XXX NIGHTSHIFT: Everything We Know

Dark Math Games, a breakout group from the original development team behind Disco Elysium, has a new project in store for the investigative/detective genre: XXX NIGHTSHIFT. Based on the same concept but set on a larger, grander scale, the game offers new mysteries to unravel and crimes to solve. 

The game is still under development, and much about it is still a mystery, which is only appropriate. However, we have a good idea of what to expect without spoiling all the fun. Here is a comprehensive preview of everything we know about XXX NIGHTSHIFT. 

What is XXX NIGHTSHIFT?

XXX NIGHTSHIFT is a detective RPG based on a science fiction setting. Interestingly, it seems to be inspired by Disco Elysium, another popular detective RPG. The developers behind XXX NIGHTSHIFT are a breakaway group of the original team behind Disco Elysium. 

However, while XXX NIGHTSHIFT is based on an overall similar concept as Disco Elysium, everything is grander, including the setting, crimes, mysteries, narratives, and more. The game features a sci-fi setting described as somewhere that shouldn’t exist with people that you shouldn’t know. Moreover, the investigator has extraordinary abilities, such as anticipating the future and altering time and space. 

Notably, this game contains general mature content that is not appropriate for players of all ages. Specifically, some scenes depict instances of nudity, sex, and substance abuse. 

Story

Understandably, the developer didn’t share all the details about the game’s story, considering it is all about mystery, investigation, and storytelling. However, the background story is clear and paints an enticing but still vague picture of what’s to come. 

The year is 2086, and you are a Patrol Op enjoying a holiday weekend at World’s End Ski Resort, located in Mount Hope, Antarctica. Unfortunately, things go wrong, leaving you stranded at the resort. Also stranded at the resort are other guests with unforgettable personalities and peculiar behaviors. They throw wild parties involving steamy sex, drugs, and other unsavory activities. Moreover, the guests have dark secrets about terrible things they have done. 

As guests, you can indulge in the various activities at the resort. However, you are also a detective, and you can investigate the disturbing activities going on at the resort and solve various crimes and cases. 

Gameplay

As a detective RPG, XXX NIGHTSHIFT’s gameplay mechanics mostly focus on dialogue and storytelling. You play a detective investigating various events and crimes at a luxury resort, which mostly entails interrogating and interacting with the other guests. However, unlike other detective RPGs like Disco Elysium, the game promises innovative role-playing mechanics, suggesting that players can do more within the game. 

Storytelling is the game’s biggest gameplay aspect. The story is dynamic and changes based on the choices you make, and each choice determines a different outcome. You are at liberty to take the investigations in whichever direction you want. For example, you can dive deep to unravel the truth or brush certain issues aside. As such, you decide how the story unfolds. 

Interestingly, you have several unique, extraordinary abilities based on the game’s science fiction setting. Most notably, you can tune your investigative mind using the Maboul Kit. The kit enables you to anticipate what’s coming, keeping you one step ahead and increasing your likelihood of solving cases. However, there is a price to pay for using this ability, as it has side effects. 

Besides anticipating what’s to come, you can also alter time and space using the Marafet Calculator. Notably, time is crucial in the game, as highlighted in the official trailer. However, altering time and space is also dangerous, as you may not resurface. 

While the game focuses on single-player role-playing, you can also partner up with another detective to solve cases together. Notably, working with another detective increases your paths to solving cases, making everything more interesting. You can engage in a host of activities with your partners, including social climbing, soul digging, and something the game refers to as man-eating. 

Besides solving cases, the game also lets you indulge in a bit of fun. You can enjoy various activities at the resort, including dancing, partying, or completing various chores. 

Notably, your character in XXX NIGHTSHIFT is a true three-dimensional human being. Moreover, you can make your character unique using the extensive customization system, which enables you to combine 20 traces across four categories. 

Ultimately, the game trusts your intelligence to make any decision you want and respects your time. Notably, the dynamic story and extensive choices make it highly replayable.

Development

Dark Math Games, a relatively new indie studio, is the developer and publisher of XXX NIGHTSHIFT. Interestingly, Dark Math Games is a breakaway group from ZA/UM, the developer of the popular detective RPG Disco Elysium. Unfortunately, ZA/UM has been in disarray following allegations of IP theft and a toxic workplace. 

The studio is leveraging its experience with Disco Elysium to perfect XXX NIGHTSHIFT. Timo Albert, the studio’s co-founder, art director, and tactical lead, said the following about the game, “Additionally to innovating the traditional RPG mechanics, we’ll bring something fresh to the table. You will see. And of course, a few less words. And a few more bullets, perhaps. In total: lots more fun.” 

Trailer

The official trailer for XXX NIGHTSHIFT is as vague as most of the game’s other details. It showcases different characters conversing about something. The conversation seems to demonstrate the various choices you can make in the game as you dialogue with other characters. The trailer then ends with you on “the biggest bed you have ever woke up in,” covered with chinchilla fur blankets. 

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

XXX NIGHTSHIFT already has a Steam page, meaning that it will be available on PC. However, it is unclear whether the game will run on other platforms. Unfortunately, Dark Math Games hasn’t specified a release date for the game, and fans can only hope that it will launch soon. 

So, what’s your take on our preview of XXX NIGHTSHIFT? Let us know on our socials here or in the comments below.