If youโve been following the journey of Section 13, you already know this game wasnโt always what it is now. What started off as Blackout Protocolโa slow, punishing tactical shooterโhas been reworked, reimagined, and reborn into a new beast: a chaotic, comic-book-styled twin-stick roguelike shooter.
So, is the transformation for the better?
In this Section 13 Review, we dive into how this revamped title ditches the seriousness of its past in favor of frantic fun, accessible action, and a style that doesnโt always take itself seriously. And while it still has a few scars from its past life, thereโs a lot here for roguelike fans to enjoyโespecially if you like mowing down mobs in satisfying waves.
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Section 13 Review: From Tactical Tension to Arcade Mayhem
Letโs rewind a bit. Blackout Protocol launched in early access with a heavy emphasis on tactical gameplay and co-op strategy, but its slow pacing and limited appeal left players torn. The devs took this feedback seriouslyโand instead of doubling down, they completely transformed the game, rebranding it as Section 13 with a fresh vision focused on solo play, replayability, and a much snappier combat loop.
And honestly? It was the right call.
Now, Section 13 is a fast-paced, arcade-style shooter with roguelike elements. Youโll play as one of four agents stuck in a time loop, venturing deep into the monster-infested facility known as Section 13 to stop a powerful force known as Nephiliem. Die, retry, upgrade, repeatโclassic roguelike formula, but with an action-first approach that makes every run feel urgent and kinetic.
Gameplay Thatโs Smooth, If Not Deep
Combat is where Section 13 shines brightest. Youโll use classic twin-stick controls to tear through isometric levels swarming with twisted enemies. Whether youโre playing solo or online co-op, the horde-slaying action is smooth, crunchy, and just plain funโespecially once you get your hands on some of the gameโs stronger weapons.
๐ฅ Flamethrowers and miniguns quickly become favorites thanks to their ability to wipe out large groups in seconds. Once you unlock these powerhouses permanently, they basically define your loadout. In fact, you might find yourself sticking to them a little too much, since most other weapons just donโt hit as hard or feel as impactful.
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While the game includes procedurally generated power-ups and roguelike modifiers, many of these boil down to basic stat buffs. Theyโre functional, sureโbut they lack the creativity or wild synergy potential seen in genre giants like Hades or Dead Cells. That makes each run fun, but not particularly surprising.
Style, Story, and Some Sharp Edges
Section 13 doesnโt just flip the script on gameplayโit injects some comic-book flair into its worldbuilding, with colorful characters, over-the-top dialogue, and a slightly tongue-in-cheek tone. The characters donโt always leave a lasting impression, but they bring enough personality to prevent things from feeling sterile.
Unfortunately, a few rough edges remain. Animations, for instance, can leave you vulnerable mid-battle, especially when triggering events like recruiting agents. Itโs annoying when youโre stuck in a cutscene and enemies are still active, sometimes waiting to strike the moment you regain control. These bugs arenโt game-breaking, but they definitely interrupt the flow.
And while the permanent upgrade system helps provide long-term progress, itโs fairly shallow. Unlocking new weapons or buffs feels good, but the sense of build-crafting is minimal, and after a few runs, repetition starts to creep in.
Verdict: Should You Play Section 13?
So, where does this leave us? Is Section 13 a better game than Blackout Protocol ever was?
Absolutely.
It may not be perfectโit doesnโt revolutionize roguelikes, and it still feels like it’s fine-tuning its identityโbut this version of the game is far more fun, more playable, and far more likely to keep you coming back than its predecessor. With sharp action, satisfying weapons, and a tone thatโs light but not empty, Section 13 delivers an enjoyable experience for those who donโt mind a few imperfections along the way.
Final Score: โ โ โ โ โ (3.5/5)
Section 13 Review Summary:
A chaotic and stylish roguelike shooter that makes up for shallow progression with slick action and addictive gameplay. Itโs not the deepest roguelike out there, but if youโre in it for the thrill of blasting hordes with ridiculous weapons, Section 13 is absolutely worth your time.