The Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020 Reviews
For fans of the series, Directive 8020 is still worth checking out, but the formula is starting to wear thin.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Directive 8020 is, most likely, the best game the studio has made to date in terms of presentation, narrative, and design cohesion.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
I could really relate to the characters and found myself anxiously wondering with every decision whether it was the right one. The roughly eight hours I spent on my playthrough were very entertaining thanks to the game’s story. Despite the dense atmosphere, the horror elements were not very prominent for me — it felt more like a really good first-contact story. But of course, that’s very subjective. Personally, I barely used the turning-point feature, because in games like this I always prefer to experience the consequences of my decisions, no matter how bad they are. I will definitely do another playthrough, though, to fix some of the mistakes I made. What I also would have liked were slightly more open areas. Especially at the beginning, you move through very linear, corridor-like levels, although this improved a bit as the game progressed. Still, my explorer’s heart was always longing for a little more freedom — but perhaps that would have gone beyond the scope of the game.
Review in German | Read full review
Directive 8020 is the strongest release for Supermassive Games since Until Dawn, and it proves there's still plenty of gas in the tank for these types of games. I can say with confidence that Directive 8020 is a must-play/watch for 2026.
With Directive 8020, Supermassive Games is taking the plunge from tried-and-tested quick-time event horror to genuine survival gameplay. However, this space adventure stumbles over a plot riddled with holes and tedious stealth sections.
Review in German | Read full review
Directive 8020 is one of Supermassive Games' weakest projects. While the sci-fi premise is fascinating and the audiovisual presentation is solid, the experience collapses under the weight of weak writing, a lack of true horror tension, and poorly implemented stealth mechanics. Despite a surprising plot twist, it fails to capitalize on its potential, resulting in a fragile narrative adventure.
Review in Italian | Read full review
"Supermassive Games' Best Horror and Creative Work" Directive 8020 delivers Supermassive Games' best experience to date, successfully combining horror, constant tension, and interactive gameplay with greater maturity and depth than any previous studio project. The game creates a suffocating and terrifying atmosphere thanks to powerful cinematic direction, excellent sound design, and a compelling decision system that makes every moment have real consequences.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Directive 8020 stands as the strongest entry yet in The Dark Pictures Anthology, delivering a clear evolution in both gameplay and presentation. The introduction of the Turning Points system adds meaningful flexibility, allowing players to revisit key moments and experience the narrative from different perspectives without friction. Combined with striking visuals, a well-executed narrative, and a consistently unsettling atmosphere, Directive 8020 is an easy recommendation for horror fans and one of the best horror releases of the year so far.