This is the best game I've played this year by far. I'm calling it a masterpiece: Having finished it just now, and being in stunned awe over the ending, that's the superlative that comes to mind.

Most every aspect of game design I can think of is at the highest professional level in Get Even. Probably the weakest -- or shall we say the most superficially conventional -- is the FPS stealth/shooting mechanic, which combined with the simple 'detective' aspect of searching for clue items to pick up, along with the investigative tool cellphone/scanner, will have new players comparing it directly to Condemned: Criminal Origins. But this is only the first layer of gameplay, and even this gets more interesting and involved later on, as stealth comes into play.

Visual design. This game takes place inside the minds of the game's protagonists, and prolific use is made of effects, like blurring, shaking, warping (Quantum Break's swirling triangles, e.g., are put to good use here). Artwork and environments are detailed, varied and interesting, many eliciting an emotional or aesthetic response, and increase immersion in the game world. Yes, they are often borrowed from other titles: QB's triangles, Condemned's mannikins; moving floors with isolated vignettes -- various games use these as a story-telling mechanic, to break up gameplay; Get Even's borrowing is not plagiaristic but flattering.

Another example of fine visual design I'm very impressed with is how attention from an enemy who has detected you is indicated and tracked onscreen, with a blurry sundog of differing colors on the screen's perimeter, along with a quickening of your character's heartbeat and breathing. This is incredibly effective in ratcheting up tension and providing information at the same time, without being trite or obtrusive; damage is indicated by light blood spattering onscreen and grunting. I was hardly aware of a UI display at all during the game, it was handled so deftly.

Writing and plot. Masterfully done. Plot morsels are carefully unpeeled for the player's delectation slowly over this many-course meal. Resist any temptation to read plot summaries or reviews: Go in blind.

Sound design and music. This is the cherry on top, and it's so good in Get Even, that it sets my nerves on fire at some points and has me cheering and dancing in my seat at others. Environmental sounds, haunting musical pieces, catchy pop tunes, ghostly voices whispering from all directions, superb voice-acting, all fill the aural landscape in this game. Wear headphones while playing. Good headphones. I immediately looked for the Signal Bars song online, and bought it (details https://olivierderiviere.bandcamp.com/track/signal-bars-ft-fiona-j-radio-edit )

Get Even gets my highest recommendation. Get it, play it!