Gameplay Mechanics and Play Modes
Hidden Agenda is categorized as an Adventure and Action game, yet its core gameplay diverges from standard mechanics by stripping away direct character control. Instead, the experience functions as an interactive movie where players navigate a tense narrative through binary choices. Decisions are resolved via majority vote, meaning the group must reach a consensus to progress the story. During critical moments, players engage in quick-time events using their smartphones, adding a layer of urgency to the tactile interaction.
The title offers two distinct modes that fundamentally alter the social dynamic. In Story Mode, up to six players cooperate to solve a murder mystery, working together to uncover the truth. Competitive Mode introduces a twist of social deduction; each chapter, a random player receives a secret Agenda card with specific objectives to achieve without detection. This player must manipulate the group's votes, and can use "Takeover" cards to hijack decisions, while others attempt to identify the saboteur and stop them.
Story and Setting
The narrative is set within a dark, oppressive world centered on a relentless serial killer known as "The Trapper." This antagonist lures first responders to their death by using victims as bait. Players assume the roles of various characters, including police officers who arrested the killer and a District Attorney investigating the case. The plot is driven by a tight deadline: players have less than 48 hours to determine whether a death row murderer's last-minute confession regarding the Trapper is genuine. The story unfolds through high-definition cutscenes featuring cramped close-ups of impressively rendered faces, creating an atmosphere that balances dread with intricate character motivations.
Notable Features of Hidden Agenda
- PlayLink Integration: The game utilizes Sony's PlayLink technology, turning smartphones into controllers for up to six players, eliminating the need for extra hardware.
- Social Deduction Elements: The Competitive Mode adds a layer of deception, requiring players to use persuasion and strategy to fulfill secret objectives or expose the Agenda player.
- Supermassive Pedigree: Developed by the creators of Until Dawn, the game benefits from advanced motion capture and narrative design that pushes characters toward the uncanny valley.
- Dynamic Atmosphere: Visuals and sound design create a suspenseful environment appropriate for a crime thriller, with a focus on facial expressions and moral dilemmas.
Who Hidden Agenda Appeals To
Hidden Agenda is best suited for groups of friends who enjoy social gaming, mystery novels, and branching narratives. Fans of Supermassive Games' previous work will appreciate the familiar structure and high production values, while those looking for a party game with deeper strategic layers will find the Competitive Mode engaging. The title appeals to players who value narrative impact and group dynamics over reflex-based challenges, offering a unique blend of cooperative storytelling and competitive intrigue that plays out on the screen and around the couch.
