Review: Death Elevator for PS5

As I age, I’m noticing an interesting pattern among gamers: we’re a tough crowd to please. When developers innovate with new mechanics in the genres we love, we tend to grumble about the changes being too radical. But, on the flip side, should they stick to the tried-and-true formulas, we’re quick to label the games as uninspired. This duality extends to complexity in games too. Offer a game packed with layers and challenges, and we often say it’s overwhelming. Strip it down, and suddenly it’s too simplistic and dull. Part of this mindset likely stems from saturation. We’ve played so many games at this point, it’s hard not to draw comparisons, and I sometimes wonder if we even know what we truly want from a game anymore. This background is crucial for grasping today’s focus, Death Elevator. Depending on your game preferences, this could be a divisive title.

Death Elevator’s premise is refreshingly straightforward. You hop into an elevator and navigate between floors, eliminating enemies as you go. Picture early shooters like Team Fortress or Quake—it’s all about getting armed, then clearing your current floor before moving on. Now, for some shooter enthusiasts, this might feel a bit too retro or minimal. We’re so accustomed to features like skill trees and detailed load-outs, that the absence of these modern embellishments can seem out of date. Personally, it channels a fun nostalgia, harking back to my gaming roots, where gameplay was straightforward. By omitting character progression, players can focus on improving basic skills, which in itself is refreshing.

What makes Death Elevator shine, in my opinion, are two key aspects. First, there’s the visual design. It’s got this raw, blocky look reminiscent of Superhot, which I find appealing. It meshes well with the game’s minimalist gameplay, creating a charming package. Secondly, there’s the innovative mechanic where time slows down when bullets are fired at you, giving you a chance to dodge or shoot them mid-air. However, this feature isn’t flawless. It activates only for bullets in your field of vision, leaving you vulnerable to attacks from other directions. More than once, I was busy dodging in front, only to be hit from behind, which can be frustrating. Balancing your playstyle and tracking all incoming threats takes some practice.

I’ll skip diving deep into Death Elevator’s storyline. There’s a plot, but it unfolds as you progress through levels. There’s no grand introduction or background to delve into at the beginning. Instead, bits of story are sprinkled throughout the game, encouraging good performance to grasp the narrative. It’s less about the story and more about the action, which aligns with the game’s focus on shooting. Honestly, I can’t spoil it because the story remains mostly a mystery to me as well.

Overall, Death Elevator has an addictively fun quality. Its visual style appeals to me, and the controls are solid. No complaints there. Yet, how much you enjoy this game will depend on your expectations. It’s timed, adding a speedrun appeal, and challenging enough for those seeking difficulty. With no checkpoints and the necessity of finishing it in one go, it offers a tough ride. Fans of arcade-style games will likely be drawn to this.

For those who prefer games with character development and strategic load-outs, Death Elevator might not hit the mark. You work with what you get, and if you can’t make it work, well, you’re out of luck. The story is cryptic, so if narrative depth is essential for your immersion, you might find it lacking.

Even though I find myself returning to improve my runs, I can confidently say I’m enjoying Death Elevator. As someone who loves old-school shooters, it’s a great fit for me. If you’re on the lookout for a new shooter to play and have a soft spot for arcade gaming, give this a shot. But if you’re after a rich, strategic experience, there are probably other titles that might be more up your alley.

In conclusion, Death Elevator has an undeniable charm for those who appreciate its style. It may not be every shooter fan’s cup of tea, due to its simplicity and difficulty. But for the arcade enthusiast or anyone up for a good challenge, it has plenty to offer. If you’re seeking depth, though, you might want to keep looking.

Score Breakdown:

• Look and Feel: 8/10
• Challenge: 8/10
• Replayability: 7/10
• Value for Money: 9/10
• Controls and UI: 8/10

Overall: 8/10

Death Elevator is an enjoyable FPS, but it won’t resonate with every fan of the genre. Its straightforward nature and significant difficulty may deter some players. However, if you love the arcade style and enjoy a challenge, there’s a lot to admire here.