Why Deathloop’s Reviews Are So Good (But Not On Steam)

Deathloop is a fast-paced, action-adventure game with roguelike aspects and limited multiplayer options that have earned it excellent reviews, just not on Steam. Despite Deathloop’s intuitive systems and complex gameplay, many users have been displeased with the game’s performance on PC. This controversy is a familiar, uphill battle that also occurred with Dishonored 2, which suffered performance-related issues despite its popular gameplay. The root cause is likely Denuvo DRM, an anti-piracy software known for these effects.

Deathloop is a fast-paced, action-adventure FPS where players take the roles of Colt or Julianna on a time-locked island called Blackreef. Though player progress is reset after each death, Deathloop is not a roguelike game. There is no randomization of in-game maps or assets, giving players immense freedom to solve puzzles and face powerful enemies across the map. Colt’s primary objective is breaking the loop that Blackreef is trapped in, while Julianna will consistently appear to defeat Colt and save the loop. As players continue traversing Blackreef, in-game documents and dialogue will reveal more information about the world’s state and how it came to be, increasing the game’s replayability.

Deathloop is available on Steam for PC users, but its reviews are only 68% positive due to performance issues related to Denuvo DRM. Denuvo DRM is anti-piracy software that game developers use to protect profits, but Denuvo has been the subject of controversy for many years. Though there are conflicting reports, many users insist Denuvo DRM causes stuttering, lag, and rendering issues. As a result, many of Deathloop’s buyers have taken to review bombing the game to urge Bethesda and Arkane to remove this software and replace it with a more reliable brand.

Despite Denuvo’s Issues, Deathloop’s Gameplay Is Intuitive And Refreshing

While Deathloop resembles Dishonored with its gameplay and world, it improves the game’s formula with more fast-paced action. Dishonored emphasized a long-term investment in Corvo’s character, forcing players to dedicate dozens of hours of gameplay to accomplish their activities. Players can embrace a more bite-sized adventure with Colt, whose death or expiration of the time limit will cause the time loop to reset. While the time loop trope can be a tired one, the game has received positive reviews for its mechanics and gameplay.

Deathloop’s multiplayer is a unique system, with Julianna and Colt engaging in drop-in PvP combat across Blackreef. Colt will experience threats everywhere, while Julianna explores Blackreef with her Eternalist allies available as disguises and reinforcements. Reviewers have praised the many solutions presented to solving every problem. The ultimate freedom and interesting worldbuilding combined with unique mechanics, crafting, and complex AI make Deathloop an unforgettable experience.

Deathloop’s Steam review bombings, however, come with ample warning for PC users but stem from the use of Denuvo DRM rather than the game’s content. Reports of performance issues on PC are consistent but Dishonored 2 suffered similar problems close to launch and received a fix later on, so it’s possible Deathloop could receive similar treatment.

About The Author

Natalie Lindner
(502 Articles Published)

Natalie Lindner is a Game Features Writer for Screen Rant, creating content on the past, present, and future of games in the industry. Prior to this, she worked out of a writing consultancy in Rhode Island from 2018 to 2021, where she helped college students improve their writing abilities. Natalie has contributed her video game writing to several smaller websites and projects since 2018 and is eager to continue that journey with Screen Rant.

Working out of New Hampshire, Natalie spends the time she isn’t writing about games outside; hiking or biking. On those rainy days, she can be found striving for action on the latest FPS or perusing the latest comic books.

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