Ethan Carter
Supermassive Games, known for titles like Until Dawn and The Quarry, has returned with the latest installment in its Dark Pictures anthology, titled Directive 8020. This survival horror game emphasizes narrative choices, meaning your decisions will shape the fates of the characters involved. This time, the studio incorporates a thrilling sci-fi element, drawing inspiration from the classic horror film The Thing.
The story unfolds after a colony ship crash-lands on a planet that initially appears to offer refuge for Earth’s dwindling population. the crew soon finds themselves hunted by a sinister alien entity capable of transforming into various lifeforms, including humans. Players will navigate the perspectives of five main characters, including pilot Brianna Young, portrayed by Lashana Lynch from No Time to Die. You can experience the game solo or engage friends in couch co-op mode, allowing each player to take control of one or two characters. An online multiplayer feature is planned for a future update.
A unique aspect of Directive 8020 is its innovative Turning Points feature. This allows players to revisit past decisions and select different choices, facilitating exploration of the multiple branching storylines available.
Directive 8020 is currently available on Steam, PS5 (with a free trial option), and Xbox Series X/S, priced at $50.
Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes is a strategic game set in the iconic universe of the beloved sci-fi series, Battlestar Galactica. Building upon the foundation laid by developer Alt Shift’s previous title, Crying Suns, which is a narrative-driven tactical roguelite, this new game promises an engaging experience.
As the commander of a fleet of ships, you must navigate the chaos following the destruction of the Twelve Colonies while striving to reunite with the titular carrier ship. Players will need to manage conflicts within their fleet, address internal sabotage, allocate resources wisely, and oversee upgrades and repairs.
With the relentless Cylons pursuing your fleet, preparation is crucial for each encounter with these formidable adversaries. The focus of combat shifts from outright victory to survival, emphasizing damage control over aggressive tactics.
My colleague Igor Bonifacic sampled an early version of the game last year and found it enjoyable. General reviews have been positive. You can purchase Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes on GOG or Steam (where a demo is available). The game typically retails for $25, but a 20% discount is offered until May 18.
The Caribou Trail presents an intriguing narrative experience. This first-person walking simulator transports players to the trenches of World War I, where you embody a young soldier from Newfoundland. Inspired by the real-life stories of troops who fought in the Gallipoli campaign, the game explores themes of camaraderie and survival while intertwining elements of folklore and psychological tension.
The Caribou Trail, developed by Unreliable Narrators and Gambit Digital, is now available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, typically priced at $13 (with a 10% discount on Steam until May 28). Although the developers initially intended to launch a PS5 version simultaneously, they encountered critical issues that led to a delay until July 7.
I had a great experience with Minos, a roguelite that challenges players to create mazes filled with traps to eliminate raiders. On the other hand, Mazebound, developed by Absam Studios, offers a different take on the maze genre. This first-person survival horror game requires players to gather resources, craft weapons, scavenge for food, and defend against lurking threats.
Fortunately, you don’t have to venture into the maze alone. The multiplayer mode allows you to team up with friends, which can enhance your chances of survival.
Mazebound is available for purchase on Steam, typically costing $10, with a 20% discount running until May 20.
Daniel Mercer
