Review: Death Elevator for PS5

As I grow older, one thing becomes increasingly clear: it seems that gamers are never truly content. When developers introduce innovative mechanics into beloved genres, the outcry is that things have strayed too far from the familiar. Yet, when they play it safe, we lament about games feeling like recycled copies, bemoaning the lack of novelty. It’s a similar story with complexity—offer a richly detailed game, and it becomes overwhelming, but simplify it, and it’s dismissed as dull. Much of this stems from the sheer volume of games we consume, leading to constant comparisons. Often, it feels like even we, the players, struggle to pinpoint what we truly seek in a game. This brings us to our game of the day, Death Elevator, a title likely to divide opinions depending on your personal definition of a great game.

Death Elevator is simplicity incarnate. You step into an elevator, travel from floor to floor, and take out the enemies you encounter. Picture something akin to the original Team Fortress or Quake—no frills, just grab your weapon and clear the level. Once done, the elevator doors open again, and you move on. While this setup might feel a tad too bare-bones for some shooter aficionados, especially those accustomed to detailed skill trees and complex character customization, for others, it’s a delightful throwback. Being someone who grew up in an era devoid of such extras, I find it refreshingly nostalgic. Plus, without the distraction of character development, you can hone your fundamental shooting skills.

What makes Death Elevator stand out, for me, are two key aspects. Firstly, its graphics echo those of Superhot, embracing a minimalist, blocky design that complements the stripped-down gameplay. It all comes together in a neat, cohesive package. The second standout feature is the time-slowing mechanic; when bullets enter your field of vision, time slows, giving you a chance to dodge or even shoot them down. It’s a clever idea, though not without its flaws.

The bullet-dodging mechanic only activates when projectiles are visible, which means you can smoothly sidestep incoming shots. However, it’s not as effective when you’re targeted from multiple angles. All too often, while focusing on dodging frontal attacks, I’d get blindsided by a hit from the rear. So, while the mechanic is neat, it requires some strategy adjustment to consider all threats in real-time.

Now, I’m not even going to delve into the story of Death Elevator. There is one, but it unfurls as you progress. There’s no introduction or narrative deep dive; instead, snippets of the plot are revealed every few levels. This design means you need to play skilfully to piece the story together. And considering the game’s primary appeal is its action, that’s perfectly fine by me. To be honest, I can’t spoil the story because I haven’t entirely pieced it together myself yet.

All in all, Death Elevator delivers a fun and addictive experience. The graphics are appealing, and the controls are spot-on. How much you’ll enjoy the game largely depends on what you’re seeking. If you love the thrill of timed runs and a good challenge, this game is right up your alley. Its difficulty and the requirement to complete it in a single run make it rewarding for arcade enthusiasts, yet it might not be the best fit for players who enjoy strategic depth and character customization.

For those who relish tweaking their characters and fine-tuning loadouts, Death Elevator might feel limited. The gameplay is straightforward: you either adapt to the tools at hand or face defeat. And while there’s a story, it’s quite cryptic, so if narrative depth is key for you, this might not satisfy that itch.

Despite these aspects, every time I replay Death Elevator, striving to improve my runs, I find myself thoroughly enjoying it. Being a fan of classic shooters, this game ticks many boxes for me. If you’re like me or just in the mood for something fresh in the shooting genre, it’s worth a shot. But if you’re after a complex, strategic experience, there are other titles out there that might better cater to your desires.

Rating: 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

Review Summary: An enjoyable FPS

Death Elevator brings plenty of fun, but it’s not a universal hit for every shooter fan. Its straightforward approach and notable difficulty will deter some, yet for those who appreciate arcade-style games and a formidable challenge, there’s much to enjoy. If you desire a richer experience, you might want to set your sights elsewhere.