Stepping into Section 13 feels like diving headfirst into a noir-infused sci-fi showdown – one where rogue agents face containment breaches, eldritch horrors, and locked-down AI, all wrapped in sardonic corporate satire. The core narrative thrust, centered around Agent Red and her eclectic squad, is more fleshed-out than you might expect for a twin-stick roguelite. Each character – whether it’s the reckless Boy Scout or the dryly humorous Beaker – has backstory elements and personal mysteries that unfold between runs, helped along by solid voice acting and a tone that balances paranoia, dark humor, and suspense. We tried it out on a PlayStation 5.
What elevates the experience is how the roguelite structure feels closely tied to the game’s narrative world. Section 13 isn’t just a setting – it’s a labyrinth of shifting layouts and systemic threats that reflect the chaos of a facility spiraling out of control. Every death in a run leads to tangible growth via Star Tokens, unlocking upgrades that enhance future attempts and encourage experimentation. Synaptic Enhancements and gene mods aren’t just stat boosts either – they allow you to radically shift your approach, whether you want to play defensively or go all in with experimental weapons that sometimes backfire in surprising ways.
Combat in Section 13 is refreshingly kinetic and well-tuned. The twin-stick shooting feels punchy and precise, and the inclusion of dodge-rolls, reload timing, and melee options gives combat encounters just the right amount of tactical weight. You’re constantly asked to stay on your toes – not just because of enemy aggression, but also due to the “Fear” system. As fear builds, it can debilitate your character in unpredictable ways, adding a psychological edge to the physical danger. Boss encounters are particularly intense, requiring coordination and reflexes as you dodge attacks and manage your cooldowns, though they can sometimes be marred by performance issues like stuttering and brief freezes.
One of the game’s potentially strongest aspects is its co-op design. While Section 13 is currently playable solo, it’s clearly balanced around team play. Enemy numbers, hazard intensity, and even the pacing of each run seem tuned to push players toward communication and synergy. With up to three players in a match, and optional friendly fire adding either chaos or challenge, it should become a tense dance of covering flanks and managing resources. Playing solo is viable but often too punishing, lacking the shared tension of a group scramble when the odds turn against them.
Visually, the game opts for a moody, stylized look that complements its premise. Environments vary from flickering lab corridors to eerie containment chambers, each brought to life with a distinct comic-book aesthetic. Lighting and shadow play a large role, amplifying tension and creating stark contrasts that mirror the instability of the facility itself. The soundtrack leans into synth-heavy tension and ambient unease, though it occasionally fades into the background without making a lasting impression. Still, the overall audiovisual package suits the tone well.
There are, however, a few design decisions that don’t quite land. The procedurally generated levels, while offering unpredictability, begin to feel repetitive after several runs. Room layouts and enemy placement can start to blur together, reducing the impact of what initially feels like an unpredictable descent into the unknown. Some players might also find the progression system a bit grindy, especially when unlocks feel gated behind multiple frustrating failures. These issues don’t derail the experience, but they do introduce moments of friction that might deter less patient players.
Still, despite its flaws, Section 13 is a smartly designed and stylish roguelite that does more than just offer another twin-stick shooter. It injects character into its gameplay, depth into its systems, and even manages to deliver a surprisingly atmospheric setting layered with corporate mystery and dark sci-fi overtones. With upcoming updates promising expanded multiplayer support and additional polish, it’s easy to recommend for fans of titles like Dead Nation, Alienation, or Enter the Gungeon – especially if they’re looking for something darker and a little more experimental. Whether you’re braving the breach solo or surviving with friends, Section 13 offers an engaging ride through corporate chaos.
Score: 7.0/10
Press Play Media 