REVIEW / Elevator of Death (PS5)

I’ve realized as time goes on that gamers, myself included, rarely seem to find satisfaction. Game developers introduce innovative mechanics to our favorite genres, and we gripe about them changing too much. But when they leave things unchanged, we label games as clones or complain that they’re stuck in a rut. It’s similar when it comes to complexity: add layers and we say it’s overwhelming, strip things down and it feels too simplistic. Part of this dissatisfaction stems from saturation—we play so many games, constantly measuring them against each other, that it becomes difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is we desire. In light of this, let’s talk about Death Elevator. This game might split opinions depending on your personal definition of what makes a game great.

The concept behind Death Elevator is about as straightforward as it gets: step into an elevator and go from one floor to the next, eliminating bad guys along the way. It’s reminiscent of classic shooter games like Team Fortress or Quake. No bells and whistles here, just pick up a gun and clear each floor before the elevator doors open again. Some shooter fans might find this stripped-back approach too basic. We’ve grown accustomed to intricacies like skill leveling and character load-outs, making the absence of such features feel outdated. For me, it’s a nostalgic throwback to a simpler era of gaming—a period without these extras. Without having to mull over character progression, you can dive straight into honing your core skills instead.

What I find noteworthy in Death Elevator is its distinct graphic style and unique mechanics. Visually, the levels have a minimalist and blocky feel similar to Superhot, which complements the game’s streamlined gameplay. On the mechanics side, there’s an interesting feature where bullets slow down as they approach you, offering a chance to dodge them. It’s a clever concept, though not without its flaws.

The slow-motion mechanic works mainly when bullets are within your field of vision, giving you the opportunity to duck or even shoot right through them. However, this becomes tricky when you’re attacked from multiple directions. Projectiles in your direct path can be sidestepped, but the system falters when you’re shot at from behind. I’ve had instances where I was so focused on the front that I got ambushed from the back. It’s a neat idea but takes some getting used to in terms of mastering the game’s dynamics.

Let’s not delve too deeply into the story aspect of Death Elevator. There is one, but it unfolds as you progress, without an elaborate prologue to guide you. As you advance, you get snippets of the narrative, but understanding them requires playing thoroughly. Honestly, this isn’t a complaint as the game’s essence is more about the action than the plot. So, I can’t spoil the story because I haven’t fully grasped it yet myself.

Overall, Death Elevator provides an engaging and addictive experience. I appreciate the bold graphic choices and the game’s controls perform as expected. Functionally, there aren’t any issues. The enjoyment you derive largely hinges on your personal gaming preferences. If you enjoy timed runs, there’s satisfaction in the challenge present in Death Elevator. The absence of checkpoints adds to the difficulty, a nod to those craving an unforgiving gaming endeavor. The old-school arcade-style play could appeal to a specific audience.

For those who thrive on character-building and perfecting weapon load-outs, Death Elevator may not meet their expectations. You work with what you’re given—or face the game over screen. The story is cryptically scattered, making it tough for those who find immersion through narrative.

I’m finding myself drawn back into Death Elevator, challenging myself to improve my runs, which I think speaks to its appeal. As a fan of classic shooters, it taps into a sense of nostalgia. If you share those tastes or just seek a new experience in the shooter realm, it’s worth a look. However, if a deep, strategic experience is what you’re after, there are definitely better-suited titles out there.

A Rising Star in Gaming

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

Overall Rating: 8/10

An Enjoyable FPS
Death Elevator is a blast but may not cater to every shooter’s fan base. Its no-nonsense style and significant challenge will resonate with some but deter others. Appealing to arcade enthusiasts and those seeking a tough game, the simplicity and difficulty are its strongest assets. For those in search of depth, it might be best to look elsewhere.