As I grow older, I’m starting to really notice that gamers are a hard bunch to please. Developers either bring in new, innovative mechanics and we complain it’s too different, or they don’t, and we grumble about games being clones or becoming boring. The complexity of games also provides its own set of problems—if it’s too intricate, it can be overwhelming, yet if it’s too simple, it feels lackluster. This dissatisfaction often stems from the sheer volume of games we play, leading to endless comparisons. Sometimes, I’m not even sure we truly know what we want from a game, myself included. This is relevant to today’s discussion: Death Elevator is likely to divide opinions based on what each of us believes constitutes a good gaming experience.
When it comes to Death Elevator, the concept is as straightforward as it gets. You step into an elevator, ascend through floors, and take down enemies, reminiscent of classic shooters like the original Team Fortress or Quake. There’s no fancy stuff here—just grab your weapon and clear the floor. Some shooter fans might find this simple structure a little too barebones, especially if they’re used to games packed with skill upgrades and elaborate load-outs. Personally, it brings me a nostalgic kind of joy, being reminded of a time when games didn’t have all that extra stuff. Reverting to basics allows you to focus on pure gameplay and sharpening your skills.
What sets Death Elevator apart for me are two main aspects. First, the graphical style is strikingly similar to the minimalist and blocky aesthetic of Superhot, which I find highly appealing. This minimalist design complements the bare gameplay mechanics, creating a cohesive gaming experience. Secondly, there’s an interesting game mechanic where time slows down as bullets fly your way, giving you a chance to dodge or shoot them down. It’s a nifty feature, but it does come with its own challenges.
The slow-motion effect engages only when bullets are in your line of sight, allowing you to dodge or shoot them out of the air. This works well until you’re being attacked from multiple directions. Dodging head-on projectiles is one thing, but it doesn’t help when you’re blindsided. There have been moments when I focused on evading bullets in front of me only to get hit from behind. This clever idea might not be foolproof but requires you to balance your awareness and gameplay style to cover all angles.
Now, there’s a story in Death Elevator, but it’s something you uncover progressively. There’s no elaborate prologue or detailed background to dive into initially. Instead, snippets of the narrative reveal themselves as you advance. You have to play well to piece together the storyline, which places more emphasis on the game’s core—shooting. So, no spoilers here—not because I’m withholding them, but because even I’m still figuring it out as I go.
Overall, Death Elevator is a blast and can be highly addictive. The game’s graphical choices win me over, and its mechanics function smoothly. However, how much you enjoy it largely depends on what you’re seeking from the game. For those who thrive on speed runs and crave challenging gameplay, this game’s lack of checkpoints and a requirement to finish in one go might be just the ticket. It will likely appeal to fans of arcade-style gameplay.
For those who enjoy nuanced character development and customizing their load-outs, Death Elevator may not hit the mark, as it strips away those elements. The storyline is intentionally vague, and if narrative depth is crucial for you, this might be a hurdle.
Personally, as I keep restarting to better my performance, I’ve found quite a bit of joy in playing Death Elevator. For fans of old-school shooters, it checks a lot of boxes. If you’re like me or simply want to try something fresh in the shooter realm, this game is worth a shot. However, if you’re on the hunt for a deep, strategic experience, there are other titles out there that might suit you better.
To sum it up, Death Elevator is enjoyable and offers a good challenge, although it won’t be every shooter’s cup of tea. Its basic yet challenging nature might turn some players away. Still, for those who enjoy arcade games with a solid challenge, there’s plenty to appreciate here. If you’re after something more intricate, perhaps save your money for another title.
