Dead Cells
" Addictive action-adventure roguelite with fluid combat and high difficulty curve "
Dead Cells Review
Dead Cells is widely acclaimed as a top-tier roguelike metroidvania that combines fluid, fast-paced combat with deep progression and stunning pixel art. Players appreciate its addictive gameplay loop, diverse weapon variety, and meaningful unlockables that keep the experience fresh over hundreds of hours. The procedural generation of levels and challenging boss fights add to the replayability, making each run feel unique and rewarding.
While the game is praised for its balanced difficulty and fair combat mechanics, some players find the challenge frustrating, especially when repeatedly dying to bosses or enemies, which can lead to stress rather than fun. The story is minimal but fitting for the genre, and the soundtrack complements the intense gameplay. Despite minor criticisms about keyboard controls and occasional confusing content, the game’s polish and design shine through, making it a beloved title across multiple platforms.
Highlights
Players especially praise the game's fluid and satisfying combat system, which is considered one of the best in 2D games. The pixel art graphics are described as beautiful and atmospheric, enhancing immersion. The vast weapon variety and build options provide extensive gameplay diversity. Procedural level generation keeps runs fresh, and the soundtrack receives high marks for complementing the mood.
The progression system is rewarding without feeling grindy, and the game's difficulty curve is challenging yet fair, appealing to both newcomers and veterans of the genre.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the steep difficulty that can cause frustration and stress, particularly when stuck on tough bosses or losing progress repeatedly. Some players find the early game slow or confusing due to the amount of content and mechanics to learn. Keyboard controls are noted as suboptimal, often requiring a controller for the best experience. Additionally, some DLC content can be confusing or inaccessible at times, and a few players mention that the story is minimal or not very engaging.
Pros
- • Addictive and fluid combat system keeps players engaged run after run.
- • Beautiful pixel art graphics create a captivating and atmospheric world.
- • Huge variety of weapons and builds offers extensive gameplay diversity.
- • Procedurally generated levels ensure each playthrough feels unique.
- • Meaningful progression unlocks new playstyles without requiring grinding.
- • Balanced difficulty with options to tailor challenge to player skill.
- • Soundtrack is well-composed and enhances the overall gaming experience.
Cons
- • Steep difficulty curve can lead to frustration and stress for some players.
- • Repeated deaths and restarts may feel punishing and time-consuming.
- • Keyboard controls are often criticized as awkward or less responsive.
- • Early game can be overwhelming due to complex mechanics and content.
- • Some DLC doors are confusing or inaccessible, causing player annoyance.
- • Minimal story may disappoint players seeking a strong narrative.
- • Occasional quick deaths from unknown enemy attacks frustrate newcomers.
Rating Criteria
Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat.
