Lock and load, Agents! The day of reckoning for paranormal entities (and shady corporations) has arrived as Section 13, the intense roguelite twin-stick shooter from Ocean Drive Studio and Kakao Games, has officially launched its 1.0 version.
Available on PC via Steam and PS5 just recently, Section 13 now makes its grand debut on Xbox Series X|S, bringing its unique brand of co-op chaos and conspiracy to a wider audience. The price point? That would be around £16.74.
After a successful Early Access period on Steam where it garnered “Mostly Positive” reviews, Section 13 is ready to fully unleash its horrors. Note that this is a current-gen console experience and is not playable on Xbox One.
Welcome to Section 13: The Weirdest (and Deadliest) Workplace Ever
You are an Agent of the S2P Corporation, a company whose entire business is keeping secrets. Your new assignment? Investigate an Omega-level containment breach at Section 13, their most top-secret, off-the-books paranormal containment facility. It’s up to a small team of (let’s be honest) expendable peons to get to the bottom of it… literally.
Step into the shoes of one of four distinct Agents – Red, Boy Scout, Beaker, or Scalpel – as you fight to unearth the buried secrets of Section 13 and perhaps solve a few personal mysteries along the way. You’ll be collecting data on paranormal entities running amok and trying to figure out what it all has to do with you.
Twin-Sticks, Teamwork, and Managing Terror
Section 13 delivers a challenging and engaging gameplay loop built around tense action and strategic progression. Prepare for intense twin-stick shooting as you navigate the shifting, procedurally generated levels of the paranormal containment facility.
You’ll need quick wits and sharp reflexes to survive, mastering your dodge-rolls and timing your reloads carefully to stay one step ahead of a horde of hungry monsters and uniquely pissed-off cryptids.
The action can be tackled solo, or you can team up with up to two squad-mates for a total of three players in co-op. For an extra layer of chaos or perhaps a more forgiving experience (depending on your friends’ aim!), you can even toggle optional friendly fire. Currently, however, cross-play between different platforms is not supported for these co-op ventures.
To give you an edge against the unknown, you can add some serious spice to every run by unlocking and customising your arsenal with various weapons. Beyond standard firearms, you can discover gameplay-altering Synaptic Enhancements and even dabble in “recreational” genetic modification – though be warned, some rather unpleasant side effects may apply!
Utilising special abilities and unique tactical items will be crucial to outsmarting the diverse paranormal entities. It’s not just about managing your health; you must also keep a close eye on your Fear level, as letting it get too high can risk a debilitating mid-mission panic attack!
Thankfully, death isn’t always the end. Between your (likely frequent) demises, you’ll unlock persistent upgrades that change how you play and can radically alter your chances of success on your next descent into the darkness of Section 13.
From Early Access to Full Containment
The full 1.0 launch today marks the culmination of Section 13’s Early Access period on Steam, where it has been refined based on player feedback, building upon its “Mostly Positive” reception. Console players now get to experience the complete, polished version from day one.
Key Features
- Intense Roguelite Twin-Stick Shooter: Fight through a paranormal containment facility solo or in up to 3-player co-op (no crossplay).
- Four Playable Agents: Choose from Red, Boy Scout, Beaker, or Scalpel, each with potential unique approaches.
- Deep Customisation & Progression: Unlock and customize weapons, apply Synaptic Enhancements, and undergo genetic modifications.
- Manage Your Fear: Keep your Fear level in check to avoid debilitating panic attacks.
- Uncover Conspiracies: Delve into a story of corporate secrets and paranormal entities.
- Persistent Upgrades: Get stronger with each attempt to push deeper into Section 13.
- Optional Friendly Fire: Choose between a more forgiving or a hilariously chaotic co-op experience.
Ready to Clock In at Section 13?
Section 13 promises a thrilling blend of roguelite progression, twin-stick shooting, and paranormal investigation, best enjoyed with friends (who you hopefully trust not to shoot you in the back). It’s available right now on the Xbox Store (and PS5/Steam) for £16.74.
Can you survive the horrors and uncover the truth?
Section 13 Description
Section 13 is a roguelite twin-stick shooter that can be played solo or in a group of up to 3 players (crossplay not supported). As an Agent of the S2P Corporation, it’s up to you to investigate a crisis at the most top-secret facility of a company whose whole thing is keeping secrets.
