Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020 Should Avoid a Sci-Fi Horror Trope

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Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020 Should Avoid a Sci-Fi Horror Trope

Highlights

  • Directive 8020 will venture into sci-fi, but needs to avoid the simulation trope to stand out in the anthology series.
  • Cosmic horror is a hot theme in media, and Directive 8020 should embrace real threats for a more terrifying experience.
  • House of Ashes set a high bar with its outlandish ending, inspiring Directive 8020 to focus on cosmic horror for success.

As a seasoned fan of The Dark Pictures Anthology, I can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension as we edge closer to the release of Directive 8020. Having witnessed the highs and lows of this gripping anthology series, I’m eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the saga.

Beware! The following piece discusses key plot points from “The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan” and “House of Ashes”. Proceed with caution if you haven’t finished these games!

The collection known as The Dark Pictures Anthology has breathed life into some captivating short horror tales, and its upcoming chapter, titled Directive 8020, will delve into the realm of science fiction. Previous stories in this anthology, such as Man of Medan and House of Ashes, have each offered distinct perspectives on the horror genre. It’s exciting to consider how the series will tackle blending sci-fi and horror elements in its narrative.

I can hardly contain my excitement as I eagerly await next week’s Gamescom event where Supermassive Games might unveil more details about Directive 8020! Admittedly, not much is known about this upcoming title, but considering Supermassive’s knack for keeping their projects under wraps, it seems that Directive 8020 could be one of the most enigmatic entries yet within The Dark Pictures Anthology.

Directive 8020 Could Be Falling Into a Trope Trap

Supermassive Games Should Avoid Another Gotcha Moment

If Directive 8020 aims to distinguish itself within the franchise, it’s advisable to steer clear of the simulation narrative. While it’s a popular device in sci-fi, the twist where characters realize their reality is a simulation can be effective when executed skillfully. Shows like “Black Mirror” and “Love, Death, and Robots” demonstrate this trope effectively, but for Directive 8020, employing this technique could risk falling short of expectations.

The interest in cosmic horror themes is on the rise in media, so instead of leaving players feeling bewildered, Directive 8020 could embrace this concept and provide an enjoyable experience. Man of Medan, for instance, showcases how a twist like this can miss the mark when it comes to delivering a satisfying ending. Among all the games in the series, Man of Medan is considered one of the less successful entries due mainly to its disappointing conclusion. The story’s final twist that Manchurian Gold, a biochemical agent causing hallucinations, was responsible for everything, didn’t live up to expectations.

From my perspective as a fan, House of Ashes turned out to be an unexpected treat with its mind-blowing finale. Instead of leading players astray with red herrings, House of Ashes sticks to its guns by unveiling an outrageous revelation: parasitic Vampires have been lurking beneath the sands of Iraq all along. It’s a twist that’s crazy enough to be fulfilling, and Directive 8020 could learn a thing or two from House of Ashes, rather than taking inspiration from Man of Medan or Little Hope.

Directive 8020 Introducing Cosmic Horror to the Dark Pictures Anthology

Currently, cosmic horror is all the rage in pop culture. Ranging from the forthcoming DLC for Starfield titled Shattered Space to the revival of the Alien series with Fede Alvarez’s Alien: Romulus, combining science fiction and horror provides an exciting avenue for narrative exploration. Instead of opting for the unchallenging approach by portraying the horrors as mere simulations, Directive 8020 would benefit from fully embracing its premise to create a truly chilling tale. The most engaging games in this genre have proven more captivating when the perils and creatures are authentic. While the idea of a story’s occurrences being a hallucination or a dream has been a recurring trope in storytelling, it may come across as uninspired if not executed skillfully.

Next week, I can’t wait to uncover what’s coming up next for The Dark Pictures Anthology with the release of more details about Directive 8020. If Supermassive Games manages to fully explore the project’s terrifying cosmic horror elements, then Directive 8020 might just be the game that takes the series to a new level.

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2024-08-17 20:24