Breaking the Loop - Deathloop - Ep 6

NighHawk64 presents episode 6 of the Deathloop playthrough series.

Starting this game has been a long time coming. I had purchased if over a year ago but given all the big releases over the last year, it's taken me a while to get to but I couldn't be more excited to play. This episode is the introduction of the game and me starting to learn the ropes of the loop.

The story can be somewhat complex to explain to someone who hasn't played or heard of this game before. I tried my best I coming up with a solid description of what I've learned so far.

Deathloop is a first-person action-adventure game developed by Arkane Studios, renowned for their work on the Dishonored series, and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game takes place on the enigmatic island of Blackreef, a lawless and chaotic place where time is trapped in a perpetual loop. Players take on the role of Colt Vahn, a highly skilled assassin who wakes up each day with no memory, only to realize that he's trapped in a repeating 24-hour cycle. His only way out? To break the loop by assassinating eight key targets known as the "Visionaries" before the day resets.

However, it's not as simple as it seems. Each target has a unique personality, routine, and skillset, and they are scattered across four distinct districts of the island. Time in Deathloop plays a crucial role—morning, noon, afternoon, and evening cycles bring different events, security setups, and opportunities in each district. Colt must use his knowledge from previous loops to manipulate events, find patterns, and craft the perfect assassination sequence within the same day.

Adding further complexity is Julianna Blake, a rival assassin who actively hunts Colt and is determined to keep the loop intact. Julianna can be controlled by AI or by other players, creating an unpredictable cat-and-mouse dynamic that keeps the tension high. With her own set of powerful abilities, weapons, and knowledge, she forces Colt to remain vigilant, as dying at her hands resets the loop.

In terms of gameplay, Deathloop embraces Arkane’s signature blend of fluid combat, parkour-style movement, and emergent gameplay, where players are encouraged to experiment with a variety of powers, weapons, and tools. The game's art style combines a retro 1960s-inspired aesthetic with futuristic, sci-fi elements, creating a unique atmosphere that balances between nostalgia and dystopia. Colt can acquire supernatural abilities, similar to the ones seen in Dishonored, such as teleportation, telekinesis, and the power to link enemies' fates together.

As players progress, they can unlock a system of Residuum, a resource that allows Colt to carry over weapons, abilities, and upgrades across loops, giving a sense of permanent progression even within the time loop structure. Strategy, resource management, and precision are vital as Colt pieces together how to manipulate time and events to his advantage.

At its core, Deathloop blends a fascinating narrative with innovative game mechanics, where every loop offers new clues, opportunities, and challenges. It's a puzzle-box game disguised as a first-person shooter, filled with stylish action, witty dialogue, and a dynamic, ever-shifting world that rewards curiosity and creativity.

I hope you enjoyed the gameplay and commentary. As always, thanks for watching. See you in the next loop.

NightHawk signing off