REVIEW / Death Elevator on PS5

As I get older, I realize more and more that gamers are rarely ever satisfied. Developers innovate and bring new mechanics into our favorite genres, and some of us grumble because they deviate too much from the norm. On the flip side, when those same developers stick to tried-and-true formulas, we accuse them of creating clones or letting things get monotonous. It’s a balancing act, really. If a game is complicated with a multitude of features, we say it’s overwhelming; yet if it’s simplified, suddenly it’s too boring. This dissatisfaction could stem from the sheer volume of games we play—each new experience inevitably compared to what’s come before. Truth be told, I sometimes wonder if we even know what we want in a game anymore. This brings me to today’s topic: Death Elevator. Depending on your personal taste, this game could either captivate or alienate you.

The concept of Death Elevator couldn’t be simpler. You ride an elevator, stopping at different floors to clear them of enemies. Think of classic games like Team Fortress or Quake. It’s straightforward—grab a gun, clear out the floor, and move on. Some shooter fans might find this basic setup a bit too minimalist. We’ve become accustomed to upgrading skills and tinkering with character load-outs; stripping back all these extras might seem a bit old-fashioned. Yet, for those of us who grew up with games that didn’t feature such intricate systems, it’s a delightful throwback. It’s refreshing, in a way, as it allows players to focus purely on the core skills and enjoythe process of getting better at them.

What sets Death Elevator apart for me are two key aspects. Firstly, the visual style. The game’s graphics have a striking resemblance to the minimalist, blocky aesthetics of Superhot, which complements its straightforward gameplay perfectly. Secondly, there’s the intriguing time-slowing mechanic, coming into play when bullets enter your line of sight, giving you a chance to dodge or shoot them out of the air. It’s a neat concept but presents challenges when you’re under fire from multiple directions. While you can sidestep projectiles right in front of you, those sneaky bullets from behind can catch you off guard. Getting accustomed to this requires some finesse and changes how you approach the action.

I won’t delve into Death Elevator’s narrative depth. Yes, there is a story, but it unfolds gradually as you progress rather than being presented up front. It’s like the game challenges you to unravel its story through your performance, which keeps the focus on its main offering: action-packed shooting. So, don’t expect any spoilers here—frankly, I’m still piecing together the story myself.

All things considered, Death Elevator manages to entertain with an addictive quality that I appreciate. The well-executed graphics and intuitive controls work seamlessly together. While your enjoyment might vary based on what you seek in a game, there’s plenty to admire here. Speedrun enthusiasts will enjoy the timed runs, whereas those craving a significant challenge will find the game’s toughness appealing. With no checkpoints, requiring completion in one go, it offers a relentless arcade-style experience that some will love.

However, for those of you who enjoy customizing characters and curating weapon load-outs, Death Elevator might feel too limiting. The mystifying story might not satisfy players looking for storyline immersion. Still, for fans like me who enjoy old-school shooters, it ticks a lot of boxes. Whether you’re nostalgic for a classic arcade vibe, or simply seeking a fresh entry in the FPS genre, it’s worth a go. But if you’re yearning for a deep, strategic game, you might want to look elsewhere.

Here’s my take on Death Elevator:

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

Overall: 8/10

In essence, Death Elevator is a fun FPS that could divide shooter enthusiasts. Its simplicity and notable difficulty might not be for everyone, but those who relish a good arcade challenge will likely find a lot to enjoy. On the contrary, if you desire a richer, more strategic experience, this might not be the game you’re looking for.