Review: Death Elevator for PS5

I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older, gamers’ dissatisfaction seems to grow. When developers introduce fresh mechanics into genres we enjoy, we grumble about how different they are. On the flip side, sticking too closely to established formulas gets us complaining about uninspired clones and stale ideas. This attitude extends to a game’s complexity as well. Offer a challenging experience with plenty to sink our teeth into, and it’s "too much," but strip it down, and suddenly it’s "too simple" and "boring." It’s a cycle fueled by the saturation of the market, where everything gets measured against everything else. Often, it’s hard to pinpoint what I, or any gamer, truly want from a game these days. This is certainly the case with Death Elevator, a game that might split opinions based on individual tastes.

The concept behind Death Elevator couldn’t be straightforward: you’re in an elevator, moving from floor to floor, disposing of enemies. Think of something like the original Team Fortress or Quake. No frills—just pick up a gun and clear a level. Once done, the elevator takes you to the next challenge. For some shooter fans, this might feel too barebones. Nowadays, we’re accustomed to leveling up skills and configuring character load-outs, so the absence of these elements might feel outdated. For me, who grew up in an era devoid of such add-ons, it’s a delightful hit of nostalgia. Without the distraction of character progression, you can focus on refining your core skills and simply enjoy the action.

Death Elevator excels in two major aspects. First, its graphical style is quite striking. The visuals are reminiscent of Superhot, with its minimalist, blocky design, which complements the game’s pared-down nature perfectly. The second standout feature is the time-slowing mechanic, enabling you to dodge incoming bullets—it’s a cool touch, but a double-edged sword.

The time-slowing effect only triggers when bullets are in your line of sight, allowing you the chance to dodge or even shoot them down. This works great until you’re ambushed from different directions. Dodging frontal attacks is a breeze, but it doesn’t help much if you’re shot from behind. This mechanic definitely requires some strategic adaptation.

I won’t delve into Death Elevator’s storyline. To call it a narrative might be an overstatement. There’s a plot, but it unfurls gradually. Play well, and you get snippets of the backstory. It’s more about the shooting than about having a deep narrative, so no spoilers here as I’m still piecing it together myself.

All in all, Death Elevator offers a compelling experience. I’ve enjoyed the graphics, and the controls are tight and responsive. The enjoyment you derive depends greatly on what you seek in a game. It’s perfect for speed runners, given the timed nature of each run, and poses enough of a challenge for those who love difficulty. The lack of checkpoints and the one-shot completion rule make it appealing for those averse to easy experiences. It’s an arcade-style game that will resonate with fans of the genre.

For those who savor character customization and complex load-outs, this game might be a tougher sell. Here, you work with what you’re given, and it either suits you or it doesn’t. If a well-defined story is crucial for your gaming experience, this might leave you longing for more.

Personally, I’m hooked. As someone with a soft spot for old-school shooters, Death Elevator checks many of my boxes. If you’re like me or just itching for something fresh in the shooting genre, it’s worth a try. For a deep, strategic gameplay experience, though, you might want to look elsewhere.

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

Summary: An enjoyable FPS

Death Elevator offers a fun yet challenging experience, but it might not suit everyone in the shooter community. Its simplicity and level of difficulty could deter some players. However, for those who enjoy arcade-style challenges, this game could be just what you’re looking for. If depth is more your speed, maybe reserve this one for later.