I’ve been noticing something interesting as I get older: gamers are a hard bunch to please. When developers introduce fresh and innovative game mechanics to our favorite genres, we complain things have changed too much. But when they don’t, we’re quick to label games as repetitive or uninspired. The same goes for complexity. If a game is intricate and gives us plenty to do, it’s overwhelming. If it’s simpler, we often call it boring. This might be because we play so many games that we end up comparing them, and at times, it feels like we don’t even know what we want in a game anymore. This brings me to today’s game, Death Elevator, which could really split the crowd depending on what you consider to be a good game.
The concept behind Death Elevator is as straightforward as they come: step into an elevator, go from floor to floor, and eliminate the bad guys. Imagine something akin to the original Team Fortress or Quake. No frills here—just grab a gun and clear out enemies on each floor. Only after you’ve dealt with them will the elevator take you to your next stop. Some shooter fans might find this approach a bit too bare-bones, considering we’re accustomed to leveling up our skills and fine-tuning character load-outs. It might seem old-fashioned, but for those like me who grew up with games that didn’t have all the extras, it feels like a nostalgic throwback. Plus, it’s nice to focus on honing basic skills when you’re not caught up in character progression.
What really makes Death Elevator stand out for me are two things. First, the graphical choices are intriguing. The levels remind me a bit of those in Superhot, adopting a minimalist, blocky style that I find appealing. This visual simplicity complements the game’s pared-down gameplay, creating a neat little package. The second standout feature, more mechanical in nature, involves time slowing down as bullets come your direction to help you dodge them. It’s a neat trick, but it does come with its own set of problems.
This time-slowing mechanic kicks in only when you can see the bullets. You get a moment to dodge, or if you’re fast enough, shoot the incoming bullet. This works well unless you’re being fired at from multiple directions. While you can easily evade projectiles you see coming, it doesn’t help much with those you don’t, like being shot at from behind. More than once, I’ve been dodging bullets ahead only to get blindsided by one hitting me from behind. So, while it’s a clever feature, it doesn’t serve all situations well. It takes time to adjust your gameplay style to account for everything happening around you.
Death Elevator has a storyline, but don’t expect a detailed introduction or prologue. As you progress through the levels, you receive snippets of the narrative, but you need to be playing well to piece things together. Since the focus is mainly on shooting, this isn’t a complaint as much as it’s an observation. I won’t spoil anything here because, in truth, I don’t fully grasp what’s going on either.
Overall, Death Elevator is a thrilling and addictive experience. I really appreciate the graphic style they went with, and the controls work just as you’d hope. To reiterate, your enjoyment will hinge on what you’re seeking in a game. For fans of speed runs, the timed nature of the runs is a nice feature, and the game offers a challenging experience for those looking for one. The lack of checkpoints and needing to complete the game in one go provide a robust challenge, which arcade-style players might find appealing.
If you enjoy diving deep into character-building and weapon customizations, this game may not check those boxes for you. You work with what you’ve got or face the consequences. The plot is pretty cryptic, so story enthusiasts might find it less engaging.
Despite these things, I find myself repeatedly going back to Death Elevator to improve my runs. As an old-school shooter fan, this game hits a lot of the right notes for me. If you’re like me or fancy something fresh in the shooting genre, it could be worth a try. But if you’re seeking a detailed, strategic experience, there are other titles out there that might suit you better.
Rating Summary:
- Look and Feel: 8/10
- Challenge: 8/10
- Replayability: 7/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Controls and UI: 8/10
Overall Rating: 8/10
Death Elevator is undeniably entertaining but may not appeal to all shooter enthusiasts. Its simplicity and difficulty can turn off some, but those who enjoy arcade-style challenges will find it quite rewarding. However, for those wanting a more in-depth experience, you might want to save your money for another title.
