Legion Was Here, an upcoming spy game, places an extraordinary emphasis on its character creator, transforming the act of avatar customization into a core gameplay mechanic. In this title, players assume the role of a spy whose success hinges on their ability to impersonate targets with such precision that even close associates cannot discern the imposter. Failure to craft a convincing disguise results in immediate death.
The game begins with players examining a dossier of information about their target, meticulously studying details such as eye color, hairstyle, and facial structure. The objective is to replicate these features as accurately as possible. The demo presents a challenge where only partial photographs and rudimentary drawings are available, forcing players to make educated guesses based on limited visual cues and descriptions.
Beyond physical appearance, players must also absorb biographical data, including the target's profession, origins, and personal interests. This information is crucial for withstanding interrogations. While memorization is an option, the game allows players to create "crib sheets" by writing notes on their in-game character's hand, akin to a student preparing for a test.
Once prepared, players embark on their missions. Suspicion arises if the impersonation is not exact, and inaccuracies during questioning can lead to the exposure of the player's cover. The demo showcases a particularly quirky scenario where the player must impersonate an alien disguised as a human who enjoys dressing as a clown, with the ultimate goal of thwarting an alien plot to destroy Mount Rushmore. This mission involves navigating suspicion from other aliens and even convincing a human sheriff of the player's identity.
The demo of Legion Was Here proved to be both entertaining and challenging, with a dense dossier that makes it difficult to discern which details will be most important. While the first attempt at disguise failed under questioning, a second try proved successful, even with the added complication of an unexpected human authority figure. Legion Was Here is slated for release later this year, and a playable demo is available on Steam.