The Evil Within: The Assignment Review

A Certain Point of View.

 The Evil Within was creepy, tense, and had neat Resident Evil 4-like gameplay (it's been made by Shinji Mikami, creator of Resident Evil, after all). However, one thing that stood-out like a sore thumb was the confusing story. Fortunately, The Assignment aims to clear loose ends while focusing on one of Sebastian's partners, Juli Kidman. So, does this two-part DLC help clear things up? Let's find out.

STORY-  Since The Assignment explains some events of The Evil Within's story, It's best for a quick recap. 

-Spoiler Warning-

 Previously in The Evil Within: Krimson City Police members Sebastian Castellanos, Joeseph Oda, and Juli Kidman were sent to investigate a mass murder scene at Beacon Mental Hospital. However, they were ambushed by a man in a white hood named Ruvik, the trio are then pulled into a world where Ruvik can manipulate at will. Also, they meet a patient named Leslie who isn't affected by Ruvik's powers and appears to be unstable.

  Later in the game, It's revealed that Ruvik, along with his sister, though he's the only survivor of the fire. Ruvik later killed his parents, inherited their fortune, and bribed Beacon to support his research on STEM, a program that can connect people's minds into a single experience. Eventually, he was betrayed by Dr. Marcelo Jiminez, for The Organization, an unknown group. 

 After chapters of near-death situations and intense bosses, Sebastian finally put an end to Ruvik. However, It's been revealed that Kidman was working for 'The Organization' and Ruvik has seemingly smuggled himself into Leslie in the real world, thus the game ends ambiguously  with a cool ending theme.

That ended on a high note...

 The Assignment let's you play Kidman as she works for Mobius, which is revealed to be "The Organization" as she tries to track-down Leslie before something with creepy long legs finds him, it's a Mikami original.

GAMEPLAY- If you played The Evil Within, then not much has changed in terms of gameplay. However, there are few new additions in terms of gameplay. Firstly, your trusty flashlight will be essential for survival. Basically, the flashlight can open new areas if focused on the Mobius logos found on walls and is helpful when facing invincible enemies. Also, The Assignment is heavy stealth-based, so there's little to no gunplay. I didn't mind this aspect since it calls for other strategic ways to take care of enemies. Additionally, there is no upgrading system and health-restoring items just like in the main game, Kidman's health can be gradually restored if you remain hidden or stand still.

Like Sebastian, Kidman can manage on her own.

  Furthermore, the cover system gets some new additions. While you could take cover in the main game, The Assignment builds up on it by allowing you to shout. Since there's barely any weapons, yelling while in cover can distract enemies and it's risky since it can draw them to your cover, so use this feature with caution.

PRESENTATION- Developer Tango Gameworks did a fine job in terms of level-design in The Assignment. From deserted offices to underground basements, as well as the new enemies, it's impressive. My favorite level was when your'e exploring Mobius's headquarters early in the game, and you'll even return to it  later, with some creepy creatures. In terms of audio, The Assignment does well in it. Jennifer Carpenter, from the hit TV series, Dexter, does a great job voicing Kidman. She gives Kidman a more independent feel and I believe Kidman rivals Sebastian in terms of personality. Also, the soundtrack is great, it's filled with creepy tracks and there are hidden tracks in parts of the game to collect.

OVERALL- The Evil Within: The Assignment covers some loose ends of the story, but adds more of it's own. It took me three hours to complete, but there are a few extras to look for ( If your'e interested in that). The cliffhanger ending leaves plenty to be explored, especially on the fate of Kidman herself. Hopefully, more gameplay elements and enemies will be introduced in the second part: The Consequence.  

IMPRESSIVE