REVIEW / Death Elevator for PS5

I’ve come to realize something as I get older: gamers are almost never truly satisfied. When developers introduce innovative mechanics and blend them into our favorite genres, we often balk at the changes, claiming things are too different. Conversely, if they stick to tried-and-true formulas, we criticize the games as unoriginal or stale. Complexity is another double-edged sword. Offer a deeply intricate game with a myriad of elements to consider, and it’s deemed overwhelming. Yet, when a game is simplified, it’s branded as too basic and dull. This seems to be fueled by saturation. We play so many titles that comparisons are inevitable, and frankly, it feels like we don’t really know what we want from a game anymore. This brings us to today’s discussion – a game that might divide opinions: Death Elevator.

The premise of Death Elevator is straightforward. You’re in an elevator, moving from one floor to the next, and your job is to take out the bad guys. Think of classics like the original Team Fortress or Quake; it’s all about grabbing a gun and clearing the floor. Once the coast is clear, the elevator doors open, and you’re off to the next fight. For some shooter enthusiasts, this might feel too minimalistic because we’ve grown accustomed to games with skill trees and load-out strategies. The removal of all the extra frills might seem dated. But for someone who grew up in an era where these extras didn’t exist, it’s a fun trip down memory lane. Without the distraction of character progression, it becomes about honing the fundamental skills – which is a welcomed focus.

Two elements of Death Elevator make it unique for me. First, is the graphical style. The levels draw inspiration from games like Superhot, boasting a stripped-back, blocky design that complements the straightforward gameplay amazingly well. The other is a gameplay twist: time slows when you’re fired upon, giving you a brief moment to dodge. It’s a neat mechanic, though not without its issues.

This time-slow function activates only for bullets that are directly in your line of sight, offering a chance to dodge or even shoot them down. However, it falters when you’re attacked from multiple directions. While dodging a clear shot is feasible, those sneaky shots from behind can be a real pain. So, despite being clever, this feature doesn’t always work seamlessly. Mastering the game’s mechanics and being mindful of all directions is definitely a learning curve.

As for the story of Death Elevator, there is one, but details are unfolded gradually as you play. There’s no grand intro or detailed narrative to sink into. Instead, bits of story emerge every few levels, but to grasp the full picture, you’ll have to keep playing skillfully. It’s not a complaint; it aligns with what the game truly focuses on – shooting stuff. So, I can’t spoil much because, honestly, I’m piecing it together myself.

Overall, Death Elevator is undeniably fun and has that addictive quality. I’m quite fond of the graphical concept here, and the control precision is just right. From a technical standpoint, there are no glaring issues. Whether you’ll find enjoyment largely hinges on what you seek in a game. If you’re into speed runs, you’ll appreciate the timed levels. This game also presents a fair challenge for those itching for one. The absence of checkpoints and the need to beat the game in one go offer an intense experience for anyone looking for something resembling an arcade experience.

If you’re a fan of strategizing about character builds and weapon setups, Death Elevator might not appeal to you. The game’s offerings are fixed, and your success relies on how well you use what you’ve got. The enigmatic storyline might also detract from your immersion if that’s important to you.

As I continue to challenge myself with each run, I find that I genuinely enjoy my time with Death Elevator. As an enthusiast of retro shooters, it ticks many of the right boxes. If you’re a fan of the traditional shooter style or fancy trying something different in the genre, this might be worth your time. However, if you’re on the hunt for a more in-depth, strategic gameplay experience, you might want to explore other options on the market.

In summary, Death Elevator is quite engaging but not for every shooter aficionado. Its simplicity and difficulty might not appeal to everyone. If you relish the arcade genre and a challenging gaming experience, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy it. Otherwise, if you prefer deeper experiences, it’s worth waiting for another title.