Section 13

Blackout Protocol

Release Date: May 2025

Action, science fiction, roguelike, isometric view, indie games, co-op, shooters, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet

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A twin-stick shooter with roguelike elements. Blackout Protocol has us playing as agents tasked with regaining control over a facility overrun by supernatural creatures.

Plot
Mechanics
Game modes
Technical aspects

Blackout Protocol is a twin-stick shooter with roguelike elements. It was developed by Ocean Drive Studio, also responsible for the warmly received Lost Eidolons.

Plot

Blackout Protocol is set in Section 13 - an underground facility belonging to the S2P Corporation, where paranormal beings are experimented upon in the name of civilizational progress. The situation grew problematic when the facility's security was breached; the power went out and the research objects escaped. We play as agents tasked with regaining control over the situation.

Mechanics

Blackout Protocol makes use of the top-down perspective. Players traverse Section 13 while dispatching hordes of enemies, wielding firearms, experimental weapons and various combat skills. The facility is shrouded in darkness, rather advantageous to our foes. To deal with them, we must first expose them to light; though flashlights work temporarily, we must gradually restore power in the base to achieve more lasting effects.

While making our way through Section 13, we must keep three things in mind. First, the game features friendly fire, so one must watch out who's in our line of sight when we fire. Second, we must watch out for our panic meter which increases as we eliminate enemies, or face tragic consequences. Third, death is permanent, and so we must start all over if we fall. Fortunately, some skills can be transferred over subsequent runs.