Arkane Studio’s Deathloop launches on PC and PS5 this September. Despite a delayed-release window, the game is still one of the most anticipated new titles of 2021.
The developers recently showed off some of Deathloop’s alpha gameplay and said a few words about what players can expect in the upcoming title. This included the revelation that the game is less about “perfect execution” than mastering the game world.
Deathloop follows protagonist Colt as he attempts to escape the time loop trapping him on the island of Black Reef. Recent games like Returnal use time loops to facilitate their roguelike mechanics. Deathloop is similar, although the game downplays that aspect significantly. As game director Dinga Bakaba explained, “The roguelike element is actually much less present than it might look, because it’s not about difficulty, and the repetition is more about you being the master of the time loop. The game isn’t about ‘perfect execution.’”
Arkane wants the time loop to encourage players to take a more trial and error approach. To escape the island, Cole needs to find and kill eight Visionaries before time resets at the end of the day. But that is not as straightforward as it sounds. Players will need to collect information and adapt their plans to eliminate every target before the island resets. And they need to do it all while being hunted by rival assassin Juliana. Controlled by either the AI or another player, she adds an extra level of unpredictability to Deathloop.
Arkane’s goal with Deathloop is that each playthrough teaches the player something about Black Reef and the Visionaries. Different targets have different schedules, and there may be multiple ways to reach them. This creates various opportunities Cole can exploit, such as a Visionary making the short-sighted decision to stand on a convenient trapdoor. Discovering them is a vital part of pulling off a string of successful assassinations.
In addition to mastering the map, Cole has a range of abilities to level up. Some will be familiar to fans of Arkane’s Dishonored series. Cole’s Shift ability is a short-range teleport similar to Corvo’s Blink. Other powers let him turn invisible, reflect enemy attacks, or telekinetically fling objects into enemies or enemies off cliffs. Then there’s the Nexus ability, which links the fates of multiple enemies. Killing one lets Cole wipe out the whole group.
Deathloop also features a varied upgrade system where Cole can collect Trinkets offering a range of effects. Some are basic, like suppressors and shock absorbers, while others are more exotic. For example, one Trinket increases damage based on the number of enemies Cole consecutively hit. Unlike abilities, however, weapons don’t follow Cole through the time loop.
The goal of all the planning, leveling, and experimenting is to set players up for what Arkane calls “The Golden Loop.” That’s the one final dash, basically a victory lap, from target to target. By then, Cole will be a superpowered assassin who knows Black Reef inside and out.
Deathloop launches September 14 for PC and PlayStation 5.
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun
