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Review of Death's Door on Xbox Series X/S

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Jul 2021
Cover image of Death's Door on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 9
Released: 20 Jul 2021
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Acid Nerve
Publisher: Devolver Digital

Introduction

So, you've decided to step into the tiny shoes of a crow reaper in Death's Door. A game where you can swing a sword, collect souls, and solve puzzles all while taking a stroll through a beautifully tragic world. That's right, all the fun of dying without the actual consequences! Buckle up, my dear gamers, as we dive deep into the characters, their story arcs, and why you should definitely give this game a try-unless you think wings are overrated.

Gameplay

In Death's Door, players step into the beak of a bird that appears to have come straight out of a Victorian-era cartoon. You start off with just a sword and a bow, which is enough to make you feel badass until you realize that even the cats in this world can take you out. You swipe, dash, and shoot your way through baddies, collecting the invaluable souls they drop like it's Black Friday at Best Buy. The main hook? You retain your health by planting seeds and growing healing plants. Because nothing screams mortal danger like taking a break to garden mid-battle! The gameplay itself is a masterclass in simplicity and elegance, reminiscent of classic top-down games with a sprinkle of Dark Souls bias in the combat mechanics. The learning curve is manageable, so don't worry; you won't be screaming in anger as you plunge off a cliff for the umpteenth time (but let's be real, you probably will). The RPG elements, including a robust selection of weapons and upgrades, keep the gameplay engaging. Plus, who doesn't want to equip a magical rose that blasts enemies with thorny projectiles? But wait-there's also a hefty story waiting to be uncovered! You're sent on a critical mission to retrieve three giant souls, all while navigating through dungeons packed with secrets and puzzles. Little do you know, a conspiracy is afoot, and trust me, it's juicier than any Netflix show you've been binging.

Graphics

Visually, Death's Door is akin to a watercolor painting come to life-only it's a tad darker and filled with creatures who clearly enjoy their existential crises. The eccentric art direction pulls you into a world that feels lived in but wonderfully askew, like an art exhibit gone rogue. The environments range from misty forests to grotesque underworlds that you wouldn't want to visit without an express purpose. The animation is smooth, with a distinct style that suits the game's tone perfectly, allowing you to appreciate the charmingly grim atmosphere while hacking away at your foes. And just to seal the deal, the soundtrack features melodies that complement the ambiance without stealing the spotlight-think soothing piano tunes you'd want as background music while contemplating life decisions... or, you know, poisoning people in an RPG.

Conclusion

Death's Door is a beautiful blend of humor, charm, and dark themes wrapped in a delightful indie package. It takes gameplay cues from the greats like The Legend of Zelda and Dark Souls, but impressively carves out its own identity with engaging mechanics and an unexpectedly rich narrative. Plus, the whimsy of navigating a bureaucratic afterlife while playing a crow is too good to pass up. Whether you are taking on evil monsters or just looking for some lighthearted questing, this game nurtures both the soul and the spirit. So, if you've got some time to kill, or perhaps some crows that need reaping, grab a controller, and dive through Death's Door. Your soul will thank you (even if you die a few times along the way).

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