Developer: Quantic Dream
Release Date: May 25, 2018
Genre: Action-adventure
Platforms: PS4
The neo-noir thriller Detroit: Become Human is set in the 2036 Detroit city. Advanced technology blends seamlessly with the metropolitan life where humanoid androids have replaced humans in most tasks: as workers, babysitters, gardeners, nurses, teachers, clerks and even as assistants to the wealthy.
Detroit starts with an unexplained incident that begins to affect the Androids—making some disappear strangely, some respond with unexpected behaviours and begin to show signs of emotions. The rumours of “deviant” androids start spreading, but no one seems to know the real cause.
The story presents three pivotal (playable) characters—Kara, Connor and Markus—each with unique perspectives as they begin their ‘human’ way of life. The story will handle disturbing themes like domestic violence and child abuse and parallels can be drawn to slavery and racism. In this ambitiously bending and thrilling narrative from Quantic Dream, every choice and action will determine not only the character’s fate, but that of the entire city and possibly the world’s.
Although Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls (both from Quantic Dream) presented distinct gameplay elements, everything somehow seemed predetermined. For many, it was like taking part in an interactive movie than an actual adventure game. Yes, there were branching plot lines that changed depending on player choices, but they were within relatively linear paths. Specific actions and decisions—until each game's conclusion—did not seem to matter much.
Detroit: Become Human is by far Quantic Dream's most ambitious project to date. There are so many story branches and each game run-through can feel very different from the other. Even the major, playable characters can be killed off and left out of the remainder of the game. There is also less reliance on cut-scenes and more interaction, even when performing seemingly meaningless tasks.
Detroit is a game designed such that you feel part of it and in total control. Yes, it is still a game designed in a certain way with certain storylines and plots, but when it comes to the level of choice, Detroit offers something greater. A hands-on play can definitely convince you.
The game adopts a forensic clue system and lets you wander around and explore environments, performing set and optional tasks. Game mechanics like freezing time and rewinding crime scenes from memory/history makes sense, since the main characters are androids. The flow chat that appears after each chapter mentions the various outcomes that you might have missed – keeping you quite informed. The smooth gameplay and stellar graphics put you in a world which feels living and breathing. And, the cut scenes (if any) are interspersed so well that there is no noticeable change in graphical fidelity.
Let the emotions conquer!
Disclaimer: This article contains information and details of a game, revealed through early access and gameplay trailers. The developers may make changes prior to the official release.