As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that gamers, myself included, seem to be in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction. When developers introduce fresh mechanics and innovate within popular genres, we often gripe that things have deviated too much from the norm. Yet, if these elements aren’t included, we complain about games feeling like carbon copies or becoming monotonous. The same goes for the complexity level. Offer a game with depth and layers and it’s seen as excessively complicated; simplify it, and it’s suddenly too plain and dull. I suspect part of this stems from oversaturation. We’ve played so many games that we can’t help but to compare them endlessly, often without truly knowing what we want in a gaming experience. This is relevant when considering today’s game, Death Elevator, which might split opinions based on personal preferences for what constitutes a good game.
Let’s dive into the basics of Death Elevator—it’s got a premise that’s as straightforward as they come. You step into an elevator and progress through floors, taking down waves of enemies along the way. Think back to the simplicity of titles like the original Team Fortress or Quake—no frills, just action. You pick up a weapon and clear each floor to unlock the next. This lean approach might feel underwhelming for shooter enthusiasts who prefer crafting skill trees and customizing load-outs. As someone who gamed when the bells and whistles were absent, I find a bit of nostalgic charm in this setup. And without character progression cluttering the experience, you focus more on refining basic skills.
Two standout aspects of Death Elevator caught my eye. First, the graphics bear a resemblance to the distinctive stylized simplicity of Superhot. The levels embrace a minimalistic, blocky aesthetic that complements the pared-down gameplay. The result? A streamlined and cohesive package. Next comes the bullet-time mechanic—when projectiles enter your field of view, time slows, giving you a chance to dodge or shoot them mid-air. It’s a neat concept, but it brings up a few issues.
This time-slowing feature only activates with visible bullets, letting you dodge or intercept them, but it doesn’t extend to shots from angles out of sight. On several occasions, I’d be evading what’s ahead, only to be blindsided by shots from behind. While innovative, that mechanic isn’t foolproof. It requires some adaptation to effectively manage threats from all directions.
I won’t delve into the game’s storyline much. There’s a narrative, but it unfolds gradually as you progress, without a prologue to dive into at the start. Instead, every few levels, you’ll get snippets of the story, offering just enough intrigue to fuel your curiosity about what’s really going on. This subtle storytelling puts the spotlight more on the shooting aspect, which isn’t a downside for a game that’s all about action.
Overall, Death Elevator offers plenty of enjoyment with an addictive rhythm. I appreciate the chosen visual style, and the controls function as expected without major issues. But the enjoyment scale varies based on your gaming thirst. If you relish speed runs, the timed runs add a layer of excitement. Craving a tough challenge? The game’s difficulty ensures there’s no easy ride without checkpoints, demanding a full run for completion—perfect for arcade lovers.
For those who enjoy character-building and customizing weapon load-outs, Death Elevator might not satisfy. You’re handed your gear and must roll with it to succeed—or face the consequences. The story remains cryptic, which might pose a challenge for players who thrive on narrative immersion.
As I return for repeated playthroughs, aiming to better my performance, I can confidently say Death Elevator has been a captivating experience. For fans of classic shooters like myself, it checks plenty of boxes. If you’re on the lookout for a fresh take in the shooting genre, it’s well worth a try. But if you’re expecting a deeply strategic, narrative-rich affair, there are alternatives that might suit your tastes better.
