As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize a common trend among gamers: we are rarely satisfied. When developers introduce fresh, innovative mechanics to our favorite genres, there’s always a chorus saying the game has changed too much. But if they stick to tried-and-true formulas, we’re quick to label games as repetitive or uninspired. The same goes for complexity—make a game intricate, and it’s overwhelming; simplify it, and it’s deemed dull. I believe this dissatisfaction stems from how saturated the gaming market has become. With so many titles to play, we’re constantly measuring them against one another, often leaving us unsure of what we truly desire from a game.
Enter Death Elevator—this might be a divisive game, depending on your personal criteria for a good experience. The concept of Death Elevator couldn’t be more straightforward: step into an elevator and battle enemies floor by floor. It brings to mind classics like Team Fortress or Quake, stripped down to the core. Grab a weapon, clear each level, and move on. For some shooter enthusiasts, this minimalistic approach might feel antiquated, especially when we’ve grown used to skill trees and customizing loadouts. Yet, for someone like me, who remembers gaming before all those frills, there’s a certain charm and nostalgia to it. It allows you to get straight to the action and hone your core shooting skills.
What really sets Death Elevator apart for me are two standout elements. First off, the game’s visual style is refreshingly unique. It takes a simplistic, blocky approach reminiscent of Superhot, which pairs nicely with the stripped-back gameplay, making for an appealing package. On the mechanical side, there’s a neat twist: when bullets are flying at you, time slows down, giving you a chance to dodge or even shoot the projectiles out of the air. However, this mechanic only activates for bullets you can see, which presents challenges when you’re being attacked from multiple directions, particularly from behind. It requires you to adjust your strategy, and that takes some getting used to.
As for the story, it’s there, but presented in bits and pieces as you advance through the levels. Don’t expect a sprawling narrative or detailed world-building right from the start. You’ll need to be skilled and progress to learn more about what’s happening. This design keeps the focus on the core of the game—shooting—and sidesteps the story-centric elements often found in other games.
Overall, Death Elevator is engaging and addictive. I’m a fan of its graphical choices and how smoothly everything controls. Your enjoyment will largely depend on what you seek in a game. If you’re into speed runs, you’ll appreciate the timed runs. It’s challenging enough for those who crave difficulty. With no checkpoints, completing the game in one go is a thrill for fans of arcade-styled gaming.
On the flip side, if you enjoy crafting your character’s build and deciding on optimal loadouts, you might find Death Elevator lacking. Its story is intriguing but enigmatic, which could be a downside if you’re seeking deep immersion.
Despite that, I find myself coming back to Death Elevator, eager to improve my performance. As a fan of old-school shooters, it ticks many boxes for me. If you’re similar or just in the mood for something new in the shooter genre, give it a shot. However, if you’re after a strategic, complex experience, there might be other titles that suit you better.
Death Elevator Review:
- Look and Feel: 8/10
- Challenge: 8/10
- Replayability: 7/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Controls and UI: 8/10
Total: 8/10
Summary: Death Elevator is an enjoyable FPS, though it might not appeal to every shooter fan due to its simplistic style and difficulty. Those who enjoy the arcade genre and a significant challenge will likely appreciate it. However, if you’re searching for a game with more depth, you may want to consider other options.
