Review: Death Elevator for PS5

It’s becoming increasingly clear to me as time goes on that gamers are a tough crowd to please. When developers introduce fresh and innovative mechanics into the games we love, there’s often a chorus of complaints about them deviating too much from what we’re used to. On the flip side, if they don’t innovate, we’re quick to label games as unoriginal clones or complain about them getting repetitive. The balance of complexity in games also lands developers in a catch-22. If a game is intricate with lots of elements, it’s deemed overwhelming. Strip it down, and suddenly it’s too straightforward and uninteresting. A lot of this, I think, boils down to saturation. We play so extensively that everything gets measured against everything else, and at times, I find myself questioning what we really seek in a game anymore. This concept is crucial when considering the game we’re discussing today. Death Elevator is definitely going to divide opinions based on what you value in a gaming experience.

Let’s dive into Death Elevator. Its premise couldn’t be more straightforward: you jump into an elevator, go floor to floor, and take down enemies. It’s reminiscent of classics like the original Team Fortress or Quake. No frills here. You pick up a gun and clear each level until the elevator doors open for the next. Now, for some shooter enthusiasts, this might feel a bit too simplified. We’ve become accustomed to games where you level up skills and strategize character loadouts, so a game that skips all of that might seem outdated. However, speaking as someone who grew up in an era where these extras were absent, I find it nostalgically enjoyable. With the fluff removed, you can focus on honing fundamental skills without distraction.

Two aspects really make Death Elevator shine for me. First, there’s the graphics—they remind me of Superhot with their simple and blocky design. This minimalist style complements the gameplay’s stripped-back nature, creating a neat overall package. The second, more mechanical aspect is the time-slowing feature that activates when bullets appear in your line of sight. This allows for some interesting dodging or the chance to even shoot bullets out of the air, but it’s not without flaws.

While the slow-motion mechanic is intriguing, it only triggers for bullets visible to you. This gives a fair chance to dodge or counter-attack but can be limiting if you’re targeted from multiple angles. Projectiles in front are manageable, but getting blindsided by bullets from behind is not uncommon. It’s a clever concept, though not impeccable, and mastering it requires you to be keenly aware of attacks from all directions.

I’m not delving into Death Elevator’s storyline here, partly because of its scarcity. The narrative unfolds gradually as you progress, but there’s no detailed prologue to sink your teeth into. Every few levels offer snippets that hint at the bigger picture, urging you to play well for a clearer understanding. This focuses more on the game’s core—shooting things up—so no complaints there. So, at the moment, I can’t spoil anything because there’s little I know myself!

Ultimately, Death Elevator is entertaining and has a certain addictive lure to it. I find the graphic choices appealing, and the controls are reliable, meeting expectations well. No issues in the technical department here. But how much fun you have depends on your gaming preferences. With no checkpoints and the requirement to finish the game in one session, it’s challenging, and the timed runs will appeal to speed enthusiasts. The arcade vibe will likely attract fans of that style of play.

However, Death Elevator may not appeal to those who enjoy building intricate characters and personalizing loadouts. Here, you simply work with what you’re given—or face the consequences. The story’s enigmatic nature might not satisfy players who rely on plot for immersion.

As I continue to replay and try to better my scores, it’s safe to say I’m enjoying my time with Death Elevator. As someone fond of classic shooters, it ticks many boxes. If you’re like me or seeking something fresh in the shooting genre, it’s worth a try. Yet, if you crave a rich, strategic experience, there are other titles out there more aligned with those desires.

Death Elevator presents a fun and engaging FPS experience, though it might not win over every shooter fan. Its simplicity and difficulty level can be polarizing. Fans of arcade and challenging games will find plenty to admire, but those seeking depth might prefer to look elsewhere.