Developer: Ocean Drive Studio, Inc.
Publisher: Ocean Drive Studio, Inc., Kakao Games
Genre: Action, Rogue-like
Price: $19.99
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Where to buy: Steam
*The game was granted to us free of charge by the developers for purpose of covering it in this review, a big thank you to them and their publisher respectfully!*
“Section 13” emerges as a potent entry in the roguelite twin-stick shooter genre, a game that expertly fuses relentless action with an intriguing narrative backdrop and substantial replayability. Developed by Ocean Drive Studio, Inc. and Kakao Games, this title thrusts players into the heart of a crisis within a top-secret paranormal containment facility, where the lines between reality and the unknown blur, and every decision carries weight. Its core appeal lies in a meticulously crafted gameplay loop, a story that promises both grand conspiracy and personal revelation, and an overall design philosophy that encourages constant engagement and adaptation.
At the heart of “Section 13” is its highly kinetic and demanding gameplay. As a twin-stick shooter, the game demands precision, agility, and tactical awareness. Players, embodying Agents such as Red, Boy Scout, Beaker, and Scalpel, must navigate procedural generated environments teeming with anomalous threats. The combat is fluid and responsive, requiring players to constantly manage their positioning, dodge incoming projectiles, and unleash a barrage of fire from an arsenal of customizable weapons. What elevates “Section 13” beyond a mere arcade shooter is its roguelite structure. Each run presents new challenges and opportunities, ensuring that no two attempts feel identical. Death, rather than being a definitive end, serves as a catalyst for growth. Players accumulate persistent upgrades that radically alter their chances of success in subsequent attempts, fostering a sense of progression even in failure. The introduction of “Synaptic Enhancements” and “recreational genetic modification” further deepens the strategic layer, allowing players to tailor their builds and experiment with diverse playstyles, turning each run into a unique experiment in power optimization. The option for online co-op with up to three players adds another dimension, transforming the solitary tension into a shared, cooperative challenge, where teamwork and coordinated tactics become paramount for survival.
Beyond the immediate thrill of combat, “Section 13” weaves a compelling narrative that hooks players from the outset. The central premise revolves around investigating a critical incident within a top-secret facility, but this initial objective quickly blossoms into a broader narrative of uncovering deep-seated conspiracies. The game skillfully layers this overarching mystery with more personal enigmas, suggesting that the crisis at the facility is not just an external threat but also entwined with the agents’ own histories and identities. This dual-layered storytelling—macro-level conspiracy interwoven with micro-level character development—provides a powerful motivation for continued play. Each foray into the facility feels like a step closer to understanding the truth, making success not just about overcoming obstacles but about piecing together a fractured reality. The paranormal containment facility itself acts as a character, its enigmatic nature and unsettling atmosphere contributing significantly to the game’s immersive quality and driving the narrative forward.
The overall appeal of “Section 13” stems from its successful integration of these diverse elements into a cohesive and addictive experience. Its “mostly positive” user reviews on Steam, with 70% of 636 users giving it a thumbs up, speak volumes about its resonance with the player base. This positive reception is likely a testament to its polished gameplay, engaging story, and high replayability. The combination of intense action, deep customization, and the ever-present allure of uncovering hidden truths ensures that players are consistently drawn back for “just one more run.” Furthermore, the developers’ commitment to broad accessibility, evidenced by extensive language support, broadens the game’s reach and allows a diverse global audience to delve into its mysteries. “Section 13” is not just a test of skill; it’s an invitation to unravel a compelling story, to continually evolve one’s character, and to conquer a progressively challenging and deeply atmospheric world. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the roguelite genre when paired with thoughtful design and an intriguing narrative.
