elements to the gameplay".[4][8]
The game introduces Turning Points, which is a feature that allows players to rewind to a pivotal moment or decision. Optionally, players can go the traditional Dark Pictures route and play survival mode which prevents rewinding, but still enables players to view the decision trees.[6][9] McDonald said that Turning Points were added due to the new threat in exploration which adds more chances for a character to die and Supermassive felt that could lead to frustration for players who just want to explore. Turning Points do not overwrite progress, so players can continue where they were if they do not like what they did.[10] The Curator does not have a large role in the game, being more in the background despite his connections to the series, with McDonald saying "the Curator's office with all its leather and books and maps didn't mesh as well with Directive 8020's setting."[11]
The multiplayer mode "Movie Night" returns from the previous games in the anthology. It accommodates up to five players in couch co-op or for the first time in the series, the mode can be played online. Players can also mix and match between couch co-op and online.
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