In September, Arkane Studios is delivering the next evolution of its trademark immersive sim style with the limited time PlayStation 5 exclusive Deathloop. The stylish FPS has players trapped on a time looped island, where the key to breaking the cycle is assassinating eight high-profile targets in a 24 hour time period. In a big change to the Arkane formula, Deathloop features multiplayer in a form that will be familiar to fans of Dark Souls - invasions.
In Deathloop, players take on the role of Colt, an experienced assassin trying to get off the island of Blackreef, where hordes of Eternalites are content to party for eternity in the loop. One of Colt's eight targets is Julianna, an assassin like himself. Julianna is designed to be controlled by other players, though there is an option to opt out of multiplayer, which makes Julianna AI-controlled. Either way, Julianna is constantly hunting Colt, and there's a good chance another player could be trying to ruin a run, just like the red phantom invaders in Dark Souls.
Players shouldn't worry too much about Julianna frequently spoiling an attempt at escaping Blackreef's loop. According to a feature on Bethesda's website, the invasion mechanic is not available from the start of the game, giving new players plenty of opportunity to acclimate themselves to Deathloop. Additionally, Colt has an ability known as Reprise, which hopes to make Deathloop's invasions less frustrating by giving him multiple lives in a single run, while Julianna only has one. Playing as Colt and taking down Julianna will also bring a hefty reward: potentially great weapons and a lump sum of Residuum, a kind of currency in Deathloop used to permanently unlock items and upgrades between runs.
Playing As Julianna In Deathloop's Invasions
Those who enjoy spoiling the fun in Dark Souls' PvP will likely find the role of Julianna in Deathloop quite interesting. Like a red phantom in Dark Souls, Julianna is considered a friendly by the game's AI, who are on the lookout for Colt, but Deathloop takes that idea a bit further. If Colt is spotted by enemies, Julianna will get a ping indicating Colt's last known location. Conversely, if Julianna happens to find Colt herself, she can summon NPC Eternalites to the area, inundating the Colt player with more enemies. Such tactics might be important to success as Julianna, since her singular life will frequently put her at a disadvantage when facing off against Colt.
Getting into one of Blackreef's four unconventionally time-looped districts is rather similar whether players play as Colt or Julianna. A load out can be built from available weapons and abilities before being set loose in the playable area. When players hop int0 a game as Julianna, the Colt player will already be in the district, needing to be tracked down. This is where Deathloop's map knowledge becomes crucial, and a main reason for Arkane to introduce the invasion mechanics after players have had a chance to familiarize themselves with Deathloop. Missing NPC patrols or looted weaponry is a sign of Colt passing through the area recently.
Julianna also has rewards for accomplishing her mission, though they don't appear to be as tangible as those awarded to Colt for killing the rival Deathloop assassin. Despite the sadistic joy of ruining another player's attempt at breaking the loop, Julianna can receive special cosmetics for eliminating her target. Player freedom is paramount in Arkane's immersive sims, and Deathloop is no different, so invading players can choose to help Colt if they feel like it. Dropping items and showing opposing players the way through a level are actions that draw another parallel to Dark Souls and its rarely good-natured red phantoms invaders.
Source: Bethesda