Section 13 is a game that does the basics well, but it misses the mark on many key elements. Accordingly, though I enjoyed what I saw and heard, I wanted it to evolve more than it did. However, if you love old-school games and you remember classic looter shooters, you will get a pleasant sense of nostalgia.
This isometric rogue-lite was developed by Ocean Drive Studio, Inc. and published by Kakao Games. It is both a single-player and multiplayer experience. Sadly, the online servers are dead, and I never got to play with anyone else. Consequently, I can only focus on the single-player gameplay. Had I been able to play it online, it could have removed some of the negative elements I encountered.
Section 13 tells a clichéd and occasionally silly plot.
Scientific experiments and failure go hand-in-hand. Unsurprisingly, Section 13 takes this idea to the extreme. An Omega-level containment breach forces a black-site to lockdown. The expendable team are sent in to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, the zombie-like foes are too powerful, and the team is destroyed. Luckily for them, they are in a perpetual time loop, and death is more of an inconvenience than total failure.
In typical genre fashion, you will die repeatedly. Yet, this matters not, as the game is designed to kick your butt. As you explore each dark level, you will discover slight twists to each setting. Whether it is new monsters, rooms, or entry points, the developer has tried to keep things fresh. At its core is a repetitive gameplay loop. Enter the containment zone, destroy zombies, find collectables, and die.
Bosses, upgrades, and standard mechanics.
As you progress, you will earn temporary and permanent upgrades. The latter improves your player stats, weaponry, and chances of staying alive. The temporary boosts deliver larger ammo clips, stronger firepower, projectiles, agility, better health, and so forth. This is where Section 13 excels. There are plenty of fun character builds to play with.
On top of this, there are 4 playable characters to master. Each hero has unique strengths and weaknesses that complement your arsenal of weapons. Subsequently, you must choose the right person and loadout for each different playstyle. Though this isn’t quite balanced, it was fun trying new things.
Nailing each of the giant bosses was fun. However, the 2 main bosses and a secret one were not enough to quench my thirst. I expected much more, and I live in hope that the developer adds more content to pad things out.
Section 13 is grim but great to look at.
The isometric viewpoint and well-conceived camera help to keep you focused. Each level is nicely marked out, and moving from A to B was never an issue. Though there are hordes of zombies to face, the game doesn’t falter. I had no glitches, frame rate drops or bugs. Additionally, the impressive dark colour palette was grim but brilliantly atmospheric.
The audio is just as dark. Hellish music pounds away as you explore the disgusting world. Moreover, the screams of each foe and the booming noise of your gun are enough to turn your stomach. The result is a loud and obnoxious game that will hurt your ears.
Excellent controls.
I was impressed and surprised by the simple control system. Section 13 has a pleasant tutorial that sends you on your way. After that, you learn the finer points through some trial and error. This may annoy some people, but failure is guaranteed, and one more death matters not.
Though Section 13 is relatively short, it keeps you coming back. The 4 unique characters add depth, and the arsenal of weapons is fun to experiment with. Though I wanted more, this isn’t a bad game if you want something quick and relatively easy to play.
Section 13 needed a bit more oomph.
I wish the developer had added more content and more ideas. Furthermore, the lack of online action on Xbox was a shame. Though this problem could be resolved, I don’t see the game taking off the way it should. Accordingly, though it is limited, I like it and recommend buying it here! Can you discover what’s behind the breach? Pick a hero, grab a gun, and hope for some luck.
