I’ve come to realize more and more as I get older that gamers are a tough bunch to please. When developers introduce fresh, ingenious mechanics to genres we love, we grumble about how drastically different things have become. On the flip side, if they don’t innovate, we accuse them of churning out clones and lament the lack of originality. The same tug-of-war exists with game complexity. Load a game with layers and options, and the chorus cries, "Too overwhelming!" Strip it down, and suddenly it’s labeled as overly simplistic and dull. This constant saturation means we’re always comparing one game with another, leaving us—myself included—in a conundrum about what we truly want. This brings us to today’s subject, Death Elevator, a game that might split opinions based on individual tastes in gaming.
Death Elevator’s concept is as straightforward as it gets. Step into an elevator, travel floor by floor, and eliminate the baddies. Picture something like the old-school Team Fortress or Quake games. There’s no over-the-top flair. You grab a weapon and clear each floor before the elevator moves up again. Some shooter fans might find this a bit too minimalist, especially when we’ve grown accustomed to leveling up skills and optimizing character load-outs. But for someone like me, who grew up in a time devoid of these extras, it’s a delightful nod to nostalgia. Once you remove the emphasis on character progression, you can zero in on refining your basic skills.
There are two standout elements in Death Elevator for me. Firstly, its graphics are unique. They remind me a bit of Superhot, taking on a minimal, blocky style that’s both fresh and exciting. This art direction pairs beautifully with the basic gameplay mechanics, creating a neat little package. Secondly, there’s the intriguing feature where time slows down whenever an enemy’s bullet enters your line of sight. It’s a cool addition, but it doesn’t come without its quirks.
This time-slowing feature activates only when bullets are within your field of vision, allowing you to dodge or even shoot them mid-air. But here’s the catch: it doesn’t work for attacks from behind, which can be a bit tricky when you’re focused on dodging what’s in front. There have been several instances where I’ve been blindsided because of concentrating on avoiding head-on bullets. Although it’s an innovative mechanic, it doesn’t always hit the mark. Adjusting your gameplay to consider all potential threats takes some practice.
Now, about the storyline in Death Elevator: While there is one, it’s something you uncover as you move forward. There’s no elaborate prologue. Occasionally, you pick up snippets of information about the game’s narrative, but you must play well to truly piece everything together. However, this isn’t a detractor. It forces you to stay focused on the heart of the game—shooting. So, I can’t spill any spoilers because, frankly, the story remains somewhat of a mystery to me too.
Overall, Death Elevator is a fun and addictive experience. Its graphical choices are appealing, and the controls are tight and responsive. I don’t have any gripes about the core mechanics. That said, how much you enjoy it really boils down to what you seek in a game. The timed runs are perfect for fans of speed-running, and the difficulty level is just right for those seeking a real challenge. The absence of checkpoints and the need to finish the game in one go make it appealing to those who prefer unforgiving, arcade-like gameplay.
For those who enjoy the intricacies of character development and personalized weapon load-outs, Death Elevator might present a tougher sell. Here, you make do with what you’re given, mastering it or facing defeat. The cryptic storyline might also not sit well with those who thrive on narrative depth for immersion.
Every time I return to improve my score in Death Elevator, I realize just how much I’m enjoying it. As a fan of retro shooters, it checks many boxes for me. If you share my taste or are simply looking for a fresh experience in the shooter genre, this game is a solid choice. However, if you’re in search of a deep, strategic affair, you might want to explore other titles that better suit those expectations.
Death Elevator: A Rising Star
Pros:
- 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
An enjoyable FPS
Death Elevator offers a lot of fun but might not appeal to every shooter enthusiast. Its simplistic nature coupled with its challenging gameplay might be a turn-off for some. However, if you enjoy arcade-style games and crave a good challenge, you’ll likely find plenty to appreciate. Those looking for a richer, more complex experience should consider exploring other options.
