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Deceive Inc.

A creative blend of sneaking and shooting that will have squads coming back for more.
Deceive Inc. Game Cover
78%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
monetization, optimization
82% User Score Based on 5,672 reviews
Critic Score 74%Based on 10 reviews

Platforms

Xbox Series X|SPCEpic GamesPlaystation 5XboxSteam DeckWindowsPlayStation
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Deceive Inc. Game Cover

About

Deceive Inc. is a multiplayer strategy game. It was developed by Sweet Bandits Studios and was released on March 21, 2023. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

Welcome to DECEIVE INC. , a private corporation with complete monopoly over the international espionage market. You can disguise yourself as anyone you meet in an instant, have access to state-of-the-art gadgets the rest of the world can only dream of and possess skills that would make Hollywood super spies jealous.But you are not alone. Rival spies are after the same objective and every single on…

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Deceive Inc. screenshot
Deceive Inc. screenshot
Deceive Inc. screenshot
Deceive Inc. screenshot
Deceive Inc. screenshot
Deceive Inc. screenshot
Deceive Inc. screenshot
Deceive Inc. screenshot
Deceive Inc. screenshot
Deceive Inc. screenshot
Deceive Inc. screenshot
+8
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82%
Audience ScoreBased on 5,672 reviews
gameplay336 positive mentions
monetization32 negative mentions
  • Unique gameplay that blends stealth and social deduction with FPS mechanics, providing a refreshing experience.
  • Fun and engaging when played with friends, offering a variety of characters and abilities that enhance replayability.
  • Charming art style and a catchy soundtrack that contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game.
  • Severely low player base leading to long matchmaking times and unbalanced matches against high-level players.
  • The game has shifted towards a more aggressive playstyle, diminishing the stealth elements that initially attracted players.
  • Lack of meaningful updates and support from developers, resulting in a stagnant experience and frustration among the community.
  • gameplay
    866 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Deceive Inc." is widely praised for its unique blend of stealth, strategy, and action, creating an engaging experience that encourages players to utilize deception and cunning rather than just brute force. While the core mechanics are innovative and the game offers a variety of characters and gadgets, some players express concerns about balance issues, repetitive gameplay, and a tendency for matches to devolve into chaotic shootouts, overshadowing the stealth elements. Overall, the game is considered fun and addictive, particularly when played with friends, but it could benefit from further content updates and refinements to enhance the stealth gameplay experience.

    • “Every aspect of the game worked so thickly in tandem to create an atmosphere and gameplay loop that no other game has ever managed to capture so flawlessly.”
    • “Its disguise mechanics, vibrant spy-themed world, and tension-filled infiltration phases create a style of competitive play built on cleverness rather than brute force.”
    • “The gameplay is a ton of fun and the character abilities are a blast.”
    • “The gameplay loop is repetitive, and it's far too easy to do cheap tactics after a while, taking advantage of new players; this can be discouraging.”
    • “Unfortunately, recently most games in my experience have played more like a free-for-all deathmatch-- any stealth mechanics are ignored completely and people rush to wipe out the lobby before a single terminal is opened, which honestly has turned me away from playing unless I'm with friends.”
    • “The entire stealth and blending in mechanics of the game fall apart the longer you play, becoming more about speed and less about stealth, making a good amount of the game mostly about PvP skill and less about being sneaky and blending in, which was kind of what I wanted from the game.”
  • graphics
    259 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's graphics are characterized by a vibrant, cartoonish art style that draws inspiration from retro spy aesthetics, creating a visually appealing environment filled with well-crafted maps and unique character designs. While many players appreciate the charming visuals and immersive atmosphere, some criticize the graphics for being basic or dated, with performance issues noted on various hardware setups. Overall, the aesthetic successfully complements the gameplay, enhancing the experience despite some technical shortcomings.

    • “From the very beginning, it establishes a distinctive tone: a vibrant retro-spy aesthetic, charismatic agents with exaggerated personalities, and maps filled with richly themed environments where every corridor, lounge, and restricted zone feels like part of a secret mission gone stylishly wrong.”
    • “The graphics and design of the game are top-notch, creating a visually stunning environment that truly immerses players in the world of corporate espionage.”
    • “The captivating gameplay mechanisms, clean visuals, and meticulously designed levels create an immersive experience.”
    • “The graphics are forgettable, and the lack of attention to detail fails to create a memorable gaming environment.”
    • “The game's graphics aren't anything to write home about, yet the game still takes up a massive amount of resources even on the lowest graphic settings.”
    • “Imagine making a game in 2023 with such graphics and giving no optimization to it so every encounter is you completely missing an opponent because of frame drops.”
  • music
    204 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its dynamic and engaging soundtrack that enhances the overall gameplay experience. The retro-inspired tunes, often likened to 70s spy themes, effectively set the tone and atmosphere, making each match feel exciting and immersive. While some players noted that the menu music could be repetitive, the in-game tracks are consistently described as catchy, fun, and integral to the game's charm and aesthetic.

    • “The music is incredible, and I love the graphics. The gameplay is fun and skillful, and the grind is really realistic and manageable.”
    • “What ties the game together for me is the dynamic soundtrack. Every map has a different track, and as the match progresses, the songs get more complex, making combat more intense.”
    • “The music, characters, sound effects, and voiceovers all mix perfectly to create a sneaky and snarky spy game that is dripping with style and charm.”
    • “The soundtrack, if it exists, fades into the background without leaving any lasting impression, contributing to the overall sense of indifference.”
    • “Game has a lot of potential, but as of right now this game is a case of 'this $20 soundtrack came with a free game!'.”
    • “My issues with the game are that the more the game's meta develops the longer matches get (the first phase needs an earlier cut-off), and also the main menu music is garbage, please either make it the music that plays on the screen where you log into the server or just give us a separate dial just to turn the menu music off.”
  • story
    111 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth and absence of a dedicated narrative mode, with many players expressing disappointment over the reliance on multiplayer interactions instead of a structured single-player experience. While some enjoy the vibrant retro-spy aesthetic and the potential for engaging missions, others feel that the gameplay devolves into chaotic PvP rather than meaningful espionage, leaving the storyline feeling underdeveloped and forgettable. Overall, the game offers a light premise with minimal storytelling, which may not satisfy those seeking a rich narrative experience.

    • “The storyline of 'Deceive Inc.' is a rollercoaster of twists and turns, keeping players on the edge of their seats.”
    • “Mike and Minkey partner up one last time for their most important mission ever: saving Amelia -- and the world -- from the clutches of the evil Dr. Farley.”
    • “Its immersive gameplay, compelling storyline, and high level of replayability make it a must-play for anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding gaming experience.”
    • “The storyline lacks depth, and the characters are forgettable at best.”
    • “The only semblance of a story that we get is from loading screens.”
    • “I would just love to have some kind of story to pay attention to and keep coming back for.”
  • monetization
    100 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players expressing concerns over the presence of microtransactions and a battle pass in a $20 title. While some appreciate the fair and non-predatory nature of the monetization, others feel it detracts from the experience, suggesting the game would benefit from a free-to-play model focused on cosmetic purchases. Overall, players agree that better advertising and a more accessible pricing strategy could enhance the game's player base and longevity.

    • “Very fun game to play with friends and the monetization is done very well.”
    • “Crazy, good and very fair monetization, great game, unique :)”
    • “The monetization of the game is pretty stellar; 20 bucks gets you the game, 3 characters out of the 9 in the game, and currency to buy one of the unlockable ones straight away.”
    • “Fun game with friends, but the monetization leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”
    • “But the up-front pay along with the aggressive monetization makes me not want to support this game at all.”
    • “Too much monetization for a b2p title.”
  • optimization
    92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing significant performance issues, including frame drops and stuttering, particularly on larger maps. While some users report smooth gameplay on high-end systems, others with decent setups struggle to maintain stable frame rates, leading to frustration. Overall, the game is seen as needing substantial optimization improvements to enhance the player experience and retain its user base.

    • “Great quality of design and graphics, optimization is pretty good, and with future updates it will be better.”
    • “Performance-wise, it is not as taxing as it runs a constant 60fps, might be slightly lower for old potato laptops/pcs but still playable on those.”
    • “The best thing is it's optimized well for controller and mouse & keyboard, and due to the mechanics of the game you won't need a hefty PC to enjoy it.”
    • “This, along with many bugs and a lack of optimization, further alienated the already shrinking player base.”
    • “Performance: absolutely horrendous for a game that doesn't visually amaze or stand out.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess with bad performance, small lobbies, and microtransactions in a paid game.”
  • humor
    86 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its comedic moments, quirky characters, and amusing gameplay mechanics that lead to unexpected and funny situations. The cartoonish art style and clever voice lines enhance the overall comedic tone, making it a fun experience, especially when played with friends. While some players note occasional frustrations, the game's ability to generate laughter and entertaining chaos is a consistent theme in the reviews.

    • “Was in the bathroom healing after I killed 3 of the bums and then I shot a random epic to get his stuff and 3 bots were in the bathroom. None of them shot each other; it was so funny.”
    • “The game adopts a cartoonish art style that perfectly complements its somewhat goofy and humorous theme.”
    • “I have had so many genuine fun and hilarious moments in this game that I could not leave it without a positive review.”
    • “The humor in the game falls flat and often feels forced, making it hard to enjoy the experience.”
    • “I expected some laughs, but the jokes are stale and the comedic timing is off, leaving me more confused than amused.”
    • “The attempts at humor often miss the mark, resulting in awkward moments that detract from the overall gameplay.”
  • grinding
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, player feedback on grinding in the game is mixed. While some users appreciate a steady progression that doesn't feel overly grindy, many express frustration with tedious and repetitive tasks required to unlock important gameplay elements, often feeling that the grind detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, concerns are raised about the imbalance in matchmaking and the pressure to purchase premium content after investing time in grinding.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Grinding is not bad per se, but I don't think that locking important gameplay elements behind it is a good idea.”
    • “Takes a lot of time to grind out any character without XP boost; some characters have absolute garbage starter guns, so grinding is even longer and more painful, severe imbalance and established meta that isn't fun.”
    • “The progression system is a little unbalanced, as better weapons are locked behind many hours of grinding, which puts you at a major disadvantage as you will be matched with players who are level 96 when you are 3.”
  • stability
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, crashes, and performance issues that significantly detract from the overall experience. Players frequently encounter game freezes, character glitches, and unresponsive mechanics, leading to frustration during gameplay. While some users note that the game is fun and the developers are responsive to community feedback, the consensus is that it requires substantial optimization and bug fixes to improve stability.

    • “Runs great.”
    • “It's well-polished, plays smoothly and is relatively bug-free. Player counts and queue times are good, and it's just good fun.”
    • “Aside from that, it seems like I'm lucky if I'm able to make it through a match without it crashing (the server freezes and eventually the game kicks me back to the lobby - it's not my PC/game crashing).”
    • “This game is a buggy mess with bad performance, small lobbies, and microtransactions in a paid game.”
    • “They are notorious for buggy games and it shows here, so while I still recommend this game, be aware that they seriously need to clean up some bugs before this game can really take off.”
  • replayability
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews highlight a mixed perception of replayability across the game, with some players praising its high replay value due to diverse characters, unique abilities, and engaging gameplay mechanics, while others criticize it for a lack of content and repetitive gameplay. Many players find the game fun and addictive, suggesting that its replayability is enhanced by various strategies and outcomes, though some feel it can become frustrating over time. Overall, the game is seen as having significant replay potential, particularly for fans of the genre.

    • “Truly authentic with a great aspect of replayability.”
    • “The game also offers a high level of replayability, with multiple paths to victory and a variety of strategies that can be employed to achieve your objectives.”
    • “Its immersive gameplay, compelling storyline, and high level of replayability make it a must-play for anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding gaming experience.”
    • “It has low replayability and the core gameplay loop is very samey.”
    • “Good game but severely lacks content and replayability.”
    • “This game is pretty fun for probably around 10 hours, but it doesn't have a lot of replay value.”
  • atmosphere
    23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive blend of stealth, excitement, and retro aesthetics, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Players appreciate the thrilling espionage elements and the vibrant, well-crafted environments that contribute to a unique gameplay experience. However, the community dynamics and some negative interactions have created a contrasting, exclusionary atmosphere that detracts from the overall enjoyment.

    • “Every aspect of the game worked so thickly in tandem to create an atmosphere and gameplay loop that no other game has ever managed to capture so flawlessly.”
    • “The game's core concept of deception fosters an atmosphere of excitement and unpredictability, making it a perfect choice for a party game.”
    • “The game's graphics and sound effects are well-crafted, creating a suspenseful atmosphere that adds to the overall gameplay experience.”
    • “The lack of meaningful player engagement and the absence of a thriving community further contribute to the game's dull atmosphere.”
    • “These actions appear to stem from the developers, as accusations are made without concrete proof, fostering an atmosphere of doubt and suspicion.”
    • “The mods and tett team have a very tight-knit circle, with the tett team acting like a bunch of mini mods for the channel, creating an exclusionary and unwelcoming atmosphere for the broader community.”
  • character development
    13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is widely praised for its appealing and recognizable designs, with players appreciating the diversity and attention to detail in character aesthetics and voice acting. The vibrant art direction and engaging character interactions contribute to a sense of depth, although some critiques highlight inconsistencies in quality. Overall, the character designs are seen as a strong point, enhancing the game's appeal despite mixed opinions on gameplay longevity.

    • “Every character is recognizable and appealing; I've only played for 2 days and can immediately name every character at a glance! Fantastic character design!”
    • “Character design is fun, music and aesthetic is flawless; the overall art direction is very clear and easy to read while still being vibrant and just plain fun to look at.”
    • “Character design is frankly really bad.”
    • “The attention to detail in character designs and the subtle nuances in their interactions deepen the enigma, leaving players questioning the true nature of their identities and the uncanny sense of self-reflection that lingers beneath the surface.”
    • “1) character design & dialogue.”
  • emotional
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is mixed; while some players find it heartbreaking due to the studio's closure and the game's potential, others criticize the lack of a compelling plot and character development, which diminishes emotional investment. Players express a range of feelings, from deep attachment to frustration, particularly when hard-earned achievements can be undone unexpectedly. Overall, the game elicits strong reactions, but its emotional depth may not resonate with everyone.

    • “Overall, I can't recommend this game enough, and it's heartbreaking to see what's become of it.”
    • “It's so painfully heartbreaking to read about the closure of the studio behind Deceive Inc, the Sweet Bandits.”
    • “However, having all your hard work be undone in the final moments of the game by someone who has gone unnoticed can be heartbreaking, but rewarding for your assailant.”
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74%Critics’ scoreBased on 10 critic reviews
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10h Median play time
67h Average play time
5-75h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 35 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Deceive Inc. is a strategy game.

Deceive Inc. is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, Steam Deck and others.

On average players spend around 67 hours playing Deceive Inc..

Deceive Inc. was released on March 21, 2023.

Deceive Inc. was developed by Sweet Bandits Studios.

Deceive Inc. has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its monetization.

Deceive Inc. is a multiplayer game with local co-op support.

Similar games include Wildgate, SUPERVIVE, Friends vs Friends, Eternal Return, Battleborn and others.