I’ve come to realize more and more that gamers can be notoriously hard to please, especially as I get older. Whenever developers introduce new mechanics and integrate them into genres we love, complaints arise that the games are too different. On the flip side, if no new elements are added, the games are labeled as clones, and we accuse them of being bland and repetitive. This extends to complexity; a game with intricate details is often criticized for being overwhelming, while streamlined games can seem overly simplistic and dull. A part of this stems from our saturation—playing so many games that everything gets compared to everything else. Often, I wonder if we even know what we truly want in a game anymore. This thought seems especially relevant when considering today’s focus, Death Elevator. It’s one of those games that could split opinions, depending on what you personally consider to be a great gaming experience.
At its core, Death Elevator keeps things straightforward. You step into an elevator and ascend from floor to floor, taking down foes as you go. It evokes a certain nostalgia, reminiscent of classics like the original Team Fortress or Quake. There’s no frill here—just grab a gun and clear the floor. Then, the elevator doors open, ushering you to the next challenge. Some shooter fans might feel this pared-down approach is too minimalistic, especially now that leveling systems and character load-outs have become the norm. However, for someone who remembers the days before these extras became so integral, it’s a delightful hit of nostalgia. Removing the focus from character progression means you can hone your skills on the essentials and simply enjoy the core gameplay.
Two aspects of Death Elevator truly stand out to me. First off, the graphics are quite striking. The levels echo the aesthetic of games like Superhot, with a minimalist, blocky approach that pairs perfectly with the streamlined gameplay, creating an appealing package. Secondly, there’s a mechanical twist—when bullets come your way, time slows down, giving you a fighting chance to dodge or even shoot the bullets out of the air. It’s a neat touch, but it does have its hurdles.
This temporal mechanic only seems to activate for bullets in your direct line of sight, allowing you to dodge or intercept. This works fine until you’re under fire from multiple angles. Dodging the projectiles in front of you is straightforward, but if you’re being shot from behind, it’s a different story. I’ve been caught off guard more than once when focusing on dodging what’s in front, only to get hit from the rear. While it’s an innovative feature, it doesn’t cover all bases, requiring an adjustment in playstyle to account for attackers from all sides.
Discussing the story in Death Elevator seems almost moot. There is a narrative, but it’s something you piece together as you progress, with no upfront exposition. Snippets of the story are scattered across levels, so you need to perform well to gather any coherent understanding of the plot. This isn’t a downside, as it keeps the focus on what the game truly offers: engaging shooting action. Thus, I can’t spoil much because, as of now, I too have only a vague sense of the storyline.
In summary, Death Elevator is addictive and quite fun. I appreciate the developer’s visual decisions and find that the controls hold up well mechanically. Enjoyment really depends on what you’re seeking from the game itself. For those who enjoy beating their best times, the run-based structure offers a great challenge, and the difficulty is spot-on for those who like a tough game. Since there are no checkpoints, completing the game in one sitting adds another layer of challenge that appeals to those who enjoy an arcade-style experience.
Conversely, if you’re someone who prefers to build characters or customize load-outs, Death Elevator might not tick those boxes. You work with what you’re given and make the most of it. Additionally, if immersive storylines are critical for you, this game’s cryptic narrative poses a challenge.
Despite these aspects, I’m finding my time with Death Elevator quite enjoyable as I keep striving to improve my runs. If you’re a fan of classic shooters or someone on the lookout for a different kind of shooter, this game might just be up your alley. But if you’re looking for a more intricate and strategic gaming experience, there are other titles that will fit the bill more aptly.
Review Summary:
- Look and Feel: 8/10
- Challenge: 8/10
- Replayability: 7/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Controls and UI: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
Death Elevator is notably enjoyable as an FPS, but its straightforward approach won’t suit everyone. The game’s minimalism and difficulty are likely to alienate some players. However, if you’re a fan of arcade-style games and don’t shy away from a challenge, there’s a lot to love here. For those seeking a deeper gaming experience, it may be best to look elsewhere.
