Introduction

Get ready to release your inner masochist with 'Dead Cells' on the Nintendo Switch! This pixelated roguelike is like the lovechild of Dark Souls and your most intense workout sessions—punishing yet exhilarating. Get ready to die... a lot. And when you do, you get to do it all over again, which is somehow more addictive than TikTok.

Gameplay

'Dead Cells' throws you into the role of the Prisoner, a bodiless abomination that definitely steered off the path of normalcy. You’ll dash, sword slash, and jump your way through procedurally generated dungeons filled with mutated monsters that are just as confused as you are. But don’t let that cute pixel art fool you! The game is out to crush your soul, one ill-timed dodge at a time. The roguelike elements mean each run is unique—levels change, enemies reappear like your most persistent spam email, and every death is basically a free pass to try new weapons and skills. You'll gain Cells (not those boring biology ones) from slain enemies, which you can spend between runs for permanent upgrades. Just remember, die before you make it to the shop, and all that hard-earned currency disappears like your phone battery during a long day out. The game’s combat mechanics echo those of the Dark Souls series—each enemy has a distinct pattern you’ll quickly learn (or painfully die trying to figure out). Timing your dodge and attack is crucial here, which means you’ll want to channel your inner ninja or at least your inner caffeinated squirrel. And don't overlook the abilities you can build mid-run; adapting your strategy as you go is key for success.

Graphics

'Dead Cells' boasts some seriously sharp pixel art that makes you feel like you’ve been thrown back into the coolest 16-bit fever dream of your childhood. The animations are dynamic—when you swing a sword, it actually looks like you’re making an effort to not flail about like a rag doll in the wind. The level design is gorgeous, with a blend of colors and shapes that keep your eyes glued to the screen, even when you’re frantically dodging a giant boulder of doom.

Conclusion

In short, 'Dead Cells' is a brutal yet satisfying roguelike that will keep you coming back for more, part of you hoping to finally slay that boss that’s caused more tears than you care to admit. If you're looking for a test of skill, and have a masochistic streak hiding somewhere beneath your cool veneer, ‘Dead Cells’ just might be your next favorite torture device. So plug in your Switch, grab your favorite snack (because you will die, and then you will need snacks), and get ready for an adventure that’s worth every pixel of pain.

See Latest Prices for Dead Cells on Switch on Amazon