Time loops are SO hot right now – and Deathloop is bringing yet another twist to the mind-bening genre. Developed by Arkane Studios, perhaps best known for the Dishonored series, Deathloop promises a cross between Returnal and Hitman with its time-warping assassin premise.
In Deathloop, you play as Colt, an assassin caught in a time loop. He’s stuck on the island of Blackreef in the midst of a never ending party that restarts at the end of each day. To close the time loop, Colt must assassinate eight targets before the end of the night. And if he dies, the loop resets.
With some seriously big releases coming up over the next few months, it’s facing some stiff competition as a new IP. Let’s take a look at 3 big reasons why you should be looking forward to Deathloop.
3 Reasons To Be Excited For Deathloop
#1 – Dishonored 3… Kind of
Arkane Studios’ Dishonored series hasn’t seen a new game since 2016. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get your fill of Dishonored-style action – because Deathloop has it in spades.
Dishonored was known for its nonlinear gameplay. It presented players with the chance to complete missions in different ways. Be it through violent “High Chaos” with maximised human casualties or through discreet stealth.
Likewise, Deathloop focusses on player choice. You can go in guns blazing or you can get creative with a stealthy approach. Of course, you must weigh up the risks for any given situation. Because if you die, you’ll start all over again. But that core focus on player agency returns in Deathloop.
The gameplay also looks similar. Parkour inspired movement, the ability to launch enemies into the air, and gadgets were key elements of Dishonored‘s gameplay and are present in Deathloop, too. So for those who are hoping that Deathloop plays like Dishonored, you’re in luck.
#2 – Innovative Multiplayer
One of the most intriguing things about Deathloop is its utilisation of multiplayer.
As mentioned, Colt must assassinate eight targets around the island. Unfortunately for him, one of them is also actively trying to kill him to protect the loop. Her name is Julianna. And she can be controlled by another player.
This option can be turned off, in which case Julianna will be computer controlled. But we love the sound of having to compete against another player. And it should be equally fun (if not more) to jump into another player’s game and try to ruin their day.
Combine this with the other assassination targets and the time loop, and Deathloop sounds like a game that’ll fire on all cylinders.
#3 – Colt’s Memory
In Deathloop the enemies act without consideration. When they day ends, the loop restarts, and they forget everything. So, nothing matters. The same cannot be said for Colt, however, who remembers it all.
Not only is Colt’s memory of each previous loop key to Deathloop‘s story, it’s also integral to learning about the enemy, their routines, and how to take them out. Let’s not forget, all eight have to be assassinated before the day is done. So, making the most of every go round and gathering as much intel as possible is essential.
As a player, this allows you to learn and improve as you play. You might not get things right the first time, but by the end you should feel like an expert. Every loop is a learning experience. And it’s all building up to that perfect playthrough which will see Colt escape the time loop. How satisfying is that going to feel!?
Deathloop Release Date
Deathloop is coming out on 14th September 2021 for PlayStation 5 and is a timed exclusive. The game will arrive later for PC players.
Will you be picking up Deathloop on day 1? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
