Introducing ‘Death Must Die’
A new indie roguelike game is making waves by blending the metagame and plot structure of Hades with the horde-smashing action reminiscent of Vampire Survivors. Titled ‘Death Must Die’, this game is the Early Access sophomore effort from the developers at Realm Archive. Players embark on perilous expeditions into the underworld, taking on the role of a challenger against Death and its legions of minions.
Gameplay Mechanics
In ‘Death Must Die’, players can expect a dynamic gameplay experience enriched with various mechanics. As you battle through each wave of enemies, you’ll encounter other gods who offer their blessings to enhance your prowess. These divine boons allow you to upgrade your attacks, summon minions, and unleash a variety of automatically-cast spells to decimate the horde.
- Attack Upgrades: Enhance your offensive capabilities.
- Minion Summoning: Call forth allies to aid in battle.
- Spellcasting: Release powerful spells automatically against foes.
Alongside these blessings, players will collect equipment that provides permanent boosts, further augmenting their strength in the underworld. The game also encourages progression by allowing you to unlock new characters, each with unique abilities and traits. Moreover, by completing achievements, players can acquire new starting perks, adding to the depth of strategy and customization.
- Permanent Equipment Boosts: Gain lasting enhancements to your character’s stats.
- New Characters: Unlock a roster of characters with distinct playstyles.
- Starting Perks: Choose from a variety of perks to begin each expedition uniquely.
Narrative and Presentation
The narrative of ‘Death Must Die’ centers around a conflict between the personifications of Time and Death. Time, infuriated by Death’s deceit in robbing mortals of their destined lifespans, lends you a magical hourglass to enter the underworld and confront Death directly. The storyline unfolds with a touch of humor as other gods join the fray, not only because Death has disrupted the natural order but also because they find amusement in watching your valiant efforts.
The game’s writing and voice acting contribute to the overall experience, providing a sense of personality and engagement despite not being flawless. These elements add a layer of entertainment that goes beyond what is typically expected in the genre, offering players a more immersive and narratively driven journey through the game’s challenges.
Gameplay Experience
The gameplay experience in ‘Death Must Die’ is characterized by a careful balance of movement and manual attacks. Players must not only focus on avoiding contact with enemies but also on strategically dodging telegraphed attacks and projectiles. This adds a layer of complexity and skill to the horde survival core, elevating it beyond simple evasion tactics.
Interspersed with the relentless waves of minions are larger, more formidable enemies that require special attention and strategy to overcome. These encounters demand a heightened sense of awareness and quick reflexes, providing a more focused action RPG roguelike experience within the framework of horde survival.
The potential for ‘Death Must Die’ lies in the developers’ ability to refine these core gameplay elements. By ensuring that the screen isn’t overwhelmed with obstacles and maintaining a balance that allows for clear player strategy and progression, the game could carve out a significant niche for itself. The inclusion of deeper metaprogression systems would also be a welcome addition for fans of the genre, offering more reasons to return to the game time and again.
For those eager to dive into the underworld battles of ‘Death Must Die’, the game is available for purchase on various platforms. Here’s where you can find it:
| Platform | Link to Purchase |
| Humble | Buy ‘Death Must Die’ on Humble |
| Steam | Buy ‘Death Must Die’ on Steam |
Developed by Realm Archive, the team behind the unique fusion of card game and visual novel ‘Kamifuda’, ‘Death Must Die’ promises to be an engaging addition to the roguelike genre. With its current positive reception and potential for growth, it’s a title worth checking out for fans of action-packed, strategy-driven gameplay.
