Review: Death Elevator for PS5

As I grow older, I’ve come to realize that gamers can be an incredibly hard-to-please bunch. There’s always a complaint. If game developers introduce new and innovative mechanics to refresh beloved genres, we’re quick to grumble about the changes being too drastic. On the flip side, if they stick to familiar formulas, we label the games as clones and bemoan the lack of originality. This dissatisfaction extends to game complexity as well. Give us intricate gameplay, and it feels overwhelming; simplify things too much, and suddenly the game is tedious. I think part of this dissatisfaction stems from the sheer volume of games we consume and the constant comparisons we make. It leads to confusion about what we truly seek in a gaming experience. This brings us to today’s focus: Death Elevator. It’s a game that might divide opinions based on one’s personal criteria for a quality game.

Death Elevator’s concept couldn’t be more straightforward. You step into an elevator, and as you move from floor to floor, your mission is simple: obliterate the bad guys. In many ways, it harks back to classic titles like Team Fortress and Quake, where the emphasis was on honing basic shooter skills. This might seem too bare-bones for some modern shooter enthusiasts who have grown accustomed to complex skill trees and detailed character load-outs. As someone who fondly remembers the days when games were a bit more straightforward, I find a certain nostalgic charm in this simplicity. It strips away distractions, allowing you to focus on refining your core shooting skills.

What really caught my eye in Death Elevator are two standout features. First, there’s the distinctive approach to graphics. The game adopts a minimalistic, blocky style reminiscent of Superhot, which complements the pared-down gameplay beautifully. It’s an aesthetically pleasing package. Secondly, there’s an intriguing game mechanic: time slows down when bullets are in your line of vision. This slowing effect offers a chance to evade or even shoot the bullet mid-air—a cool feature with a catch.

This time-slowing mechanic works well when you’re facing enemies head-on, but it falters when attacks come from different angles. Often, while intently dodging forward attacks, I found myself hit from behind, which detracts from what is otherwise a clever idea. It requires a strategic adjustment to account for all possible threats, which can take some getting used to.

As for the story of Death Elevator, it’s an enigma. There’s definitely a narrative arc woven into the experience, but it’s sparse. Gathered in snippets as you progress, you’ll only catch on if you’re truly adept at the game. This story delivery method keeps your primary focus on what the game is really about: action-packed gunfights. In other words, even if I wanted to spoil the story for you, I’m still not entirely sure what’s going on myself.

Overall, Death Elevator offers a compelling, addictive experience. The graphics are appealing, and the controls are solid. However, how much you’ll enjoy it depends on what you’re looking for in a game. With time-limited runs, it caters brilliantly to speed runners and those seeking a challenge, particularly with its absence of checkpoints and the demand to complete the game in one go. Those who appreciate a more arcade-like experience will be in their element.

For players who relish the intricacy of character-building and detailed load-outs, Death Elevator might be a tougher sell. Its story is cryptic, so if immersion through plot is your thing, this game might not satisfy. Personally, as I dive back in for another run, I realize just how much I enjoy this kind of old-school shooter. It ticks many boxes for fans like me or anyone interested in exploring fresh challenges within the shooter genre. But if you’re expecting strategic depth, you may want to look elsewhere.

Review Overview

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

Overall Score: 8/10

In summary, Death Elevator certainly offers a lot of fun but may not appeal to every shooter enthusiast. Its straightforward approach and difficulty level might deter some players, but for fans of the arcade genre seeking a robust challenge, this game could be just the ticket. If you’re looking for a deeper experience, you might find other options more to your liking.