As I’ve been delving deeper into the gaming world over the years, I’ve noticed a peculiar pattern: gamers often seem unsatisfied no matter what developers do. When a game introduces innovative mechanics or reinvents a beloved genre, some players gripe about it being too different. Yet, if a game sticks to familiar formulas, it’s called out as a clone or dismissed as dull. The same conundrum appears with complexity. Offer a game rich with features and choices, and it’s "too complicated." Strip things down, and suddenly it’s "too simplistic." I suppose this partly stems from us being spoiled for choice; we constantly compare one game to another, and sometimes it feels like we’re not even sure what we really want from a game anymore. This is a key thing to keep in mind when it comes to today’s feature: Death Elevator. Your enjoyment might hinge heavily on your own definition of a good game.
With Death Elevator, the concept is refreshingly straightforward. Picture this: you step into an elevator and fight your way through each floor, taking down adversaries as you go. In some ways, it harks back to classic games like Team Fortress or Quake. There’s no fussing around with skill trees or loadouts here—just grab your weapon and clear the floor, awaiting the next challenge behind those elevator doors. For some fans of shooters, this could feel a bit too bare-bones, especially considering how accustomed we’ve become to layers of complexity like skill progression and tactical setups. But for those of us who grew up in an era before these added layers, it’s a delightful throwback. Stripping away the frills allows us to focus purely on refining our core gaming skills.
What really catches my attention with Death Elevator are two standout aspects. Firstly, the game’s graphics are crafted in a way that’s reminiscent of Superhot—a minimalist, blocky aesthetic that complements the simplified gameplay beautifully. The design choice reinforces the game’s straightforward charm. Secondly, the unique time-slowing mechanic deserves mention. Here’s how it works: when bullets fly your way within your line of sight, time slows, giving you a chance to dodge or even shoot them out of the air. This is a clever addition, though it does present a few challenges. For instance, if you’re being attacked from multiple angles, evading the projectiles becomes tricky—particularly from behind, where the slowdown doesn’t seem to apply. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy, requiring you to stay hyper-aware of your environment.
Now, you won’t find me dissecting Death Elevator’s narrative—mostly because there’s not much to dissect. There is a story, but it unfolds subtly as you progress, with no upfront exposition. Bits and pieces reveal themselves as you ascend each level, often leaving players piecing together what’s happening. While this may frustrate those looking for an immersive plot, it aligns perfectly with the game’s focus on pure action. I’m not exactly being evasive when I say that the story remains somewhat a mystery even to me.
Overall, Death Elevator has a certain addictive charm. The minimalist graphics really struck a chord with me, and the controls are slick and responsive. The game’s appeal will depend largely on what you’re seeking. Each run is timed, catering to speedrun enthusiasts, and the high level of difficulty will satisfy those craving a real challenge. With no checkpoints, you’ll need to finish the game in one shot, which enhances its arcade-like appeal.
For gamers who love to tinker with character builds and weapon setups, Death Elevator might feel a tad limiting. You work with what you’ve got, or you don’t. And if story depth is crucial for your gaming enjoyment, you might find it lacking. However, as I continually dive back into the game to improve my performance, I’m genuinely enjoying it. It resonates with fans of old-school shooters, and if you’re on the hunt for something new and purely action-focused in the shooting genre, this might just be worth a shot. But if you’re after a more strategic experience, there are plenty of other titles out there that will suit you better.
A Rising Star
Look and Feel: 8/10
Challenge: 8/10
Replayability: 7/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Controls and UI: 8/10
Overall Rating: 8/10
Death Elevator is undoubtedly fun, but it’s not designed for every shooter enthusiast. Its simplicity and challenging nature might turn some players off. However, if you enjoy the arcade genre and thrive on tough challenges, there’s plenty here to keep you engaged. For a deeper gaming experience, you might want to look elsewhere.
