Directive 8020's studio's ambition isn’t always matched by execution, with stealth encounters rarely delivering on their promise of vulnerability. Occasionally flat facial animations and performance stutters dilute the experience further, the former especially jarring as so much character interaction relies on interrogating expressions and mannerisms. But then, saying that, the game underdelivers on its mimic concept overall. They could be among us, but – on my playthrough at least – they rarely revealed themselves. Even with its inconsistencies, Directive 8020 marks a compelling step forward for The Dark Pictures Anthology, trading the series’ identity for an immersive, real-time leap.