Summary
This article contains spoilers forThe Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of MedanandHouse of Ashes.
The Dark Pictures Anthologyhas brought some intriguing short horror stories to life, and its next chapter will venture into the sci-fi genre withDirective 8020. FromMan of MedantoHouse of Ashes, the stories featured inThe Dark Pictures Anthologyhave all had their own unique takes on the genre. However, it will be compelling to see how the series addresses mixing sci-fi and horror.
Supermassive Games has confirmed thatDirective 8020will make an appearance at next week’s Gamescom, hopefully revealing more story details. Despite the setting and genre,there isn’t much known aboutDirective 8020. Supermassive Games always has fun teasing its upcoming additions to the series, butDirective 8020may be one of the most secretive entries yet.The Dark Pictures Anthologyusually tends to have some sort of twist at its climax, which is a traditionDirective 8020is likely to continue. However, the game needs to avoid falling into the trap of using a specific sci-fi trope as its shock ending.
Directive 8020 Could Be Falling Into a Trope Trap
Supermassive Games Should Avoid Another Gotcha Moment
IfDirective 8020really wants to stand out in the franchise, then the game needs to avoid the simulation trope. A common trick in sci-fi is to reveal that something someone has been experiencing has been a simulation all along. Granted, this trope can be done incredibly well.Black Mirror’s “Playtest” andLove, Death, and Robots' “Beyond the Aquila Rift” are strong examples of this trope, butDirective 8020taking this approach could easily fall flat.
Exploring cosmic horror has been growing popular in the media, andDirective 8020should allow itself to have fun with this concept instead of pulling the rug out from under its players.Man of Medanis a good example of how this type of twist can fail at sticking the landing. Out of all the games in the series,Man of Medanis one of the weakest entries, mostly because of its ending. The story’s big reveal that Manchurian Gold, a biochemical weapon that makes those who come in contact with it hallucinate, was the culprit all along, turned out to be disappointing.
On the flip side,House of Asheswas a pleasant surprise with its outlandish ending. Instead of tricking players with misdirection,House of Ashesdelivers on its premisewith a wild revelation that parasitic Vampires have been dwelling underneath the deserts of Iraq. It’s a wild twist that is just crazy enough to be satisfying, andDirective 8020would benefit better by looking atHouse of Ashesfor inspiration instead ofMan of MedanorLittle Hope.
Directive 8020 Introducing Cosmic Horror to the Dark Pictures Anthology
Cosmic horror is a hot theme right now. FromStarfield’s upcomingShattered SpaceDLCto the return of theAlienfranchise with Fede Alvarez’sAlien: Romulus, blending sci-fi and horror is a fun frontier to explore when it comes to storytelling. Instead of taking the easy way out by saying the horrors are simply a simulation,Directive 8020should really lean into its premise in order to offer a more terrifying story. The best games in the anthology have been more rewarding when the threats and monsters are real. Although the concept of a story’s events being a hallucination or a dream has been a long-running device in storytelling, it can feel lazy if not pulled off correctly.
It will be exciting to seewhat is in store next for the Dark Pictures Anthology when more information aboutDirective 8020is revealed next week. If Supermassive Games can properly lean into the project’s cosmic horror themes, thenDirective 8020has the potential to be the next big hit in the series.
