Arkane Studios' forthcoming Deathloop sees the developer take its brand of first-person action in a new direction by incorporating a time-loop mechanic. The title is set to be a PlayStation 5 exclusive and it has, so far, generated considerable excitement among some gamers. The time-bending shooter will see players take on the role of an assassin known as Colt, who is tasked with taking out 8 targets while also dealing with the challenges posed by the time-loop. So far, a strong '60s-inspired aesthetic has been shown, which looks to be inspired by the work of Quentin Tarantino and pulp movies.
In a recent trailer, some fans have noticed that Deathloop bears some similarities to a bygone era of James Bond films. The larger-than-life assassination targets seem to harken back to the over-the-top villainy found in earlier James Bond films. Pre-order bonuses for Deathloop even include tuxedo skins for the protagonist and the antagonist, Julianna. Beyond just the eye-catching visual aesthetic, Deathloop could be set for an earworm soundtrack if the new trailer is anything to go by.
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'Deja Vu' is played during the new gameplay trailer for Deathloop and there are immediate comparisons that can be made to vintage James Bond theme song. The song opens with a bombastic orchestral section, not unlike the older 007 theme songs. The song features a powerful vocal performance from songwriter, artist, and multi-instrumentalist, FJORA. This song is almost certainly one of the main reasons Deathloop is being compared to James Bond, with it sounding like a contemporary take on the iconic diva-led performances from the vintage James Bond era. This familiarity with the overall sonic theme could be one of the reasons the song has already proven to be so catchy and popular.
The new trailer has explained the concept of Deathloop in some more detail and quite cleverly, the lyrics of 'Deja Vu' reinforce the time-based themes that players are due to see in the game. The main refrain heard in the song features the singer repeating the song title, 'Deja Vu', from start to finish. Not only is this title and lyric appropriate for the song, but the actual repetition of the line itself also goes a long way to get the song stuck in the listener's head. The singer also expresses familiarity with the eponymous Deathloop, with lyrics such as "I've been here before" and "the beginning of the end again." Repetition, like a lot of popular music, is an indispensable facet of the catchy quality and ties in thematically with the game itself.
Deathloop is releasing on May 21, 2021, as part of a huge month in gaming, but it stands a chance to stand out due to its stylized visuals and time-loop mechanic. While the style and feel of the game might be somewhat out there, the theme song 'Deja Vu' isn't quite as much. The song contemporizes a familiar, vintage sound quality that doesn't embody any particular genre too harshly. The overall catchy quality of the song's broad sound and lyrics are reinforced by the track resembling something that could be heard in modern chart music. It doesn't embody any extreme or esoteric styles of music and this palatable quality is a strength of the song. Music fans, regardless of preference, could find something to enjoy with 'Deja Vu'.
There are still a lot of questions surrounding Deathloop and gamers are eager to see how the title turns out. Music could end up being an important part of the game, based on the song 'Deja Vu', and the character of Ramblin' Jack Spicer, who's said to be a DJ. Music on the level of 'Deja Vu' could do a lot to fortify the '60s and pulp stylings of the game and help make it a more immersive and cohesive experience.
Deathloop is set for release on PlayStation 5 on May 21, 2021.
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