Compare Absolum vs Directive 8020

P1 Absolum
P2 Directive 8020

Comparison Takeaways

Absolum

Where It Has the Edge

  • polish is 4.8 vs 3.3. Polish is praised in broad terms, though bug and Switch performance comments prevent a flawless picture.
  • animation quality is 4.7 vs 3.3. Animation is consistently praised as smooth, stylish, expressive, and central to the hand-drawn presentation.
  • onboarding experience is 4.2 vs 2.8. Onboarding is generally approachable after a run or two, though some early systems and the opening hours can...
  • fun factor is 4.5 vs 3.5. Fun factor is high overall because the combat, co-op, and run structure keep most reviewers engaged despite caveats.

Directive 8020

Where It Has the Edge

  • difficulty balance is 4.4 vs 2.7. Difficulty looks flexible, with explorer/survivor-style options, death toggles, and per-player adjustments balancing challenge with accessibility.
  • narrative quality is 4.4 vs 3.0. Narrative quality is the most consistent strength, centered on branching choices, paranoia, identity mistrust, and consequential story paths.
  • progression system is 4.4 vs 3.3. Progression is story-driven, with relationships, decisions, and long-term consequences reshaping outcomes rather than character leveling.
  • weapon balance is 3.8 vs 2.8. Weapon use appears deliberately constrained, with a single firearm and stun tools shaping consequences rather than conventional weapon...
Average score
Product 1: Absolum
4.0
Product 2: Directive 8020
4.1
accessibility options
Product 1: Absolum
4.5

Assist and accessibility options are a repeated strength, with reviewers praising damage sliders, no-damage settings, and flexible difficulty tuning, though online co-op may limit assist use.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.6

Reviews describe flexible customization, easy modes, death toggles, rewind support, and per-player difficulty/accessibility options that broaden access.

AI behavior
Product 1: Absolum
No score yet
Product 2: Directive 8020
2.9

Enemy behavior is divisive: some previews found the creature cautious and trackable, while others criticized rigid movement and predictable patrols.

animation quality
Product 1: Absolum
4.7

Animation is consistently praised as smooth, stylish, expressive, and central to the hand-drawn presentation.

Product 2: Directive 8020
3.3

Animation impressions are mixed: one preview praised lip-sync while another saw lifeless body language and weak performance energy.

art direction
Product 1: Absolum
4.8

Reviewers strongly agree that Absolum's hand-drawn fantasy art and bold visual identity are standout strengths.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.2

The sci-fi horror palette, colored landscapes, and eerie visual influences received positive mentions, though art direction was not deeply examined.

atmosphere
Product 1: Absolum
4.8

The fantasy tone, music, and environmental presentation create a strong atmosphere, though this is usually discussed through art, sound, and world-building.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.5

Most reviewers praised the oppressive spaceship atmosphere, paranoia, isolation, lighting, and sci-fi dread, though one negative preview found some scenes less tense.

boss design
Product 1: Absolum
4.1

Bosses are often called memorable, unique, and mechanically interesting, but a few reviewers criticize late-game or gimmick boss decisions.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
bug frequency
Product 1: Absolum
3.4

Bug evidence is limited, with one reviewer citing several bugs and another noting pre-launch freezes that were patched.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
camera behavior
Product 1: Absolum
No score yet
Product 2: Directive 8020
4.4

Camera shifts from third person to first person were noted as effective for claustrophobic exploration.

character development
Product 1: Absolum
4.0

Character development evidence is moderate: some new character moments expand the story, but several reviewers wanted deeper core-cast development.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.0

Reviewers highlight relationship and personality reactivity, though one preview worried the demo did not yet build enough attachment.

character roster
Product 1: Absolum
4.3

The four-character roster is widely liked for distinct playstyles, though some reviewers wished for more characters or larger parties.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.0

Available information consistently frames the story around five playable astronauts/protagonists, but roster depth beyond that is limited in previews.

checkpoint system
Product 1: Absolum
No score yet
Product 2: Directive 8020
4.5

Turning Points is one of the best-supported positives, repeatedly described as a way to rewind decisions and revisit checkpoints.

class balance
Product 1: Absolum
2.8

Class/build balance is mixed because one review found a build that could trivialize the game.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
co-op experience
Product 1: Absolum
4.3

Co-op is usually praised locally and online, but two-player limits and co-op difficulty tuning create caveats.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.4

Co-op and Movie Night are consistently framed as appealing social ways to experience the branching horror story.

combat system
Product 1: Absolum
4.7

Combat is the clearest consensus strength, repeatedly described as slick, deep, responsive, impactful, and among the best in modern beat-em-ups.

Product 2: Directive 8020
3.8

Combat appears limited and situational, centered on QTE struggles, a stun baton, or firearm moments rather than a full combat system.

companion AI
Product 1: Absolum
4.0

Companion support is mentioned positively through mercenaries, chickens, and helpers that can assist during runs.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
content variety
Product 1: Absolum
3.6

Content variety is divisive: many reviewers praise branching routes and changing events, while others feel repetition sets in too quickly.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.2

Preview slices show a mix of dialogue, exploration, stealth, puzzles, QTEs, and lean-forward/lean-back cinematic sections, though final breadth remains unproven.

controls responsiveness
Product 1: Absolum
4.5

Controls are mostly praised as responsive, fluid, and reliable, though a few defensive inputs require adjustment.

Product 2: Directive 8020
3.9

Control reactions are mixed: several previews appreciated more direct control, but one criticized the sprint modifier and awkward feel.

core gameplay loop
Product 1: Absolum
4.2

The loop is addictive for many reviewers thanks to short runs, build choices, and one-more-run momentum, though some find the grind intrusive.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.2

The core loop is widely described as player-driven horror built around choices, stealth, consequences, and cinematic tension, but Eurogamer and one video found it bland in places.

couch co-op quality
Product 1: Absolum
4.2

Local/couch co-op is regarded as fun and functional, with the main limitation being the two-player cap.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.3

Movie Night’s local party structure is mentioned positively, though detailed couch-session impressions remain limited.

crafting system
Product 1: Absolum
4.3

Build crafting is usually positive, with rituals, trinkets, and synergies adding variety without fully taking over the beat-em-up core.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
crash stability
Product 1: Absolum
4.0

Crash stability evidence is narrow but positive after a pre-launch freeze issue was fixed.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
dialogue quality
Product 1: Absolum
No score yet
Product 2: Directive 8020
4.2

Dialogue is supported mainly through branching choices and messaging options, with reviewers noting that choices can alter reactions and outcomes.

difficulty balance
Product 1: Absolum
2.7

Difficulty balance is one of the most contested areas, with praise for adjustable challenge but criticism of grind, co-op scaling, and late-game spikes.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.4

Difficulty looks flexible, with explorer/survivor-style options, death toggles, and per-player adjustments balancing challenge with accessibility.

economy and resource balance
Product 1: Absolum
3.7

Resource and stat balancing is mixed, with some useful upgrade currencies but concerns that numbers can overshadow action skill.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
emotional impact
Product 1: Absolum
4.5

Emotional impact is mostly tied to escapism and fondness for the world rather than heavy story emotion.

Product 2: Directive 8020
3.9

Emotional impact is mixed: the design targets loss and consequence, but some previews lacked attachment or felt characters underreacted.

endgame content
Product 1: Absolum
2.1

Endgame content is a recurring weakness, with reviewers citing a lack of meaningful progression or frustrating true-final-boss requirements.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
enemy variety
Product 1: Absolum
4.1

Enemy variety is generally positive across regions and bosses, but a few reviewers find repetition or recolors noticeable.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
environmental detail
Product 1: Absolum
5.0

Environmental detail receives strong praise where discussed, especially for detailed textures and themed areas.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.5

Visual detail is a strength, with praise for lighting, textures, disturbing imagery, constructed environments, and environmental storytelling.

exploration quality
Product 1: Absolum
4.6

Exploration is a major strength, with hidden paths, secrets, map changes, side areas, and discoveries across repeated runs.

Product 2: Directive 8020
3.8

Exploration is more active than prior entries, but reactions are split between excitement over added freedom and concern that preview sections felt light.

facial animations
Product 1: Absolum
No score yet
Product 2: Directive 8020
4.4

Facial presentation is praised in the positive and negative previews alike, especially actor likeness and convincing facial/lip-sync work.

faithfulness to franchise
Product 1: Absolum
No score yet
Product 2: Directive 8020
4.5

Reviews generally see Directive 8020 as faithful to Supermassive/Dark Pictures foundations while pushing the formula forward.

frame rate stability
Product 1: Absolum
4.0

Frame rate is generally strong on PC, Steam Deck, and Switch, though Switch evidence includes some drops.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
fun factor
Product 1: Absolum
4.5

Fun factor is high overall because the combat, co-op, and run structure keep most reviewers engaged despite caveats.

Product 2: Directive 8020
3.5

Fun factor is polarized: several previews left excited or wanting more, while Eurogamer found a key section dull.

gameplay mechanics
Product 1: Absolum
4.6

Core mechanics are praised for depth, mastery, combo flexibility, and beat-em-up fundamentals.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.0

Gameplay is a major focus, with more exploration, direct control, stealth, and survival-horror elements, but execution concerns appear in negative previews.

graphics quality
Product 1: Absolum
4.6

Graphics are widely praised for gorgeous hand-drawn art, clean fantasy styling, and strong handheld presentation.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.5

Visual quality receives broad praise, including strong cinematic presentation, impressive textures, and the claim that it is Supermassive’s best-looking game.

grind level
Product 1: Absolum
2.9

Grind level is a central tradeoff: some reviewers find progression tolerable or motivating, while others feel the game forces too much repetition.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
handheld play suitability
Product 1: Absolum
4.8

Handheld suitability is strong, especially on Steam Deck, with Switch and Deck reviews noting good portable play despite minor issues.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
haptic feedback integration
Product 1: Absolum
4.4

Controller feedback is praised where mentioned, especially selective vibration and HD rumble that make hits feel impactful.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
horror tension
Product 1: Absolum
No score yet
Product 2: Directive 8020
4.2

Horror tension is a key strength in many previews, especially claustrophobic stealth and paranoia, though two previews found some encounters underwhelming or predictable.

immersion
Product 1: Absolum
4.8

Immersion is supported through reviewers describing Talamh as engrossing, escapist, and easy to miss after stopping play.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.6

Immersion is strongly tied to the believable spaceship setting, cinematic TV-like structure, and direct-control consequences.

innovation
Product 1: Absolum
4.5

Innovation is supported by the beat-em-up roguelite fusion and buildcrafting, though not every reviewer thinks the blend fully works.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.4

Reviewers often frame the game as an evolution, citing active stealth, more direct control, replay systems, and distinctive sci-fi horror changes.

learning curve
Product 1: Absolum
3.9

The learning curve is accessible but uneven, with easy basics and deeper defensive systems that take patience or experimentation.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
level design
Product 1: Absolum
4.3

Level design is strong overall thanks to handcrafted branching routes, secret areas, and varied biomes, though some repetition remains.

Product 2: Directive 8020
3.9

Level design is mixed: claustrophobic vents and maintenance tunnels work well, while one preview criticized a bland, nondescript station space.

loot system
Product 1: Absolum
2.9

Loot and trinkets add build variety, but some reviewers found passive bonuses underwhelming or hard to parse.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
lore depth
Product 1: Absolum
3.8

Lore depth is mixed: reviewers see rich lore and world details, but some find it self-indulgent or unevenly delivered.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
map and navigation design
Product 1: Absolum
4.2

Map and navigation design supports replay through branching routes and an opening map, but some pathing choices can be unclear.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
matchmaking quality
Product 1: Absolum
4.0

Matchmaking is mentioned as easy to access in one co-op-focused review, but evidence is otherwise limited.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
menu usability
Product 1: Absolum
3.3

Menu usability ranges from sleek and navigable to specific complaints about unclear maps and item prompts blocking information.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
mission design
Product 1: Absolum
3.7

Quest and mission design can create discoveries and new routes, but side quests are also criticized as repetitive or RNG-dependent.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.5

Mission design is promising where choices ripple forward and episodes end on cliffhangers, but evidence is limited to preview chapters.

mission variety
Product 1: Absolum
4.1

Mission variety is supported through routes, secrets, combat scenarios, and quest goals that change runs.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.2

Previews show dialogue, exploration, stealth, puzzles, QTEs, and action beats, though the total mission variety is still unproven.

movement feel
Product 1: Absolum
3.7

Movement feel is mostly positive for fluidity, but several reviews note 2.5D precision or grab/dodge awkwardness.

Product 2: Directive 8020
3.8

Movement is generally improved toward modern third-person horror, but Eurogamer found the demo movement slow and awkward.

multiplayer design
Product 1: Absolum
4.0

Multiplayer design works well for two players and supports local/online play, but reviewers repeatedly wish for more than two players or better co-op balance.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.4

Multiplayer design centers on Movie Night and online/local character sharing, with one preview also noting task-based co-op possibilities.

narrative quality
Product 1: Absolum
3.0

Narrative quality is the most split major attribute, ranging from generic and stilted to masterful or strong after it opens up.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.4

Narrative quality is the most consistent strength, centered on branching choices, paranoia, identity mistrust, and consequential story paths.

onboarding experience
Product 1: Absolum
4.2

Onboarding is generally approachable after a run or two, though some early systems and the opening hours can feel weak or unclear.

Product 2: Directive 8020
2.8

One reviewer found the demo structure confusing, but no full-release onboarding verdict is available.

online stability
Product 1: Absolum
4.5

Online play is positively noted through online co-op and rollback netcode, but detailed stability evidence is limited.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
originality
Product 1: Absolum
4.2

Originality is reflected in reviewers calling the genre fusion refreshing or a new direction for roguelite beat-em-ups.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.4

Originality comes from a focused sci-fi impostor-horror angle inside Supermassive’s cinematic choice formula, though it draws clear genre inspirations.

pacing
Product 1: Absolum
3.6

Pacing is mixed: run length is praised by some, while others say the game takes too long to find its best rhythm.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.2

Pacing is praised for episodic structure, fixed stopping points, and tension-release rhythm, but one preview felt confused by the demo slice.

performance optimization
Product 1: Absolum
4.5

Performance optimization is positive on PC and Steam Deck, with strong efficiency and few reported issues after patching.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
platform-specific feature support
Product 1: Absolum
4.5

Platform-specific support is strongest on Steam Deck, where badge status, controller-first design, and performance are emphasized.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
polish
Product 1: Absolum
4.8

Polish is praised in broad terms, though bug and Switch performance comments prevent a flawless picture.

Product 2: Directive 8020
3.3

Polish is mixed: visual presentation looks strong, but negative previews cite lifeless play and narrative inconsistency.

progression system
Product 1: Absolum
3.3

Progression is highly divisive: some reviewers love the growth systems, while others feel meta-progression gates the best version of the game.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.4

Progression is story-driven, with relationships, decisions, and long-term consequences reshaping outcomes rather than character leveling.

protagonist appeal
Product 1: Absolum
4.2

Playable protagonists are appealing because the quartet has fun archetypes and distinct move sets.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.6

Brianna Young/Lashana Lynch is repeatedly framed as a compelling and recognizable lead.

puzzle design
Product 1: Absolum
No score yet
Product 2: Directive 8020
4.1

Puzzle design appears light but functional, mostly environmental puzzles, bridge terminals, batteries, vents, and choice-flow puzzle logic.

replay value
Product 1: Absolum
4.0

Replay value is highly divisive: many reviewers praise fresh routes, secrets, and one-more-run momentum, while others say repetition or weak postgame limits longevity.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.5

Replay value is strongly supported by branching paths, multiple endings, Turning Points, completionist timelines, and social replays.

save system reliability
Product 1: Absolum
No score yet
Product 2: Directive 8020
4.2

Save/retry philosophy is discussed through locked choices and no save-scumming, but there is no evidence of save corruption or technical reliability problems.

side character depth
Product 1: Absolum
2.8

Side character depth is a weak spot where discussed, with evidence that supporting figures and cast backstory can feel thin or inconsistent.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
skill tree depth
Product 1: Absolum
4.0

Skill trees are positively mentioned as reasons to play multiple heroes, though depth evidence is limited.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
sound design
Product 1: Absolum
4.7

Sound design is a consistent presentation strength, with crunchy impacts, strong effects, and audio that sells combat.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
soundtrack quality
Product 1: Absolum
4.8

The soundtrack is one of the most consistently praised elements, often called excellent, memorable, or among the year's best.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
stealth mechanics
Product 1: Absolum
No score yet
Product 2: Directive 8020
4.0

Stealth is the most divisive gameplay system: many previews praise tense sneaking and distractions, while Eurogamer and one video found it basic or predictable.

tutorial quality
Product 1: Absolum
2.8

Tutorial evidence is mixed to negative where discussed, with one reviewer saying counterattack timing felt off even in the tutorial.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
upgrade system
Product 1: Absolum
2.5

Upgrade systems add important power and variety, but reviewers disagree over whether key moves should be temporary or permanently available.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
user interface design
Product 1: Absolum
3.9

UI evidence is mixed: attack previews help selection, but font scaling on handhelds is a notable complaint.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.2

The utility strap and messaging interface drew positive interest as tools for communication, scanning, and interaction.

value for money
Product 1: Absolum
4.3

Value for money is generally positive, with reviewers citing fair pricing, hours of entertainment, and worthwhile co-op/action value.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.0

Only one source mentions limited-time deluxe upgrade value; there is not enough evidence for a broad price/value verdict beyond that.

visual effects quality
Product 1: Absolum
4.5

Visual effects are impressive and energetic, though on-screen clutter occasionally affects clarity.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
voice acting
Product 1: Absolum
3.7

Voice acting is mixed but leans positive, with several reviewers praising performances and others finding some voices weak or poorly directed.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.3

Voice/performance evidence is positive but limited, with solid acting mentions and focus on recognizable leading talent.

weapon balance
Product 1: Absolum
2.8

Weapon/build balance is only lightly supported; evidence points to some busted ritual/skill combinations rather than traditional weapon balance.

Product 2: Directive 8020
3.8

Weapon use appears deliberately constrained, with a single firearm and stun tools shaping consequences rather than conventional weapon balance.

world-building
Product 1: Absolum
4.2

World-building is frequently praised for history, lore, magical rules, and a rich fantasy setting, though some reviewers want stronger storytelling.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.3

World-building is supported through background communications, environmental storytelling, and the high-stakes colony-ship setup.

world interactivity
Product 1: Absolum
4.5

World interactivity is a strength through breakables, mounts, throwables, environmental traps, and interactable spaces.

Product 2: Directive 8020
No score yet
writing quality
Product 1: Absolum
4.0

Writing is mixed: some reviewers enjoyed the humor and storytelling touches, while others found the broader narrative generic.

Product 2: Directive 8020
4.3

Writing quality is supported by themes, reactive story structure, and paranoia, but final coherence remains a preview-stage question.