It’s already been a year since death loop was released on PlayStation 5 and PC. Now is the time for Microsoft to reclaim its rights to Arkane Studios’ latest finished project, after a temporary exclusivity that cut off this well-received FPS from its consoles. Announced last week, this port is available now on the Xbox Game Pass, and offered 69.99 euros on the online store.
In addition, the title is coming to Xbox Series X | S with a major update called golden loop, also available on other platforms. On the program, content, but also graphic modes to adapt his experience to his desires, or to his way of playing. Let’s go back for an article on this rather special FPS in the Arkane and Bethesda portfolio, in order to better present its big free update.
Time loop but linear progression
It may seem absurd presented in this way, yet under its air of a game with totally free progression, death loop is well and truly constructed in a linear fashion. But do not take this for a defect, since the software from Arkane Studios on the contrary has a narration that fits perfectly into its cruising speed. It would surely have been interesting to allow players to move forward according to their own investigations in this sympathetic story, but it must be recognized that everything works rather well that way. This will not be denied by our test dating from last year.
Especially because death loop succeeds where other Arkane games failed miserably: in its action aspect. Certainly, Dishonored and its sequel offered a remarkable variety of approaches, with the possibility of rushing into the heap and using a rather varied arsenal. But the series has never shone via the sensations offered by its fights, which have always suffered from a certain softness. As for the most recent Preywhich will have less marked the spirits in spite of its undeniable quality, it centered its gameplay around various gadgets but also firearms, but did not manage to make their use fully satisfactory.
It is indeed on this single point that death loop outclasses its elders. The arsenal it offers is substantial and the return offered by the weapons is enjoyable. In short, fighting there is exhilarating. This does not prevent it from benefiting from an awesome level design, Arkane’s trademark, and thus from a variety of interesting approaches, again. And whether you choose to focus on the systematic destruction of your enemies, or prefer to play it infiltration, the increase in power offered by the discovery of new artifacts and gadgets will always remain palpable. Which is surprising after a long introduction that leaves us in a certain vagueness.
Apart from that, the title offers a rather suitable dressing, with an original and striking artistic direction, but a dated technical realization. Everything remains rather pretty to look at, but quite voracious on PC, strangely. There remains a surprising, very complete content, as well as an interesting and very inspired lore, to discover by reading the scattered documents, by listening to the conversations of the enemies, or by progressing in the intrigue. Finally, we can only salute its very successful environmental narrative.
What about Goldenloop, this substantial update?
With the arrival of death loop on Xbox consoles, a rather comprehensive update is therefore worth noting. Goldenloop, from its small name, is above all a way to optimize the software, to offer it additional graphic modes to adapt its experience to its desires. Thus, the Xbox Series X is entitled to 4K running at 60fps, favoring the choice of rendering or framerate; 4K running at 30fps but offering compatibility with VRR, and therefore improved rendering; finally at 1080p running at 120fps for unfailing fluidity.
Finally, there is no doubt to the Xbox Series S that this update will benefit the most. Indeed, this lightened model in terms of power benefits from two different modes allowing it to run death loop without a hitch. The title can thus operate in 1080p for 60 fps, and it is possible, as with its big sister, to favor the rendering or the framerate. Nice little attention for owners of Series S, and there are many of them, to whom recent games do not always give a gift.
But the most interesting thing Goldenloop has to offer is a small list of additional content. Enough to make those who have already completed their adventure want to come back? Nothing is less certain, unfortunately. In effect, we are mainly offered something to improve the experience of newcomers. More concretely, this big update brings a new weapon, an enriched end, new enemies, additional improvements, and one more power. The experience therefore does not really vary from that presented a year ago on PS5 and PC, but it offers some small bonuses for those who will take the time to dig into the recesses of its small but dense map.
What we especially remember is the arrival of Cross-Play, which will now allow game owners to engage in Protect The Loop mode with players of all media. Said mode is also still fun, although it remains to deplore its quickly losing interest. But it’s also an opportunity to let players from other supports invade your game in the skin of Julianna. Remember also that the title, if it offers this not unpleasant feature, can despite everything be done entirely in offline mode. A little extra for those who don’t have access to a constant connection, or who would simply like to experience the adventure at their own pace.
What to remember from Deathloop on Xbox?
A year later, Arkane Studios’ latest baby is finally coming to Xbox Series X|S and it’s definitely great news. The game hasn’t aged a bit, and even offers itself the luxury of somewhat enhanced content. Although you should not expect to touch it in a handful of hours of play, since it is for those who intend to take an exhaustive tour of their adventure.
And that’s good, because once launched in death loop, hard to put down the handle. Because change of console or not, the title always has the same qualities, starting with an original universe and a very successful gameplay. In short, we still recommend it to you as much, if not more, since not content to afford a paid version, it also lands on the Game Pass (as well as on the PS Plus Extra). A real luxury!