Deathloop (PS5) - Review

Addictive Time-Loop Tactics with Retro Style

On paper, Deathloop didn’t really seem like my kind of game. The idea of repeating the same day over and over sounded tedious. But much like a game like Hitman, once you get into it, the repetition becomes part of the fun. It’s all about learning, experimenting, and gradually mastering the systems at play. Developed by Arkane Studios (Dishonored, Prey), Deathloop is a first-person shooter that blends sandbox gameplay with a clever and rewarding time-loop mechanic.

Kill the Loop Before It Kills You

You play as Colt, a man trapped on the mysterious island of Blackreef, waking up each morning to the same repeating day. Colt’s only way out? Break the loop by assassinating eight key Visionaries before the day resets. The catch? They’re scattered across different locations, often with conflicting schedules, and they won’t go down easy.

The concept is simple but compelling: every loop teaches you something new about your environment, your enemies, and how the world ticks. Bit by bit, you gather the knowledge and skills needed to break the cycle. The game is surprisingly addictive, constantly rewarding your curiosity and experimentation. When you finally pull off the perfect run, it’s incredibly satisfying. 

Learn, Adapt, Master

The gameplay is a tight mix of stealth, exploration, puzzle-solving, and dynamic combat. Fans of Prey will immediately recognize Arkane’s signature style: smart level design, supernatural powers, and multiple paths to every objective. You can go in guns blazing or sneak through a level unseen—and both styles are viable and satisfying.
One of Deathloop’s strengths lies in how it treats failure. Dying or running out of time doesn’t feel punishing; it’s part of the learning curve. Each loop is a chance to sharpen your approach, discover new leads, and push the narrative forward.
Abilities and weapons are upgradeable, and thanks to the Residuum system, you can retain your favorite gear across loops—eliminating the fear of losing everything after a reset. This creates a great balance between challenge and progression.

Style with Substance

The island of Blackreef is divided into four main districts, each with its own unique layout, atmosphere, and secrets. Time of day also affects each area, altering enemy routines, events, and environmental hazards. This gives the game an impressive sense of variety despite its looped structure.
Colt’s banter with Julianna, a rival assassin who hunts him through the loops, is a highlight. Their dynamic is witty, sarcastic, and layered with mystery. Julianna can even be controlled by another player in multiplayer mode, it adds some unpredictability and tension to your runs mut can also be a bit annoying.

Deathloop isn’t just another shooter—it’s a game that asks you to think, adapt, and experiment. With its inventive design, stylish 70s-inspired retrofuturistic aesthetic, and rewarding gameplay loop, it’s a standout title that appeals to fans of stealth-action and narrative-driven games alike.

Final Rating: 8.5 / 10

Pros

• Innovative and rewarding time-loop gameplay
• Bold art direction with retrofuturistic flair
• Deep, sandbox-style level design encourages experimentation
• Clever mix of action, stealth, and puzzle-solving

Cons

• Repetition may wear on players who prefer faster pacing
• Some missions can feel overly reliant on trial-and-error
• Can be overwhelming at first due to non-linear structure