Directive 8020, developed by the creators of Until Dawn and The Quarry, is a paid sci-fi survival horror and adventure game that centers on the Cassiopeia ship crew, which crash-landed on the hostile planet Tau Ceti f. The survivors must confront a deadly alien that can perfectly mimic its prey. 

Directive 8020 lets the player do things to survive in the hostile environment, but they quickly discover they are not alone. The game is centered around evasion and outwitting the creature instead of downright fighting it, leading to a growing paranoia and distrust among the crew as their number dwindles.  

Survive the unthinkable  

Directive 8020’s narrative-driven gameplay is its major highlight: the game places a heavy emphasis on player choice and cinematic storytelling. The choices you make don’t just affect the survival of the crew, but they also carry weighty consequences for the future of humanity. The tension is intense as you navigate the dark corridors of the ship, accompanied by an equally atmospheric soundtrack and outstanding voice performances that elevate the horror. 

In the game, you’ll be trying to determine who is human and who may have already been overtaken by the alien organism. Gameplay mechanics focus on survival. You’ll need to rely on stealth, quick reflexes, and improvised weapons to stay alive. The controls are all right, although they require some practice to master the quick-time events and sudden rush of tension when it comes. The graphics are gloomy, yet realistic, with great sound design. 

The alien threat in the game keeps you on edge, as it can hide in plain sight, making every interaction a potential death sentence. However, the game's slow pacing may not appeal to players seeking more action-oriented gameplay. Additionally, the lack of variety in weapon options can lead to repetitive combat encounters. Luckily, it is not that picky when it comes to hardware, leaving you with an overall positive gameplay experience. Also, players might have to wait for the game to be released as it’s not out yet. 

Introduces Laure Eisele as a new character  

Laure Eisele emerges as a fascinating and formidable presence in the game as a new character. As the Cassiopeia's Senior Mission Officer and principal designer, her intellect and meticulous craftsmanship are embedded in every system aboard the ship. Eisele doesn’t just lead with technical prowess—she is the blueprint. Her role is more than functional; it’s visionary. While her brilliance earns respect, it also places immense pressure on her—any failure in the mission feels deeply personal. She's the spine of Corinth’s ambition. 

Though she radiates competence and discipline, Eisele’s cool demeanor masks an internal struggle. With human interaction less intuitive than code, she often feels adrift among the very crew she's helping guide to Tau Ceti f. Still, her drive to push boundaries is unmistakable. From the ship’s structure to its enigmatic AI, The Oracle, Eisele’s influence is profound, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. 

Trust no one  

Directive 8020 creates a surefire blend of tense survival horror and psychological thriller. The alien threat that can mimic its prey creates a constant sense of paranoia, forcing you to question every crew member in the game during your journey. Despite some minor issues in gameplay, the heavy emphasis of this adventure game on choice-driven storytelling makes each decision feel impactful.