A Short Death

About

A Short Death is a single player casual platformer game. It was developed by shamantitan and was released on March 6, 2025. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

DEMO available to play above as a Web Build. Use the "Download Now" button to purchase the full game! --- A SHORT DEATH In this dark and atmospheric 3D Platformer, you control a humble cat in the realm after death. Meet strange and ominous characters throughout your journey as you jump, glide, run, and hop to the top of the mysterious tower that calls to you. Platform your way to the top of th…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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100%

Audience ScoreBased on 12 reviews

story3 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

Unique character transformation mechanic where all forms are useful, adding variety to gameplay.
Charming and atmospheric setting with a blend of eerie and whimsical tone, supported by cute visuals and effective sound design.
Generous checkpoint system making the game accessible and enjoyable without excessive frustration.

Short length and limited replay value beyond initial completion and collecting cosmetics.
Some technical issues such as occasional edge grabbing problems and camera behavior in certain sections.
Narrative and voice acting received mixed reactions, with some players not connecting with the delivery.

gameplay
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
The gameplay is charming and approachable, featuring playful mechanics and cosmetic additions that enhance engagement without adding complexity. While it lacks additional modes or branching paths, it offers a relaxed, enjoyable experience with varied character mechanics that keep it fresh without becoming overly challenging.
- “It introduces mechanics and explores them without overstaying its welcome.”
- “Generally, I don't care for these games, you know the 'go up' platformers. Frankly, I just find them very generic, but this game had a little bit of charm to it with various character mechanics, and it does not really focus that much on the difficulty. It's actually a pretty chill experience.”
- “The game does not offer additional modes, branching paths, or deeper mechanical systems to extend playtime.”
- “Generally, I don't care for these games, you know the 'go up' platformers; frankly, I just find them very generic, but this game had a little bit of charm to it with various character mechanics, and it does not really focus that much on the difficulty, it's actually a pretty chill experience.”
- “These cosmetic additions serve no deeper gameplay purpose, but they reinforce the game’s playful side and give completion-minded players something extra to chase.”
story
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The story is generally well-received, praised for its charm and emotional impact, even if its progression is predictable. While the level design focuses more on standard platforming than complex story-driven puzzles, the narrative still enhances the overall experience.
- “I did appreciate the story it told as you climb up, even though it was very obvious to me where it was all going, it does add to the experience.”
- “This has a great deal of charm and a nicely put together story.”
- “I felt a little emotional close to the end, which is a sign of good storytelling.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The game's atmosphere is defined by its concise and distinctive portrayal of the afterlife through a winged cat's perspective, offering a handcrafted world that balances simplicity with charm. While less intricate than larger platformers, it effectively creates an engaging, moody environment that resonates through its unique personality and tone.
- “A short death is a compact yet atmospheric 3D platformer that frames its entire journey through the unusual perspective of a winged cat navigating the afterlife.”
- “The world feels handcrafted, shaped with deliberate simplicity, and while the environments lack the density and intricacy seen in larger platformers, they offer enough atmosphere to draw the player in.”
- “It is a bite-sized, atmospheric climb through a curious afterlife — a gentle blend of darkness and charm that resonates more through mood than through complexity.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game delivers a modest yet heartfelt emotional experience, with moments that evoke genuine feelings, especially toward the ending. Its storytelling blends lightheartedness and warmth, creating a charming and emotionally engaging atmosphere.
- “A Short Death ultimately stands as a modest but heartfelt indie project.”
- “I felt a little emotional close to the end, which is a sign of good storytelling.”
- “The narrative was a little silly but it made me laugh a few times. I liked the overall homebrew feel of the game, and I thought the ending felt very heartwarming.”
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music effectively complements the game's environment, enhancing the overall atmosphere and immersion.
- “The music complements the game's environment perfectly, enhancing the overall atmosphere.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game offers strong replayability through its new game+ feature and a variety of achievements, encouraging players to revisit and engage with the content multiple times.
- “There is also plenty of replayability with the New Game+ feature and a good amount of achievements.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's humor is lighthearted and occasionally silly, delivering a few genuine laughs while complementing its warm, homebrew-style narrative.