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digitec plays: We die a thousand pixel deaths in "Dead Cells"

15.8.2018

Translation: machine translated

Wow, another roguelike/metroidvania with a pixel look? Yes, the trend for these games seems to be here to stay. But "Dead Cells" is THE new benchmark against which the competition will have to measure itself in future. You can see why in our Let's Play. The stream starts at around 14:30.

If you search for Roguelike or Metroidvania on Steam, you will be overwhelmed by the choice. A new game based on the popular game principle is released almost every day. Most of them also rely on pixelated retro graphics. Nostalgia is no longer a decisive factor. On the one hand because of the abundance and on the other because many players are too young to relate to the original anyway.

"Dead Cells" is the latest addition to compete for the attention of players with the popular formula. After a year of Early Access, the final version is now available on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Switch. Since we still don't have enough genres with Roguelike, Roguelite, Metroidvania and Soulslite, Motion Twin's new game is called Rogevania. That doesn't mean anything to you? Okay, let's get it straight: "Dead Cells" is a 2D platformer in which you fight your way from level to level until you die. Then the game starts all over again. In the game, you collect cells and blueprints, which you can use to permanently unlock new weapons and equipment. However, you can only take your loot to safety between levels. So you'll have to accept the fact that you're always biting the dust with a mountain of cells and plans.

The empty bottles represent things that can still be unlocked.

What makes "Dead Cells" stand out from the crowd, apart from its beautiful design, is the gameplay. You can carry two main weapons and two pieces of equipment. You can also equip up to three mutations such as life regeneration, faster cooldowns, etc. During the course of the game, you will constantly find new tools that can be combined to your heart's content. Long sword and crossbow with firebomb and turret are just as permissible as two bows with two ice grenades. Experimenting with these tools motivates you to tackle the dungeons again and again.

The combat system feels buttery smooth and extremely precise. And that's much needed, because the longer you survive, the more challenging and hectic the battles become. If you want to see how far my colleague Simon Balissat and I make it, check out our stream.

"Dead Cells" is available for PC, Switch, PS4 and Xbox One.

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Philipp Rüegg

Senior Editor

Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.

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