Roguelikes. Love ’em or hate ’em, but they’re here to stay. Dead Cells, a Metroidvania-inspired game released in 2018, is just one of hundreds at this point. In it, you’re a nameless entity running through a twisted world for no real reason other than you just know you have to. You explore a series of interconnected levels littered with enemies, gathering new weapons and gear, learning new abilities, and spending gold on needed upgrades. And death means you start all over again.
What really appeals to me about Dead Cells is its lightning-fast pace. From the moment you launch the game you’re thrust into the world, sword in hand, trying to fight your way out. Should you perish, you’re quickly put back into your boots, with a new sword in hand, at the start. While the game never rushes you along, the only true downtime is between levels, when you’re spending your hard-earned Cells on new items. The gameplay is brisk, offering intense, fast-paced combat, yet it’s forgiving enough for those who prefer a more deliberate approach. This balance between speed and strategy creates a thrilling and engaging experience.
The game really shines in its player-driven experience. The ability to play how you want by letting you freely combine a wide assortment of weapons, items, and powers, tailors the experience to your own preferences. Granted, there’s a hefty dose of RNG involved, which will keep you on your toes. But the DIY approach adds depth and encourages experimentation. The semi-non-liner level design also provides a great sense of freedom in choice. Each level offers various paths and has many secrets to be discovered, allowing you to decide your own route and encouraging exploration, adding a necessary layer of replayability. All this ensures Dead Cells remains fresh for a long time for many playthroughs (or attempted playthroughs).
The combat has a certain je na sais quoi that makes it hit harder than similar games I’ve played. It’s a visceral feast of satisfaction with fluid animations, impactful feedback, and titillating sounds. Tight controls and sensible weight of every strike provides a hearty sense of power, making battle exhilarating as you rip and tear your way through the levels.
While Dead Cells might seem to be just another pixelated side-scroller, it’s far from just that in its visual presentation. The art style is vibrant, the world is captivating, and it conveys great detail in its simplistic graphics. The environments and level design come together to form unique and memorable atmospheres. And with the many characters and enemies scattered across the levels, it all blends together to create a visually distinct and immersive world, proving that even with its pixelated art style, Dead Cells can rival the more graphically inclined games in terms of sheer beauty.
Perhaps the most remarkable quality of Dead Cells is its welcoming embrace to noobs. Even for those with little experience with roguelikes, like yours truly, it’s remarkably easy to pick up and get going. The game avoids overwhelming players with unnecessary mechanics, offering a gentle learning curve. Yet, it keeps you invested by introducing new elements and challenges gradually. This approach strikes a fine balance between accessibility and depth, making Dead Cells a game that can be enjoyed by both veterans and newcomers alike. All in all, a true testament to great game design.
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