Deadeye Deepfake Simulacrum
" Innovative cyberpunk action RPG with deep hacking and bullet control, but steep early difficulty "
Deadeye Deepfake Simulacrum Review
Deadeye Deepfake Simulacrum (DDS) is a unique top-down immersive sim that masterfully blends combat, hacking, and stealth mechanics, offering players an impressive degree of freedom in playstyle customization. The game’s high-lethality combat demands strategic thinking and experimentation with various skill and equipment combinations, allowing for diverse approaches from aggressive gunplay to intricate hacking strategies.
Visually, DDS features a minimalist, lo-fi cyberpunk aesthetic enhanced by subtle CRT effects and quirky sound design, which complements its surreal and often humorous narrative. The game boasts deep, complex systems involving resource management and character builds, encouraging multiple playthroughs to uncover all content, including missable levels and endings. While the difficulty curve is steep initially, perseverance rewards players with a satisfying and fresh immersive sim experience. Dialogue is quirky and impactful, with meaningful choices that affect interactions. Overall, DDS is praised for its innovative mechanics, rich content, and distinctive atmosphere, making it a standout title in the indie RPG genre.
Highlights
Players highly praise DDS for its innovative hacking mechanics, including the ability to hack bullets mid-flight and interact with nearly every in-game object.
The game’s freedom of expression through varied skill builds and equipment combinations allows for unique gameplay styles, from stealth to all-out combat.
The quirky, surreal storyline and engaging dialogue add charm and depth, while the minimalist cyberpunk visuals and atmospheric sound design create an immersive experience.
Many highlight the game’s challenging yet rewarding difficulty curve and the wealth of hidden content that encourages multiple playthroughs.
Criticisms
Some players find the game’s high difficulty and steep learning curve frustrating at the start, with early missions requiring multiple attempts to clear.
The combat’s high lethality combined with enemy reaction speed can make initial progression challenging for newcomers.
While the minimalist graphics suit the style, some may perceive them as too simple or lacking polish.
A few mention that the quirky dialogue may not appeal to everyone, and the sound effects, though fitting, can be odd.
There is little mention of bugs, indicating solid technical performance overall.
Pros
- • Innovative hacking mechanics including bullet manipulation mid-flight create unique gameplay.
- • High player freedom with diverse builds and equipment combinations to suit playstyles.
- • Engaging, quirky, and surreal narrative with meaningful dialogue choices.
- • Minimalist cyberpunk aesthetic enhanced by CRT effects and fitting sound design.
- • Challenging but rewarding difficulty curve that encourages strategic thinking.
- • Hidden content and multiple endings encourage replayability and exploration.
- • Immersive sim elements combined with RPG customization offer deep gameplay.
Cons
- • Steep initial difficulty may frustrate new players during early missions.
- • High lethality combat and fast enemy reactions can be unforgiving.
- • Minimalist graphics might feel too simple or unpolished for some.
- • Quirky dialogue style may not suit all player preferences.
- • Sound effects are odd and may not appeal to everyone.
- • Some skills or builds can feel overpowered, reducing challenge.
- • Requires multiple playthroughs to experience all content, which may deter casual players.
Rating Criteria
Embody the ultimate cybernetic corporate agent. Master deadly gunplay, time manipulation, and supernatural abilities. Hack computers, people, even the individual bullets flying at you. Confront the future, and die trying.