Dead Cells

An impeccably crafted rogue-like adventure that feels genuinely unique in a crowded genre

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Dead Cells is a RogueVania game, combining the progressive exploration of a Metroidvania with the replayability of a rogue-lite and the challenging combat of a souls-like. With over 150 weapons and spells, players will face permadeath while navigating through an interconnected world with multiple areas to explore. Nonlinear progression allows for choice in route and permanent abilities to unlock new paths.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

97%

Audience ScoreBased on 45,847 reviews

gameplay2,524 positive mentions

grinding540 negative mentions

gameplay
5,063 mentions
50 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Dead Cells* is widely praised for its fluidity, responsiveness, and engaging mechanics, combining elements of roguelikes and metroidvania-style exploration. Players appreciate the fast-paced combat, diverse weaponry, and the rewarding nature of mastering the game's mechanics, which encourages experimentation and adaptation. While the permadeath mechanic can be frustrating, it adds to the overall challenge and replayability, making each run feel fresh and rewarding despite the potential for repetition.
- “The gameplay loop has near infinite replay potential, and if the base price tag is a little much, this game does go on sale, so just keep an eye out and nab it when it's more suitable for you.”
- “From its stunning pixel art to its exhilarating combat mechanics, this game offers an unmatched experience that keeps you coming back for more.”
- “The story is minimal, but the gameplay more than makes up for it, creating an addictive loop of dying, learning, and improving.”
- “The core platforming movement feels really clunky and unresponsive, and the gameplay loop is repetitive and grindy.”
- “The gameplay is a corridor, only go forward and kill.”
- “The gameplay loop does become somewhat predictable once you've gone through it a couple of times-- even with the branching paths and random level generation.”
graphics
2,794 mentions
62 % positive mentions
36 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Dead Cells" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning pixel art style, fluid animations, and vibrant colors, which enhance the overall gameplay experience. Many players appreciate the game's ability to blend retro aesthetics with modern design elements, creating a visually captivating environment that complements its fast-paced combat. While some critiques mention minor graphical issues or a lack of diversity in character designs, the overall consensus is that the visuals are a significant highlight of the game, contributing to its addictive nature and replayability.
- “The graphics and fighting animations are amazing!”
- “The visuals are very appealing as well-- the draw to keep going through the world of Dead Cells and see each and every level room is extremely great, since each comes with their own unique art style, enemies, and secrets.”
- “The pixel art graphics are beautifully crafted, paying homage to the classic Castlevania games while adding modern flair.”
- “I found the weird pixel-filter aesthetic the game had off-putting enough to not try it out for the past couple of years.”
- “The graphics and aesthetics are terrible. Sprites and backgrounds are incredibly basic, while modern bloom and other lighting techniques are applied to pour excrement onto the already mediocre graphics, making the overall presentation nauseating.”
- “I hesitated to buy it because I thought the pixelized graphics would make enemies hard to see in a punishing game.”
music
2,263 mentions
65 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in "Dead Cells" has received widespread acclaim for its dynamic and immersive quality, enhancing the game's fast-paced action and atmospheric environments. Many players appreciate the variety of soundtracks that correspond to different biomes, although some note that the music can become repetitive after extended play. Overall, the soundtrack is often described as a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's engaging experience.
- “The soundtrack is dynamic and immersive, making the game even more intense.”
- “From eerie ambient tracks to high-energy battle themes, the music keeps you engaged.”
- “The atmospheric soundtrack perfectly complements the game's tone, enhancing the immersion and intensity of each encounter.”
- “The music is repetitive, characterless, and quickly becomes annoying.”
- “The soundtrack to me got really repetitive and I thought it was gonna be more of an action soundtrack; to me it sounds casual.”
- “However, truthfully the music isn't especially impacting for the overall experience, and so one could easily listen to their own music or something else, such as a podcast, while playing through the game.”
replayability
1,511 mentions
60 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
Dead Cells is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, attributed to its procedural generation, diverse weapon combinations, and the introduction of new challenges with each run. Players appreciate the game's ability to keep experiences fresh and engaging, with many noting that each session feels unique due to the variety of biomes, enemies, and unlockable content. While some mention that replayability may diminish after extensive play, the overall consensus is that Dead Cells offers an almost infinite replay value, making it a standout title in the roguelike genre.
- “Dead Cells is an exemplary game in terms of replayability, thanks to its procedural generation and variety of combat options.”
- “The roguelike elements of Dead Cells, coupled with its procedurally generated levels, ensure that each run feels fresh and exciting, offering a high level of replayability that keeps me hooked for hours on end.”
- “With all of the updates, weapons, and DLC content, this game is basically endlessly replayable.”
- “Having finished to the end in about 6 hours, the replayability of the game seems a bit concerning considering subsequent runs become stale rather quickly.”
- “The controls are really tight and the aesthetic is really pretty most of the time, but for a roguelike, this game actually really lacks replay value.”
- “This game fails to do so and there is little replay value.”
story
1,408 mentions
26 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The story in "Dead Cells" is often described as minimal and fragmented, with players needing to piece together lore through environmental storytelling and scattered notes. While some appreciate the subtlety and mystery of the narrative, many find it lacking depth compared to other games in the genre, such as "Hades" or "Hollow Knight." Overall, the focus remains heavily on gameplay mechanics rather than a compelling storyline, making it less suitable for those seeking a rich narrative experience.
- “The music is top-notch, every frame of gameplay looks like genuine pixel art, and the story is great without subtracting from the gameplay.”
- “Plus, this is one of those games that will narrate itself through small details, short conversations, and by what you will find in the game world, especially thanks to its multitude of special rooms, which will reward you for unlocking them, plus give you some more context for the story of this game.”
- “The story is minimal, but the gameplay more than makes up for it, creating an addictive loop of dying, learning, and improving.”
- “The story seems to be written with very little consideration given to depth or quality, but the game is fun to play!”
- “Overall, the plot is very secondary in this game, and is not something you should consider when buying this game.”
- “But by far the biggest letdown is the story or rather the lack of a coherent plot.”
grinding
606 mentions
1 % positive mentions
10 % neutral mentions
89 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of "Dead Cells" has received mixed feedback from players. While some appreciate the depth and challenge it adds to the gameplay, many find it tedious and repetitive, especially in the mid to late game where accumulating resources for upgrades can feel like a chore. The game's permadeath mechanic exacerbates this feeling, as players often have to restart runs, leading to a sense of monotony despite the procedural generation of levels. Overall, those who enjoy grinding and incremental progression may find it rewarding, but others may feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- “Meta progress wasn't as grindy and the upgrades were always worth it.”
- “Despite the difficulty, there is little to no grinding and the game is very replayable.”
- “I don't know if there's enough content to keep someone playing for hundreds of hours like other roguelikes, but the hours you will spend playing will have almost no grinding, and isn't that a better system?”
- “The only complaint I have is that the game starts to feel like constant grinding instead of giving pure fun at some point, as you start to get new blueprints and try to unlock them via collecting and investing cells again and again.”
- “You can complete the game easily on the first run and then it becomes a grind fest that is slow and tedious without anything new to add.”
- “This game is unfortunately just too grindy for how boring the gameplay loop is.”
humor
543 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its blend of dark themes and lightheartedness, featuring quirky character designs, witty dialogue, and numerous references to other games. Players appreciate the comedic elements that enhance the gameplay experience, with many noting the amusing interactions and unexpected moments that keep the game engaging. However, some reviews mention that the humor can feel forced or overly reliant on pop culture references, which may detract from the overall experience for certain players.
- “It's genuinely everything you'd want in a metroidvania roguelike, from sprawling maps full of secrets, to clean fun combat with tons of play styles and fluid responsive movement, to a better sense of humor than most comedies, without ever getting tiring.”
- “The humor, the gameplay, the massive amount of content, and the sheer impalpable love that Motion Twin put into this game make it a certified banger.”
- “The game's twisted sense of humor adds a layer of levity, making you chuckle while leaving a trail of undead bodies.”
- “It is not funny, it's not quirky, it's pathetic and childish.”
- “Not funny.”
- “Is it supposed to be funny or not?”
atmosphere
317 mentions
64 % positive mentions
35 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Dead Cells" is widely praised for its stunning pixel art and immersive soundtrack, which together create a captivating and dynamic experience. Players appreciate the diverse environments, ranging from haunting dungeons to vibrant forests, all enhanced by a well-crafted audio backdrop that complements the game's intense combat. The combination of dark themes with vibrant visuals and engaging lore contributes to a rich, atmospheric experience that keeps players returning for more.
- “The dark and atmospheric world is brought to life with detailed sprites, creating a visually captivating environment that perfectly complements the game's challenging and intense nature.”
- “The atmosphere is dark but the vibrant colors make the game feel like a painting.”
- “The atmospheric soundtrack perfectly complements the dark, foreboding tone of the game, immersing players in its haunting world.”
- “The atmosphere is dark and gritty but has a humorous tone, the weapons and attacks feel satisfying, and the game has an impeccable sense of pacing and flow.”
- “It is a bit lackluster in terms of atmosphere, lore, and story.”
- “The sound effects, from the clash of swords to the groans of defeated enemies, are crisp and satisfying, further immersing you in the game's dark and foreboding atmosphere.”
optimization
163 mentions
29 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While many report smooth performance across various platforms, including low-end machines, some users experience occasional stuttering and performance issues, particularly on specific hardware configurations like macOS and Intel integrated graphics. Despite these concerns, the developers are noted for their ongoing efforts to improve performance and address bugs, leading to a generally positive reception regarding optimization.
- “The mobile version of Dead Cells truly shines with its intuitive touch controls, optimized interface, and overall performance that rivals its console and PC counterparts.”
- “Fluid, vibrant and fun combat, great visuals, optimized for low-end machines, lots of weapons, lots of playstyles, lots of stuff to unlock, lots of replay value.”
- “Outstanding performance & care for the game from the developers.”
- “The disparity between the rush of mowing down weaker enemies in stages and then dealing with bosses that hit like semi-trucks really makes doing any build that isn't optimized for bosses basically pointless.”
- “Great game but not optimized well for macOS.”
- “I just don't feel confident enough in the technical performance of the game to recommend it without reservation.”
stability
127 mentions
23 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting a smooth experience with minimal bugs, while others have encountered significant issues such as freezing, glitches, and crashes. Many users noted that while the game runs well on various platforms, including Linux and Mac, there are still persistent bugs that can disrupt gameplay, particularly in early access versions. Overall, the game's stability appears to vary widely among players, with some enjoying a nearly bug-free experience and others facing frustrating technical problems.
- “Great game with a native Linux version, and it runs great on my ancient 2nd gen Intel integrated graphics.”
- “The game runs great with smooth, beautiful animation while featuring extremely tight controls and gameplay that feels 'just right'.”
- “Amazing game, still in early access, but very polished and bug free.”
- “The game also freezes sometimes, which can end up putting you back at the beginning of a stage.”
- “It's listed as verified because it's a Linux native game, but that native Linux version is buggy and, in my opinion, unplayable.”
- “However, the game currently has a game-breaking bug where the screen freezes (even though the game is running).”
emotional
83 mentions
99 % positive mentions
-2 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by players who describe it as a profound and heartwarming experience, often evoking strong feelings such as joy, sadness, and nostalgia. Many users report that the game's narrative and character interactions resonate deeply, making them feel connected and invested, while others mention it as a source of comfort during difficult times. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to blend thrilling gameplay with an emotional journey, leaving players feeling accomplished and reflective.
- “This game entered my life at a very difficult time, and after not touching a video game for well over ten years, I was immersed entirely in this experience.”
- “The way the characters and world pull the main character into hard situations feels so real and heart-wrenching.”
- “This game is an emotional rollercoaster, and it's one hell of a ride.”
- “The story lacks depth and fails to evoke any real emotions.”
- “The characters are one-dimensional and do not resonate with the player.”
- “There is a complete absence of emotional engagement throughout the game.”
character development
33 mentions
48 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the unique and visually appealing character designs and animations, but expressing disappointment over the lack of depth in character progression and storytelling. While the art style and humor in character design are highlighted as strong points, several players noted that the game does not offer significant character development or lore, which detracts from the overall experience for those seeking a more immersive narrative. Overall, the focus seems to be more on gameplay mechanics and aesthetics rather than on developing a rich character-driven story.
- “The artwork is excellent from the first level, with realistic backdrops and character designs that create a magnificent and engaging universe.”
- “Engaging story elements, dynamic metroidvania action, beautifully rendered scenes, thoughtful and humorous character design, roguelike stage make for endless replayability.... I like it!”
- “Character design and animations are brilliant and can be quite humorous at times.”
- “The mechanism is surprisingly mediocre considering there is almost no story nor character development in this game.”
- “I expected a roguelike game with character development, but this isn't really that.”
- “Probably my biggest issue with the game is the lack of actual character development, meaning your character will never really get stronger (apart from cell upgrades), which is quite disappointing since other roguelike games do offer character building to make the player feel like they are in actual control.”
monetization
25 mentions
12 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
40 % negative mentions
Overall, the monetization in Dead Cells is viewed positively, with players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and the straightforward purchase model. However, some users express frustration over in-game advertisements for DLC, which detracts from the experience. The game is praised for its value and the dedication of its developers, contrasting sharply with the monetization practices seen in many AAA titles.
- “No microtransactions, nothing, to get in your way of enjoying this game.”
- “Really showcases what a small dedicated developer can do without the corporate overlords pushing microtransactions or gaming as a service.”
- “In an age of microtransactions, triple-A greed and live services, Motion Twin has returned us to an age where, when you buy a game, you've bought the game, and that is that.”
- “There are definitely good things about this game, but after playing for a few hours there's just something about it that rubs me the wrong way, of which the final straw was the game advertising its own DLC in-game.”
- “One thing that did really annoy me is the dead ends that act as advertisements for the DLC.”
- “However, finding secret passages that turn out to be ads for the DLC is super annoying; get out of here with that.”