Dodge or Die
Motion Twin’s Dead Cells, a game that combines 2D rogue-like gameplay with Metroidvania exploration, hits Steam Early Access today. While there has been no shortage of 2D Metroidvanias or variations of that formula in the indie scene, Dead Cells is interested in carving out its own identity as the devs call it a “Roguevania”. The game also features some very gorgeous pixel art and some pretty cool animations too. But, let’s have a look at some of the inspirations that make up this game.
First off, the handcrafted Dracula’s castle has always been one of the stars of Symphony of the Night, a game which of course is a heavy inspiration for this one. Thus, it may seem a bit odd to go the procedural level generation route for Dead Cells, but it actually uses Spelunky‘s formula where each biome (sewer, chapel, forest, etc.) has its own particular rooms. For instance, while it is still randomized with each run, the rooms in the sewer section will be a lot of tight corridors to give that biome a distinct feel.
As for the combat, the devs draw comparisons to Dark Souls which isn’t entirely true. While Dead Cells certainly has difficult boss fights with attack patterns to memorize and intense dodge-or-die moments, the game feels a lot more fast-moving and fluid than any Souls game. Besides that, players can look forward to a multitude of weapons like spears, swords, bows, etc. with different upgrades that you can find during each run. Currently, a lot of the Steam reviews so far has praised the game for its combat.
Of course, the game’s “rogue-like” element comes into play in that most of your progress is wiped when you die and the world is randomized to each run too. However, like Rogue Legacy, there are some permanent upgrades that make each run feel like you’re progressing as there are upgrades like damage boosts to weapons or health potions. More importantly, you can learn permanent abilities that allow you to access new paths for the next run.
At the moment, the game’s in Early Access, but it doesn’t feel like you’re buying an incomplete version as the game has:
- 11 levels – Each one with varied monsters, level designs and secrets to discover.
- 2 bosses
- Approximately 50 weapons and skills
- 2 special powers, which unlock new areas (Metroidvania gear lock items)
A final version of the game will land within a year as the devs are aiming to double to current content available, but plenty of upgrades and balancing from feedback is planned for the game’s near future.