From the moment I launched Deadeye Deepfake Simulacrum, I knew I wasn’t just in for a typical shooter. I entered with the intent to uncover every secret area, hidden path, and upgrade the game had to offer. As a dedicated completionist, I approached every mission, side quest, and collectible with laser focus. And honestly? It paid off. The game had me fully engaged—from hacking bullets mid-air in the thrilling opening sequence to the final, intense boss showdown.
Released on October 13, 2022, and developed by the indie studio nodayshalleraseyou, this title quickly gained a cult following—and for good reason. Its bold mix of cybernetic combat, time-bending abilities, and supernatural flair makes it an unforgettable experience.
Gameplay Mechanics: Time, Guns, and Strategy
Right away, the gameplay sets itself apart. The gunplay is sharp and satisfying, with each weapon offering a unique feel and upgrade path. What really elevates the combat, though, is the time manipulation mechanic. Whether you’re slowing down time to dodge attacks or reversing it to avoid a mistake, it adds a strategic twist that keeps encounters fresh.
But there’s more—supernatural powers like necromancy let you turn fallen enemies into walking shields, changing how you approach each battle. Hacking isn’t just a mini-game either. It becomes a vital part of your arsenal, allowing you to reroute turrets, curve bullet trajectories, or blind enemies entirely.
Not every enemy is affected by your tricks, so expect to face some trial and error. Still, thanks to well-paced side missions and unlockable upgrades, the game keeps things interesting without feeling overwhelming.
Storytelling and Character Development
Once you’ve got the hang of the combat, the story pulls you in deeper. You play as a hybrid corporate agent, assigned to extract data from rival factions locked in endless cyber conflict. What starts as a high-tech heist quickly evolves into something more layered, touching on themes like identity, surveillance, and corporate control.
The writing is sharp and laced with dark humor. I found myself reading every terminal and log I could find, just to piece together the tangled web of betrayals and secrets. The main character’s voice acting is convincing and grounded, though some side characters have uneven delivery. Even so, the mission design keeps the narrative compelling with rogue AIs, shifting alliances, and choices that reveal the murky ethics behind your actions.
Visual Style and World Design
As you move from one mission to the next, the visual atmosphere reinforces the tone of the story. The game’s world blends slick neon cityscapes with decaying corporate ruins, offering environments that feel alive and reactive.
One minute you’re in a polished atrium glowing with holographic ads, the next you’re crawling through a dimly lit data vault, walls etched with cryptic graffiti. These environments don’t just look good—they tell a story of their own. Every level is packed with detail, from cracked billboards to locked doors marked with eerie warnings.
And yes, performance holds up well. I did notice occasional frame drops on older hardware, but overall, the game runs smoothly and looks fantastic with adjustable settings.
Audio Design and Musical Layers
Of course, none of that world-building would land as well without strong audio—and Deadeye Deepfake Simulacrum delivers. Sound design plays a major role in creating tension. Gunfire hits with a crisp punch, and ambient synth tracks build suspense without getting in the way.
When you slow time, the soundscape shifts with it, creating an immersive, almost cinematic effect. Subtle audio cues from nearby systems or enemies ramp up the intensity during stealth or chaotic fights. Voice lines remain crystal clear, even during full-on shootouts—proof of some thoughtful audio mixing.
I also loved collecting hidden sound logs, some of which hinted at a possible full soundtrack release. The blend of synthetic and orchestral sounds fits the game’s cyberpunk tone perfectly.
Challenge and Replay Value
If you’re looking for a game that challenges you to think on your feet, this is it. Even on the standard difficulty, fights can be tough. Bosses often resist your usual tactics, forcing you to rethink your loadout and powers. That challenge is what makes the game so replayable.
As I explored side paths and tried different builds, I kept discovering new layers—hidden dialogue, secret rooms, even alternate mission outcomes. For the most dedicated players, Hardcore mode strips away the HUD entirely, offering a raw and immersive experience ideal for streaming or personal bragging rights.
Best of all, the game didn’t stop growing after launch. Two free updates introduced modifiers and bonus content, adding even more depth for returning players.
Behind the Scenes: Indie Dev Dedication
It’s especially impressive when you learn how the game was made. Developed quietly over three years by a small team at nodayshalleraseyou, the game was built using a custom engine and open-source tools. Early development blogs teased its time-bending features, and player feedback even shaped the final product—a full necromancy skill tree was added post-launch due to popular demand.
With just four developers juggling everything from voice acting to level design, it’s a polished and focused experience. A multiplayer mode was once considered, but they chose to double down on single-player depth—a move that clearly paid off.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Deadeye Deepfake Simulacrum delivers exactly what it promises: challenging gameplay, deep customization, and a compelling world that rewards curiosity. While it’s not perfect—some pacing issues and voice inconsistencies stand out—it’s still a must-play for fans of cyberpunk, sci-fi, or action shooters.
For completionists especially, there’s a treasure trove of secrets to uncover and reasons to keep playing. Its balance of flexibility, tension, and smart design makes it one of the most memorable entries in its genre.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
