Detroit: Become Human Review —  Is it a Timeless Masterpiece?

“Life is a quality that distinguishes matter that has biological processes, such as signaling and self-sustaining processes, from matter that does not. It is defined descriptively by the capacity for homeostasis, organization, metabolism, growth, adaptation, response to stimuli, and reproduction. All life over time eventually reaches a state of death and none is immortal.”

What is Life? I would best describe it as a succession of things that are happening to me and around me. Everyone else probably has their own definition of life and this is mine. Back in 2018 when the game came out, life was happening to me on all levels, and playing Detroit: Become Human was highly desired but also impossible. And as life continued to happen, I kinda forgot about it and moved on to other adventures. Cut to the present day, six years later — I finally played it and saying my mind was blown to pieces is an understatement of the century. I SHOULD HAVE PLAYED THE GAME WAAAY EARLIER, DAMMMMN IIIIT!!!!

Detroit: Become Human Storyline 

The story of Detroit: Become Human is set in the year of 2038 when life on Earth is still hectic as always if not even more. The world is filled with androids, designed to serve humans and fulfill all of their wishes and desires. 

At a first glance, they are perfect inventions that could advance humanity to another level. But as you dig deeper, you find that things are not ideal as you were led to believe. People are left without jobs because androids are more affordable, reliable, and efficient. Divorce rates are up, marriage rates are down and birth rates are down. 

It can’t get worse than that right? Well, it sure can. Some of the androids began gaining consciousness and rebelling against their owners. The game follows three androids named Markus, Kara, and Connor as the story of the uprising of the androids unfolds.

Detroit: Become Human Gameplay

When it comes to the gameplay of Detroit: Become Human, it’s a simple, straightforward experience. For most of the time, you’ll be moving around the place, performing certain tasks, or solving some kind of problems. 

There are a few tasks for which there will be a time limit but for the most part, you can take your sweet time. The main gameplay consists of making decisions between a few dialogue options, which in some cases can affect the outcome of the game heavily. 

And if you are a slight overthinker like me, then prepare yourself for a ride, because it will get tense at certain points. Detroit: Become Human is a type of game where you’re not doing that much but there is so much happening. That’s another reason why I love this game. 

Graphics and Audio

Detroit: Become Human features very realistic graphics which makes the whole experience even more immersive. They didn’t just design the characters — they used actual actors and based the character appearance on them. Some of the cast includes Jesse Williams (as Markus), Valorie Curry (as Kara), Bryan Dechart (as Connor), Clancy Brown (as Hank Anderson), and more. Even Neil Newbon (Astarion’s voice from Baldur’s Gate 3) is in this game. 

They gave their voices to characters as well, which again only adds to the experience. In addition to that, the soundtrack is amazing and heartbreaking at points, with fantastic, almost ASMR sound effects to go along with it. 

Final thoughts

If you’re like me and somehow managed to completely avoid playing Detroit: Become Human, I implore you to do it ASAP. Do not wait another moment for it — this game is a masterpiece that needs to be enjoyed by everyone, including you. 

Even though I just finished the game, I’m already considering playing it again. To be perfectly honest, I started thinking about playing it again back when I was still playing the game. That’s how big of an effect it had on me. 

If for some unholy reason, you didn’t like the game, we can’t be friends. Don’t talk to me or anyone I know. I’m kidding, kinda. We can still be friends and then maybe I can understand where it went wrong and why you didn’t like the game. Did it start in your childhood? Maybe you didn’t get enough love? Or maybe you haven’t been told you’re special enough? Oh well, I love you, you’re special and I’m proud of you (kinda, you still hated the game, so I can’t be that proud). Hopefully, that helped. 

Games Like Detroit: Become Human

And some honorable mentions: 

• Life is Strange
• Road 96
• Death Stranding