Supermassive Games’ Directive 8020 Is a Must-Play for Horror Fans

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Supermassive Games‘ newest game takes a different approach. Instead of ghosts and monsters, it delivers horror based in the vastness of space.

While this game is part of the Dark Pictures series, it doesn’t explicitly mention it. As you play, it consistently delivers the excellent quality we’ve come to expect from Supermassive Games, which continues to be a major positive.

Directive 2080’s Turning Points Are a Gamechanger for Supermassive Games

The game follows the familiar choose-your-own-adventure style that Supermassive Games is famous for, but with a new feature called ‘turning points.’ These turning points let players witness key moments and how the story branches out. Importantly, players can alter the story’s course without needing to restart from a previous save.

I was initially hesitant when trying out the early versions of the game, as I usually dislike it when games undo established choices. However, my opinion shifted quickly after playing the first episode.

Okay, so I totally messed up a quick time event and watched a crew member float off into space – it was rough. I immediately restarted that section, determined to save her this time. Honestly, seeing all the different choices and how they branch out on the game’s map is incredible. It’s clear Supermassive Games really went all out with player choice in this game – it’s a huge leap forward for them.

Players who prefer a classic experience can choose survival mode, where every decision has lasting consequences. However, the Turning Points system offers a more engaging way to play, particularly as the story unfolds. It adds excitement and makes you feel even more connected to the narrative.

The Space Setting and Cast of Characters Compliments Directive 8020 Well

Directive 8020 creates a truly unsettling experience, largely inspired by the film Alien. The tight, enclosed spaceship setting is incredibly nerve-wracking, and the feeling of being trapped with no escape is intensely suspenseful. The added danger of a creature that can change its form only heightens the horror.

Similar to other suspenseful experiences, you’ll constantly be guessing who – or what – is really an alien. The game keeps you engaged with unexpected events and frightening moments right until the very end. Thankfully, the interesting characters help to lighten the mood, and even in the limited time you spend with them, they’re all memorable.

Lashana Lynch and Danny Sapani are particularly impressive, consistently drawing your attention whenever they appear. The main weakness of the story is its pacing. Directive 8020 immediately throws you into the action, and it would have been better if we’d had time to get to know the characters first. Understanding the relationships between the crew members would have made the story more impactful, even though the film does offer some explanation for their initial separation. Having the whole team working together from the start would have been a stronger approach.

Directive 8020 Does Sci-Fi Horror Right

Supermassive Games made a smart move by setting their new story in space with Directive 8020. It’s an enjoyable experience, and while it still features the impactful choices and branching paths players expect, it executes them effectively. The new ‘Turning Points’ add a fresh layer to the familiar formula.

The supporting characters were good, but could have benefited from a bit more development. Despite this, it’s still enough to recommend the story.

Directive 8020 launches on May 12 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

This review was written with a review code of Directive 8020 for PC provided by Supermassive Games.

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2026-05-11 22:44