I've loved Arkane's games since I was young. Dishonored blew my mind, Dishonored 2 I thought was not only a masterpiece but the studio's magnum opus, death of the outsider was a fitting and fantastic end to that series, and Prey is one of the best survival horror games ever made. I didn't believe they could rip those four games... Deathloop is the crown jewel of their library of games. It is their magnum opus. Let me highlight the positives for you all.
My only complaint isn't even a complaint and that is that the first bit of the game is jarring, there is a lot to learn. But the game does a great job of teaching you (great game design again). If you're willing to learn a kinda hard and overwhelming game you will be treated with a masterpiece of gaming.
- Style, style, style. This game has style. Infant I don't know if I've ever played a triple A game that relies so heavily on artistic and stylistically cool storytelling as this game. It feels like an Indy but it's not.
- gameplay is "chefs kiss." If you thought dishonored played well, imagine that gameplay but with guns from a 70's setting. It feels so good, and if you learn the mechanics, powers, and abilities you can do some insane tricks.
- story and storytelling. I can't praise this enough. The story from a character perspective to the unique structure is brilliant. It is a feat of game design that they could structure a game like this and maintain a consistent high quality story. There are plenty of twists and turns and the way it all comes together is really beautiful. I also love Colt, Juliana, and the way it ends. Also a time travel story really fits the genre of rogue likes (which is what this game is).
- setting - the setting is golden. A island called black reef in the 70's that is stuck in a ground hog day style time loop. This game seems like it's inspired by 70's James Bond, Groundhog Day, and Tenet. It just works!
My only complaint isn't even a complaint and that is that the first bit of the game is jarring, there is a lot to learn. But the game does a great job of teaching you (great game design again). If you're willing to learn a kinda hard and overwhelming game you will be treated with a masterpiece of gaming.