For most of its history, Arkane Studios has been known for the Dishonored series, which features stealth gameplay and moral choices for players to make, but in 2021, the studio took a break from its flagship franchise and released Deathloop. This eccentric title borrows many elements from Dishonored but introduces plenty of new features and gimmicks. The studio's experimentation with a new IP was a success, and the playing field is perfect for a sequel.A new Deathloop game would developers a chance to design a new time loop for players to work through, which would be exciting, especially if Blackreef is abandoned for a new setting. It would also allow developers to improve on the first game, especially the stealth gameplay. Though there has been no official announcement of a Deathloop sequel, it has been hinted at by voice actors.
A Deathloop Sequel Is a Chance to Explore a New Loop
Deathloop is set on Blackreef, a strange island where time does not flow as one would expect. Colt washes up on the island with no memories of how he arrived there. He soon discovers that he is stuck in an endless time loop, and he will have to defeat the Visionaries of Blackreef if he wishes to get home. Although all the Visionaries stand in Colt's path, his main rival is Julianna, and she is constantly hunting him down. It takes a bit of puzzle-solving and some intense showdowns with Visionaries with big personalities, but Colt can escape Blackreef.
Deathloop ties up its loose ends quite well, and it would be difficult for a sequel to center on Cole again. Consequently, a Deathloop sequel would be a good opportunity for Arkane Studios to explore a new loop with a new protagonist, new Visionaries, and a new setting. This would also make it easy for newcomers to jump into the series without having to play the prior game. Although Blackreef was a well-designed setting that provided plenty of surprises, exploring time loops in a new setting would ensure that there are new story threads to enjoy, even for series veterans.
A Deathloop Sequel Could Improve on Its Predecessor
Upon release, Deathloop was well-received, which should not be a surprise, as Arkane Studios has plenty of experience with first-person shooters thanks to the Dishonored series. Critics praised the complex plot and the way the game toys with time. The game has also been applauded for its stunning visuals and the way it gives players multiple ways to deal with enemies. Although Deathloop is impressive, there is a lot that Arkane Studios could improve on, and this could be done in a sequel.
The most important thing developers should improve in a sequel is the stealth gameplay. Although it is possible to sneak past enemies, the stealth mechanics feel undercooked, and there aren't many opportunities for gamers to make use of creativity when deciding to go the stealth route. A Deathloop sequel could fix this by taking notes from franchises like Metal Gear Solid and giving players more tools to aid with stealth strategies. Gadgets to make players look like another Eternalist, or sticky traps to keep enemies in place momentarily would do a lot to make stealth gameplay more engaging.
Earlier this year, Jason Kelley, who voices Colt, tweeted an image of him in a recording studio, along with a Deathloop hashtag, and this had gamers speculating that a sequel may be in the works. This would be a good move for Arkane Studios, as Deathloop has a lot of potential as a franchise, especially if the multiplayer aspects are expanded upon. Hopefully, this isn't the last gamers see of Deathloop.
Deathloop is available now on PC and PS5.