As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized something about gamers: we can be hard to please. When developers introduce fresh, innovative mechanics into our favorite genres, we often resist change, grumbling that it’s all too different. Yet, when they don’t, we complain about games feeling like stale clones. The same goes for complexity. Give us lots to work with in a game, and we might bemoan it’s overwhelming. Simplify it, and suddenly it’s too basic and dull. I guess part of this frustration comes from the gaming saturation we’ve experienced, comparing every new title to what we’ve already played. Many of us, myself included, don’t even seem sure what we genuinely want in a game anymore. This is a relevant thought as we dive into today’s topic: Death Elevator. Depending on your personal take on what makes a good game, this might be a polarizing title.
Death Elevator’s concept couldn’t be simpler. You step into an elevator, moving from floor to floor, eliminating enemies in your path. Think of classics like the original Team Fortress or Quake. There are no frills here. You grab a weapon and clear your current floor. Once it’s safe, the elevator opens, and off you go to tackle the next one. Some shooter fans might feel this is too basic. Over the years, we’ve become accustomed to leveling up characters and customizing loadouts. So, stripping all that away might seem outdated. For someone like me, who grew up before all these extras existed, it’s a delightful trip down memory lane. Plus, when not distracted by character progression, you can really focus on sharpening those fundamental skills.
What really sets Death Elevator apart, for me, are two elements. First, there’s its graphic style. The levels remind me a bit of Superhot, with their minimalist, blocky look. It complements the gameplay’s bare-bones nature, resulting in a pretty neat package. The second standout feature is its time-slowing mechanic. When bullets head your way, time slows, offering a chance to dodge or shoot them. While clever, this has its challenges.
This time-slowing trick only happens when the bullets are in your line of sight, granting you precious moments to dodge or intercept them. It works smoothly until you’re under fire from different directions. You can effortlessly sidestep bullets coming straight at you, but it doesn’t help much when they’re from behind. More than once, I’ve been laser-focused on dodging only to be hit from an unexpected angle. This feature is intriguing, but it requires some adaptability.
There’s a story in Death Elevator, but I’m not here to delve into it. It unfolds gradually as you advance through levels. There’s no detailed prologue or backstory to get lost in. As you play well, you unlock more insights into the narrative, which subtly directs your focus to what the game is truly about: shooting things. Therefore, no spoilers here, partly because even I’m still piecing it all together.
Overall, Death Elevator is a blast and has its hooks in me. I’m quite impressed with the visual choices; controls are tight and responsive. I’ve no complaints about the core mechanics. As I’ve mentioned, the enjoyment factor really depends on what you seek in a game. Timed runs are available, adding appeal for speed-run enthusiasts, and the game’s difficulty is enough to challenge those who seek it. With no checkpoints and a single-run completion requirement, it offers a no-nonsense challenge. This game will likely attract those who love a traditional arcade feel.
However, for gamers who enjoy the nuances of crafting a character and selecting comfortable weapon loadouts, Death Elevator may not hit the mark. You work with what you’re given, make it work, or face defeat. The cryptic story might leave those wanting deep immersion a bit unsatisfied.
I find myself diving back into Death Elevator, trying to improve my runs, and I’m enjoying it. As a fan of classic shooters, it ticks a lot of boxes. If you’re similar or just looking for a fresh experience in the shooting genre, this game might be worth your time. But if you crave something more strategic, there are better options available.
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 Score: 8/10
An enjoyable FPS
Death Elevator is entertaining but might not appeal to all shooter fans. Its straightforward approach and notable difficulty could turn some away. If you appreciate the arcade genre and a challenging experience, there’s much to enjoy. However, for those seeking a deeper dive, it might be best to look elsewhere.
