Artsec

Artsec is a story-focused game in which Dr. Samuel Phelps arrives at ARTSEC Research, a secret outpost on the remote island of Isla Sombra. You must pass an evaluation to become a full member of the science team, while learning about the island, its Artifacts and its inhabitants. The experience takes an estimated 4–6 hours, depending on your playstyle.

The evaluation

You begin in three Training Laboratories, where you earn Evaluation Points toward official membership on the science team. You can follow daily assigned tasks for guidance or work autonomously; what matters is getting results and providing good data. Meet the facility’s expectations or face exile from the island.

You interact with the inhabitants of Isla Sombra, whose personalities and knowledge of the island and its Artifacts emerge through conversation. Talking with facility staff can also reveal hidden dialogue options. The cast of characters is fully voice acted.

Laboratory work

You perform experiments and procedures inspired by real laboratory work, including sample preparation, NMR Spectroscopy and Thermal Testing. These systems are generally simplified for accessibility. Prepare samples for procedures such as NMR Spectroscopy and Nanoindentation, learn their properties to create compounds, then test those compounds with heat, electricity or light.

Use a Thermal Chamber with different temperature presets to test samples, and wear protective gear to avoid injury. Careful attention to instructions and safety protocols helps you avoid bad data and worse outcomes. Good-quality data earns Points and Credits, while consumables can improve your work efficiency.

Learning the equipment

There are no tutorials. You explore the laboratories, collect Handbooks and read their detailed information and instructions at your own pace to learn how to use the equipment properly.