Review: Death Elevator on PS5

I’ve found that as I get older, it seems like gamers are never truly satisfied. Developers introduce new, innovative mechanics to our favorite genres, yet we complain that these games deviate too much from what we’re accustomed to. Conversely, if they stick to the tried-and-true formula, we moan about games feeling stale or just being clones of each other. The debate over game complexity is no different. Offer a complex game rich with features, and it’s considered overwhelming. Simplify things, and suddenly it’s branded as boring. A lot of this comes down to saturation. We consume so many games that we tend to compare each one to the rest, leading to us—and I include myself in this—not really knowing what we want out of a game. This context is key when discussing today’s focus: Death Elevator—a game likely to split opinion based on what you, as a player, believe makes a game appealing.

Death Elevator’s premise couldn’t be more straightforward. You find yourself in an elevator, moving from one floor to the next, where your sole task is to eliminate the bad guys. Think back to games like the original Team Fortress or Quake. There’s no extra flair here—just grab a weapon and clear out your current level. Once all’s clear, the elevator doors open again, and up you go. For some shooter enthusiasts, this might feel too pared down. Nowadays, with so much emphasis on leveling skills and customizing character load-outs, stripping these elements away can seem outdated. For someone like me, who grew up before all the extras came along, it offers a nice nostalgic thrill. Plus, without the distraction of character development, you can hone the basic skills, improving as you play.

Two aspects of Death Elevator truly stand out to me. First is its visual style. The levels remind me of those in Superhot—a minimalistic, blocky design that I find quite appealing. This style aligns well with the gameplay’s simplicity, creating an intriguing combination. Secondly, a notable gameplay mechanic is present. When bullets hurtle toward you, time slows down, giving you a chance to dodge. It’s a nifty feature, but it’s not without flaws.

The slow-time mechanic activates only for bullets within your line of sight. While it allows time to dodge or even shoot a bullet mid-air if you’re quick enough, issues arise when you’re attacked from multiple angles. It’s easy to dodge incoming projectiles, but this doesn’t apply if you’re shot from behind. On several occasions, I’ve been so focused on dodging forward bullets that I’d get hit from the back. Clever in concept, it’s not foolproof, and mastering a strategy that takes every threat into account can take time.

Discussing Death Elevator’s story is somewhat redundant. There is a narrative, but you uncover it as you progress. There’s no pre-introduction or in-depth storyline to sink your teeth into. Occasionally, you receive bits of info as you clear levels, but it’s delivered in a way that demands skillful play to piece it all together. This focus on gameplay over story is not a drawback, as shooting is its main appeal. In a nutshell, any spoilers would be impossible for me since I’m still piecing things together myself.

Overall, Death Elevator offers addictive entertainment. Its visual choices are smartly executed, and everything functions as expected—no complaints on the mechanics front. As I mentioned before, your enjoyment will ultimately depend on what you’re seeking in the game. Timed runs provide excitement for speedrun enthusiasts, and its challenging nature appeals to those looking for a tough ride. Without checkpoints and the requirement to finish in one go, it’s perfect for players who aren’t interested in an easy experience. Fans of arcade-style gameplay will surely enjoy this.

On the flip side, if you’re someone who appreciates intricately crafting characters and picking out preferred weapon load-outs, Death Elevator might not cater to that desire. You have to play with what you’re given, or risk failure. And if narrative immersion is vital for you, its cryptic storyline could be disappointing.

As I dive back in, aiming to improve with each run, I can confidently say I’m having a blast with Death Elevator. As someone who loves old-school shooters, this game ticks many boxes. If you’re like me or just after something distinct within the shooter realm, this could be worth exploring. However, if you’re searching for a more strategically deep experience, there are other games that may better fit those expectations.

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 Score: 8/10

An enjoyable FPS

Death Elevator is an enjoyable romp, but it won’t appeal to every shooting game aficionado. Its simplistic approach and significant difficulty level might deter some players. However, if you’re into arcade gaming with a solid challenge, you’ll likely find plenty to appreciate here. For those seeking a deeper experience, though, it might be better to keep looking.