DEATHLOOP

Deathloop is an exercise in trial and error, you must use the knowledge you have gained from previous loops to set your pawns in place in order to strike at the heart of the loop. It’s like the worlds most elaborate game of chess.

82%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

optimization, stability

77% User Score Based on 11,419 reviews

Critic Score 87%Based on 76 reviews

Platforms

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About

In DEATHLOOP, you play as Colt, one of two rival assassins trapped in a time loop on the mysterious island of Blackreef. Your mission: break the loop by killing eight key targets before the day resets. With each new loop, learn from your mistakes, try new paths, and gain new weapons and abilities to help you succeed. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes unique weapons, character skins, the original game soundtrack, and more. NO RELEASE DATE OR DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER MENTIONED.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

77%

Audience ScoreBased on 11,495 reviews

story1.3k positive mentions

optimization790 negative mentions

story
3,769 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
60%
5%
The story of "Deathloop" is characterized by its intriguing premise of a time loop, where players must uncover the mysteries of Blackreef Island while eliminating eight visionaries in a single day. While the narrative is engaging and features witty dialogue between the main characters, Colt and Julianna, many players feel that the story lacks depth and can become convoluted, with key elements often revealed through collectibles rather than direct interactions. Overall, the game offers a unique blend of gameplay and storytelling, but some players find the execution leaves much to be desired, particularly in terms of pacing and resolution.
- “The story is engaging, the characters are interesting, and the banter between Colt and Julianna is snarky, filled with the kind of humor I enjoy: slightly mean but with a soul to it.”
- “The story was great, the gameplay is fun, the variety of things to do and secrets to find keeps me going back, and the interesting multiplayer has kept me entertained.”
- “The story is captivating and I enjoyed a lot of the lore, the dialogue is hilarious, and the characters are intriguing, making the gameplay feel fresh and engaging.”
- “The storytelling is confusing at times, and the game likely takes your hand a bit too much on the main quests, while having a few really convoluted side missions.”
- “However, the story is quite lacking, both in the overall narrative and the way the quests work/the way the story is told.”
- “The story has no payoff; you loop for hours, then the game ends in 15 seconds.”
gameplay
3,383 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
55%
5%
The gameplay in "Deathloop" is a blend of Arkane's signature mechanics from previous titles like "Dishonored" and "Prey," featuring a time loop mechanic that encourages experimentation and strategic planning. Players can approach challenges with a mix of stealth and action, utilizing various powers and weapons, although some find the gameplay repetitive and the AI lacking. The game also introduces a unique invasion mechanic, adding tension and unpredictability, but this can sometimes detract from the overall experience due to balance issues.
- “The gameplay and premise are both extremely well developed, and while the game will eventually get stale with enough playthroughs, as long as you don't try to rush through it, there's plenty of worthwhile gameplay.”
- “The upgrades and many weapon trinkets add a lot of variety to the gameplay.”
- “The combat and traversal mechanics feel very crisp and fluid; it might be the most polished Arkane game in that regard.”
- “The gameplay loop is a chore.”
- “The gameplay itself is more simple than even the first Dishonored while the way the investigating is handled is way more complicated than both Dishonored games.”
- “The gameplay is very easy and gets easier, and the mechanics are well polished.”
optimization
1,895 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
47%
42%
The optimization of "Deathloop" has received significant criticism, with many players reporting frequent stuttering, crashes, and inconsistent frame rates, particularly on high-end systems. While some users have managed to achieve stable performance through various tweaks, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, especially due to the impact of Denuvo anti-piracy measures. Despite these issues, many players still find the gameplay enjoyable, suggesting that future patches may improve the experience.
- “Despite pushing my VRAM to the limits, the game runs smoothly, boasting realistic reflections and detailed environments.”
- “Overall performance: surprisingly smooth, considering my laptop's VRAM limitations.”
- “The game overall has very smooth and fun gameplay, but does have its problems with optimization and crashes once in a while.”
- “Interesting concept, surprisingly interesting PvP, arbitrary plot, and absolutely garbage, borderline unplayable optimization.”
- “The game is not perfectly optimized but it's ok.”
- “The performance is truly unacceptable for a AAA title.”
graphics
1,106 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
54%
3%
The graphics of "Deathloop" have received mixed reviews, with many praising its stunning art style and vibrant 60s aesthetic, which enhances the overall immersion and atmosphere of the game. However, players have reported significant performance issues, including stuttering and crashes, particularly on higher settings, leading to frustration despite the visuals being described as beautiful and well-crafted. Overall, while the graphics are visually appealing, they are often marred by optimization problems that detract from the gaming experience.
- “The graphics are stunning, Blackreef is a gorgeous setting.”
- “The visuals are really cool and make you feel like a badass.”
- “The graphics, it's amazing, not overly realistic, just right.”
- “If one of the requirements to play your art/visuals focused game is 'disable shadows', you've failed as a developer.”
- “The graphics are not too impressive.”
- “The system requirements are surprisingly high, which doesn't seem justified given the game's graphical output.”
music
482 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
44%
2%
The music in "Deathloop" has received widespread acclaim for its immersive and fitting soundtrack, which effectively captures the game's 1960s aesthetic and enhances the overall experience. Many players highlighted the energetic combat tracks and the nostalgic vibe of the ambient music, although some noted that certain loops can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the standout features of the game, contributing significantly to its atmosphere and enjoyment.
- “The music, style, and just feel of this game is borderline perfect to me.”
- “The soundtrack is full of atmosphere and bangers.”
- “The music is amazing with the 60's style bops and instruments, tying in with the environments.”
- “The music is annoying.”
- “The only minus for me was some of the more repetitive music scores in locations like Fristad; the music really grinds on you when you spend a longer time on some of the maps.”
- “Add to this the game is boring with an uninteresting storyline, lackluster weapons, no ability to save your game, dumb characters, ridiculous music throughout that is both distracting and annoying.”
humor
375 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in "Deathloop" is widely praised for its clever writing and engaging character interactions, particularly between the main characters, Colt and Julianna, whose banter often elicits genuine laughter. While many players appreciate the game's lighthearted tone and witty dialogue, some find the humor can feel forced or repetitive over time. Overall, the game successfully blends action with a playful sense of humor, making it a memorable experience for fans of the genre.
- “The writing is hilarious and the acting is perfect, and the art design is amazing.”
- “I genuinely laughed out loud a bunch of times (the actor voicing Colt is incredible and hilarious), and I really enjoyed learning about each of the different characters.”
- “The dialogue between Colt and Julianna is absolutely hilarious, but the other characters do not seem to be as fleshed out.”
- “All I ask is that the humor in games not be too cringey or memey (fine if you're into that, it's just not for me).”
- “Julianna is basically f-ing Claptrap from Borderlands 2... that is to say not funny, but every line is delivered like it's supposed to be funny; good thing I have to listen to her f-ing constantly.”
- “The dialogue between Colt and women is corny and unfunny.”
stability
266 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
1%
83%
The stability of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various bugs that significantly hinder gameplay. Issues such as the game freezing during pauses, losing progress due to crashes, and inconsistent performance across different hardware configurations have been highlighted. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay, the general consensus is that the game remains unpolished and buggy, making it frustrating for many players.
- “The good, controls feel grand, UI and the art direction is consistently on point. The invasion mechanic is quite fun and tense. I rarely felt frustrated or cheated by the game; the general gameplay loop kept me engaged till the end. This would be really fun facing off against a friend, and lastly, it feels entirely bug-free.”
- “On the technical side, voice acting and overall audio are awesome. Graphics could be better but work flawlessly on ultra-widescreen. No glitches or game-breaking bugs encountered, excellent performance throughout, and no crashes or freezes since day one!”
- “Very few technical issues, runs great on my machine and is so much fun.”
- “The game is an incomplete, buggy mess.”
- “Game freezes when the window loses focus for more than 5 seconds, and you lose all of the perks if not managed to go back to the tunnel or restart the loop.”
- “I encountered over a dozen hard menu freezes that required restarting my computer, losing between 1-2 hours of progress every time.”
replayability
257 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
61%
14%
The replayability of "Deathloop" is a contentious topic among players, with opinions ranging from high praise for its engaging mechanics and exploration opportunities to criticism for its limited long-term value. While some appreciate the unique time loop concept and the variety of ways to approach challenges, many feel that once the main story is completed, the game lacks substantial replay value, especially compared to other Arkane titles like "Dishonored." Overall, players find that while the game offers an enjoyable initial experience, its replayability diminishes significantly after mastering the core mechanics and story.
- “Colt is a great protagonist, the intricate environmental design is a dream to explore, and the loop system keeps things fresh and offers so much replayability.”
- “This game, unlike other titles from Arkane, offers phenomenal replayability by letting you get into the thick of it from the get-go, with no unnecessary pre-and-post-level cutscenes.”
- “Deathloop has an interesting story, very fun gameplay, an enjoyable soundtrack, a cool artistic style, and a very high replay value due to the variety of ways that you can accomplish your tasks throughout each phase of each loop.”
- “Sadly there's not much replay value after the main campaign, which is kinda weird for a game based around a time loop.”
- “The inherent drawback to this gameplay loop, however, is once you know the order and the details needed to accomplish kills, the replayability of the game ends.”
- “There is just one solution to breaking the loop; the game tells you what to do and it offers next to no replay value.”
grinding
166 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
6%
92%
The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players describing it as tedious, repetitive, and often frustrating. Many reviews highlight the lack of meaningful rewards for the time invested, as well as the need to replay the same areas multiple times, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. While some players found moments of fun and engagement, the consensus is that the grinding mechanics can quickly become a chore, leading to a loss of interest in the game.
- “There is little to no grinding and it isn't a rogue-lite where you farm endlessly for minor upgrades.”
- “The story is so-so, and even though there is technically no grinding, the game still manages to feel grindy.”
- “It depends on how much you like grinding.”
- “Tedious, boring, and incredibly uninspiring.”
- “The game can be tedious at about half time through, maybe it was only my problem, but I stuck at the main quest, not knowing what to do.”
- “The lack of save points and constantly having to go through the same four levels makes this game very tedious.”
atmosphere
84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
38%
4%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and captivating qualities, with many reviewers highlighting its unique 1970s pulp aesthetic and exceptional art direction. Players appreciate the detailed environments, engaging soundscapes, and the blend of humor and tension that contribute to a rich, story-driven experience. While some find the atmosphere slightly overwhelming or less impactful compared to previous titles from the developer, the overall consensus is that it effectively draws players into its vibrant and mysterious world.
- “The atmosphere in this game is addictive and not replicated well in other games.”
- “The impeccable art direction and attention to detail immerse players in a stylish and atmospheric experience on the island of Blackreef.”
- “The retro-futuristic aesthetic of Blackreef and the atmospheric soundscape contribute to the game's immersive quality, creating a world that feels both familiar and alien, much like the quantum world itself.”
- “But I find the 70's-esque atmosphere kind of blegh.”
- “The game is bleeding atmosphere and it shows Arkane Studios' attention to detail. People have said the AI is janky (it is, don't kid yourself), but they are lore-wise a bunch of random party animals who know they can't die, so they're going to do some weird stuff.”
- “Although it is slightly below average for a stealth game, it is greatly elevated by its setting, tone, and atmosphere.”
emotional
47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
96%
4%
The emotional aspect of the game elicits mixed responses from players, with some praising the depth of Colt and Julianna's relationship as both humorous and poignant, while others criticize the overall narrative for lacking emotional weight and depth. Many players appreciate the engaging gameplay and character interactions, but feel that the repetitive nature of the levels and the abrupt ending diminish the emotional impact of the story. Overall, while some find the experience emotionally gripping, others feel disconnected due to a perceived lack of meaningful choices and character development.
- “Julianna and Colt's relationship is both heartbreaking and very funny, and the unique dialogue they both have is amazing.”
- “I was immediately hooked by the mystery of the opening and stuck around for the amazing gameplay built around your use of abilities and unlocking of better guns and trinkets, scripting which brings so much personality to the world and to see the ending to this story which had me emotionally gripped the whole time.”
- “However, Colt and Julianna show more emotional depth as you uncover their pasts, and their relationship becomes more complex than just two assassins trying to outplay each other.”
- “The repetitive levels and the boring story mean that the only fun part of the game is the actual action of fighting enemies, but even that gets old quickly when, once again, you have to play the same 6 maps over and over again to gather intel so that on your 5th run of the level you can finally accomplish the objectives (usually assassinating a high-value target) properly.”
- “This game has a boring story, cliched shooter mechanics, and an amnesiac trope main character.”
monetization
31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
10%
81%
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn mixed reviews, with many users expressing frustration over the presence of microtransactions and feeling that the game was designed as a cash grab rather than a genuine creative effort. While some appreciate the absence of additional monetization schemes like season passes or microtransactions, others criticize the misleading advertising and the rushed feel of the product, suggesting that it detracts from the overall experience. Overall, players seem to desire more transparency and integrity in the game's monetization approach.
- “Because these guys spend their money in the art and design departments instead of marketing and monetization schemes.”
- “Arkane Studios is one of the last standing western studios that are willing to take risks and create actual video games, not products that drive the sales of microtransactions or gaming-themed casinos.”
- “The gaming industry is cynical and greedy mostly because being cynical and greedy is hugely profitable, so when games without microtransactions, season passes, 'time savers' or live service content are financially successful, it sends a message that we still want unique and interesting games like Deathloop.”
- “I blame Bethesda's 'GaaS, in-game purchases' fever dream post-2016 for what really ruined Arkane.”
- “This feels like a quick cash grab, and my cash... they grabbed.”
- “The idea of the game is great, but this unoptimized cash grab is a waste of $60.”
character development
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
50%
17%
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the solid design and charismatic personalities of the characters, particularly the interactions between Colt and Juliana. However, many players feel that the overall execution of character development is lacking, particularly in relation to the villains and the depth of the story, often relying on external lore rather than in-game progression. While the character design and voice acting are highlighted as strong points, the narrative's failure to provide substantial character growth and emotional engagement leaves some players disappointed.
- “Solid character design and characterization which makes all visionaries very charismatic.”
- “There was actual character development and interaction with you as a player directly affecting each individual loop.”
- “There is clear character development as you see Colt recover his memory throughout the game by reading notes, listening to audios, or the conversations with other NPCs in the game.”
- “I don't know, man. I just feel like the plot and character development here is very poorly executed. They could have established it early on and then left you to your devices for the whole second half of the game when you try to figure out how to kill seven people in one day.”
- “Other gripes of note are a steep learning curve, equipment balancing, lemming-like AI, a menu UI that frequently works against you, and a lack of time given to character development or relationship with the villains (who used to be your friends!).”
- “There is no substantial character development whatsoever.”