REVIEW / Death Elevator (PS5 Edition)

As I’ve been spending more time in the gaming world over the years, I’ve come to notice a pattern: gamers are often caught in a cycle of dissatisfaction. When developers introduce fresh mechanics to beloved genres, there’s a chorus of complaints about how they’re shaking things up too much. Yet, if they stick to the tried and true, cries about unoriginality and boredom are just as loud. This duality extends right into the complexity of games too. Give players a rich tapestry of intricate details, and it’s labeled overwhelming. Strip it back, and suddenly it’s too simplistic. This weariness might stem from saturation; with so many hours spent gaming, everything inevitably gets stacked up against the last big hit, leaving us unsure of what we’re really seeking in our next adventure. With that in mind, let’s delve into Death Elevator—a game that may well divide opinion depending on your personal benchmarks for a good title.

At its heart, Death Elevator opts for a straightforward design. Picture yourself stepping into an elevator, traveling floor by floor, taking down enemies in your path. It’s a concept reminiscent of early classics like Team Fortress or Quake, sans the fluff. Armed with just a gun, your mission is clear—eliminate all threats on your current floor before the doors slide open to the next. Some shooter aficionados might find this minimalist setup a tad bare. After all, we’re accustomed now to skill trees and character gear setups. But for those like me who remember an era where games didn’t have these added layers, there’s a charm in nostalgia. It brings us back to the essentials of gameplay, offering a chance to hone those core skills.

Two standout features in Death Elevator draw my attention. First, there’s the visual strategy; its blocky, pared-down aesthetic shares a kinship with the look and feel of Superhot. This visual minimalism complements the barebones approach of the gameplay itself, rounding out an intriguing little package. The second noteworthy element is its bullet-time mechanic: as projectiles fly at you, time creeps by slowly, giving you a fleeting window to dodge or retaliate. While it’s a nifty feature, it presents some challenges—mainly, this mechanism only kicks in for incoming bullets within your field of view. It leaves you vulnerable to shots from behind, leading to some unexpected hits while you’re busy tackling the threats in front. It’s a novel concept, though not without its kinks, requiring players to fine-tune their strategy to account for all-around threats.

When it comes to narrative, Death Elevator keeps things under wraps. Yes, there is a storyline, but it unfolds in fragments as you progress. There’s no opening monologue to set the scene. Instead, snippets are unlocked with your progress, making it imperative to play skillfully to piece together the larger picture. But don’t mistake this for a gripe; the primary focus here is on the shooting, and for that, a detailed backstory isn’t crucial. So, no spoilers today—I’m only as clued in as my own playthrough allows.

Ultimately, Death Elevator offers an addictive, fun experience. The aesthetic decisions work well, and the game controls are tight and intuitive. In essence, the nuts and bolts deliver. However, enjoyment will vary depending on what you’re seeking. Timed runs cater to speed enthusiasts, while the game’s challenging nature is perfect for those chasing a more hardcore experience. Its lack of checkpoints means you experience the game in one go, appealing to fans of arcade-style gameplay who relish a tough challenge.

This game might not be for those who relish the intricacies of character development or customizing load-outs. It’s a “take what you’re given” affair—make the most of it or face defeat. With a rather cryptic plotline, those prioritizing narrative depth might find it a difficult sell.

As I continue making attempts to best my scores, I can undoubtedly say I’m having a blast with Death Elevator. As an old-school shooter fan, it ticks several boxes for me. If you’re on the lookout for a fresh addition to your FPS collection, this is worth a shot. However, if you crave a strategic, layered experience, you might find other titles more suited to your taste.

A Rising Star

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

An enjoyable FPS

Death Elevator is immense fun, but perhaps not one to universal acclaim among shooter fans. Its simplicity and challenging difficulty might be off-putting to some. However, for those who appreciate an arcade feel and enjoy a game that doesn’t coddle, there’s plenty to love. But if you’re seeking depth, you might want to invest elsewhere.