Section 13: Uncovering the Mystery of a Corporate Apocalypse [Review]

Section 13 is a roguelite twin-stick shooter that promises intense action, quirky characters, and a touch of humor. Developed by Ocean Drive Studios (Lost Eidolons, Dropkick Navvy), the game is available on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X, which I tested. While it has some interesting ideas, Section 13 struggles to define its audience and deliver a compelling experience. The setting is about a secretive base, overrun by zombies and other monsters, which you have to clear as an agent of that organization.

Also interesting: ‘Vampire Survivors’ Is an Indie Roguelite That Will Take You on a Thrilling Ride

The gameplay in Section 13, formerly named “Blackout Protocol”, works as expected for a twin-stick shooter. The controls are responsive, and the mechanics are solid, but there’s nothing particularly innovative here. That’s not necessarily bad; sometimes, sticking to the basics is enough. However, for a genre that thrives on creativity and unique hooks, Section 13 feels like it’s playing it safe.

Co-op and replayability are missing in action

One of the game’s most anticipated features, co-op, is not yet available on Xbox Series X. This is a significant omission, as the game feels like it was designed with co-op in mind. While solo play is manageable, certain moments can feel overwhelming, especially when facing waves of enemies. The high difficulty aligns with what you’d expect from a roguelite, where dying and improving are part of the core experience.

Unfortunately, Section 13 stumbles when it comes to replayability. The lack of procedurally generated maps means you’re running through the same levels every time, quickly becoming repetitive. This was a major drawback for me, but other players might not think of that as critical. Additionally, each run feels overly long, making progression slow and time-consuming. This pacing issue is a significant drawback for a genre that thrives on quick, engaging loops.

Atmosphere: What now? Scary or funny?

The game’s atmosphere leans heavily into parody and comedy, with an art style reminiscent of Fortnite. Similar to the scope of Section 13, I even remember early Fortnite visions of a zombie defense co-op game before battle royale hit the scene. It works, but it feels like “I’ve seen that before”. While this approach might appeal to some, it feels at odds with the roguelite genre’s usual focus on tension and grit. The voice acting, while enthusiastic, often comes across as overacted and grating, making the characters feel more like caricatures than compelling personalities. The result is a game that struggles to establish a consistent tone.

On the technical side, Section 13 performs well. I didn’t encounter bugs, crashes, or performance issues on Xbox Series X, which is always a plus. The game runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on the action without distractions. I didn’t need to see my username on top of my character the whole time, but that’s just a minor notice.

Closing thoughts: A game in search of its audience

Section 13 has potential, but it’s unclear who it’s trying to appeal to. Hardcore players might find the parody tone off-putting, while casual gamers could be discouraged by the difficulty and lack of replayability. Adding co-op on consoles could make it more appealing, but as it stands, Section 13 feels like a game that hasn’t quite found its identity.

Looking for something more realistic: Is ‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance II’ the Realist’s Choice for RPG Fans? [Review]

If you’re considering picking it up, I recommend watching gameplay footage (like the first hour of our Let’s Play video below) and reading more reviews to ensure it meets your expectations. However, I don’t see myself returning to it anytime soon.

YouTube: Let’s Play – Section 13 [Gameplay, No Commentary]

Photo credit: The images shown are owned by Ocean Drive Studio and were made available for press usage.
Editorial notice: We received a press key to test the game and prepare a review, but were not paid to cover the title.