This is a supernatural third-person action-adventure game where players assume the role of Jesse Faden, who arrives in New York City searching for answers about her past, only to be thrust into the role of the new Director of a secretive federal agency under siege. This agency, housed within a shifting, brutalist skyscraper known as the Oldest House, has been invaded by an otherworldly, hostile force called the Hiss. The core experience centers on Jesse’s personal journey to regain stability within the Bureau and uncover the mysteries surrounding the invasion and her own connection to the events unfolding.

Setting and Atmosphere

The game is defined by its unique setting: The Oldest House. This location is a shifting, non-Euclidean environment that constantly reconfigures itself, blending mundane office spaces with bizarre, otherworldly architecture. The atmosphere is heavily influenced by Nordic Noir aesthetics mixed with paranormal phenomena, creating a distinct sense of unsettling mystery and high-stakes conflict against an invisible enemy.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Gameplay emphasizes dynamic combat that requires mastery over both conventional weaponry and emerging supernatural powers. Jesse acquires a Service Weapon, which can transform into several different modifiable forms, offering varied tactical approaches to combat. Beyond firearms, players unlock and upgrade a suite of paranormal abilities, such as telekinesis (Launch), levitation, and mind-control (Seize).

The environment itself is a key component of the combat system. Nearly everything in the reactive environments can be picked up and hurled at enemies using the telekinetic powers, leading to chaotic and highly destructive encounters.

What makes this game unique?

The primary distinguishing feature is the seamless integration of physics-based environmental destruction with a deep, evolving set of supernatural powers. Players are encouraged to fluidly switch between shooting and utilizing powers, often chaining abilities together to manage large groups of Hiss-controlled enemies. Furthermore, progression is tied to exploration; discovering new areas within the Oldest House often unlocks new abilities or story insights.

Progression and Exploration

Jesse explores the interconnected sectors of the Bureau headquarters, utilizing her growing powers to access previously unreachable areas. The game features extensive side content, hidden research files, and secret projects that flesh out the deep lore of the world and the history of the agency.

Platform Availability and Content

This main title is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Google Stadia, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. The game's current state reflects the base experience supplemented by two significant expansions that continue Jesse’s narrative arc and introduce new challenges within the established universe.

Is the combat challenging?

The combat difficulty scales based on the player's ability to effectively combine the Service Weapon's various forms with the supernatural abilities. Success relies heavily on understanding enemy behaviors and utilizing the reactive environment for cover and offense.