REVIEW / Death Elevator for PS5

I’ve come to realize with time that no matter what, gamers always find something to grumble about. Developers try to innovate and mix things up within genres, but then there’s the chorus of complaints about it being too different. When they don’t add fresh elements? We hear the games are mere clones or just plain predictable. The same goes for complexity. If a game is intricate, we say it’s overwhelming, but simplify it too much, and suddenly it’s boring. I guess it’s a side effect of saturation; we’ve played so much that every game becomes a comparison. Honestly, I’m not sure we even know what we’re truly looking for in a game sometimes. Enter Death Elevator, a game poised to split opinion based on what you personally believe makes a game truly enjoyable.

Now, let’s dive into the concept of Death Elevator. It doesn’t get much simpler than this: you hop in an elevator and, as it stops on each floor, you take down a bunch of bad guys. Picture the essence of old-school shooters like the original Team Fortress or Quake – straightforward, no frills. Arm yourself, clear out the enemies, and move to the next floor. For some fans of shooters, this might seem too pared down. We’ve grown accustomed to honing skills and obsessing over character setups, so stripping away all these extras might feel a bit outdated. But for me, it’s a delightful nod to simpler times. With less focus on character growth, it’s all about improving your core skills and getting into the thick of action.

What really makes Death Elevator shine for me are two main things. First, its artistic design takes a unique approach with levels that bring to mind the minimalist, blocky style of Superhot. This matches perfectly with the game’s stripped-down gameplay, creating a cohesive and engaging package. Secondly, there’s a cool mechanical twist: whenever bullets head your way, time slows down just enough to dodge or retaliate. However, while this is an interesting feature, it doesn’t solve every problem.

This time-altering element only kicks in when bullets are directly in your line of sight, giving you a chance to dodge or shoot them down. Issues arise when you’re getting fired at from different directions. While you easily avoid what’s upfront, attacks from behind are trickier, leading to unwelcome surprises. Though the mechanic is clever, it demands a keen awareness of your surroundings and takes time to master.

As for Death Elevator’s story, it’s more of a background element. There’s no grand introduction or detailed narrative to digest at the start. Instead, snippets of story unfold as you progress, but only if you play skillfully enough to uncover them. The real focus here is the action, with the story serving as just a supplementary layer.

Overall, Death Elevator is an adventurous ride with that addictive "just one more go" vibe. I love the visual design choices, and the controls are responsive and solid. The enjoyment factor will really hinge on what you’re after in a game. If you’re into speed running, the timed runs can be thrilling. It also offers quite the challenge without checkpoints, demanding you to finish in a single run — a dream for those craving an arcade-style experience.

This game might not tickle the fancy of those who enjoy character development and the art of fine-tuning weapon setups. It’s a game where you work with what you have or bite the dust. If narrative depth is key to your immersion, you might find the game lacking.

I keep returning to Death Elevator, eager to better my runs — it’s a testament to the fun I’m having. As a fan of retro shooters, it hits the mark for me. If you’re after something new in the shooter realm with a nod to the past, this is a solid choice. For those seeking a deeply strategic experience, there are other titles that might better suit your desires.

A Rising Star

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

Overall: 8/10

An enjoyable FPS
Death Elevator offers an entertaining experience, but it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Its straightforward nature and notable difficulty may not appeal to all. However, if you’re a fan of the arcade genre with a penchant for challenge, there’s much to appreciate here. If a deeper dive into strategic gameplay is what you seek, you might want to explore other options.