Deceive Inc, developed by Sweet Bandits Studio and published by Tripwire Interactive, is a multiplayer game that puts players in the shoes of corporate spies who must infiltrate and sabotage rival companies. With its unique concept and engaging gameplay, Deceive Inc is a refreshing addition to the multiplayer genre that supports cross-platform play.
The game takes place in a futuristic world where – in a familiar twist – corporations rule our everyday lives, and espionage is the norm. Players take on the role of agents who are tasked with infiltrating rival companies and completing various objectives while avoiding detection. Each agent has unique abilities and equipment that can be used to deceive and manipulate other players as you go in to steal stuff and get out unnoticed.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Deceive Inc is its emphasis on deception and social manipulation. The game encourages players to form alliances and betray one another as they work towards their goals. The ability to bluff and deceive other players is a crucial part of the game, and those who are skilled at reading their opponents and keeping their true intentions hidden will have a distinct advantage.
The gameplay in Deceive Inc is smooth and engaging, with each match feeling unique and unpredictable. The variety of objectives and the different abilities of each agent keep the gameplay fresh and interesting. The game also features a ranking system that allows players to compete against others at their skill level.
What’s interesting is that going straight for the objective will certainly attract unwanted attention, as does going after a rival spy you spotted. Deceive Inc is all about planning your next move carefully, and if you rush you’ll seem very suspicious, making it hard to reach your goal. Instead, you might want to keep disguising yourself as a regular citizen, just wandering about for a while. If you decide to attack a fellow spy, be sure to do it on your own terms as well – your chosen character might be good at melee, or might be a sniper who’ll not fare well in close quarters combat.
Visually, Deceive Inc features a sleek and stylish art style that perfectly captures the futuristic corporate setting in a colorful and almost cartoon-like way. The game’s soundtrack is also top-notch, adding to the immersive atmosphere with tunes that are reminiscent of classic TV-based spy series.
However, the game is not without its flaws. As with many multiplayer games, there’s already a community that knows how to play and it’s hard to find your stride early on due to a bit of a learning curve, even with a matchmaking system in place. Additionally, the game’s reliance on social manipulation may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and some players may find it frustrating to constantly have to second-guess their opponents. If you like games such as Among Us, however, you’re probably good here as well.
Overall, Deceive Inc is an intriguing and engaging multiplayer game with a unique concept and plenty of replay value. The emphasis on deception and social manipulation sets it apart from other games in the genre, and the gameplay is smooth and engaging. While it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to give it a chance will find a rewarding and satisfying experience and we certainly had fun with it. It’s also a half price title, which should encourage fans of multiplayer titles to take a chance on it.
Score: 7.5/10
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