Dead End City
- October 13, 2022
- Pixel Licker LLC
Get on Steam"Dead End City" is a pixel-art action game set in a sprawling, dangerous metropolis. As a skilled mercenary, players must navigate the city's treacherous streets, completing contracts and battling rival gangs to become the ultimate urban warrior. With a variety of weapons, abilities, and customizable loadouts, players can shape their playstyle to suit their preferences and dominate the competition in fast-paced, intense combat.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game features smooth gameplay with a unique blend of old school mechanics and modern design, making it both fun and addictive.
- The art and presentation are top-notch, showcasing a polished pixel art style that enhances the post-apocalyptic theme.
- The scoring system and variety in level design, including challenging boss fights and unlockable characters, add depth and replayability to the game.
- The large hitbox can be frustrating, making it difficult to navigate through enemy patterns and leading to frequent hits.
- The fuel mechanic can feel punishing, as players may find themselves in situations where they can't recover enough fuel to continue effectively.
- Some players may find the unlock requirements for new cars and features to be overly challenging, potentially hindering their enjoyment of the game.
- gameplay16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its smoothness and engaging mechanics, including a unique vehicle hitbox system and risk/reward elements tied to fuel management and scoring. However, some players find the hitbox too large and express frustration with the fuel mechanics, particularly when refills are inconsistent. Overall, mastering the mechanics and enemy patterns is essential for success in this 2-button shooter.
“The gameplay is very smooth, and you can unlock your own vehicle hitbox to better understand how to dodge.”
“This is a 2-button shooter, so the difficulty comes mostly from understanding the mechanics and enemy patterns.”
“With interesting risk/reward mechanics that keep you engaged with your secondary weapon use.”
“The hitbox is far too large and the fuel mechanic is fine until the game refuses to refill it even though it goes down on its own.”
“This is a 2 button shooter, though the difficulty comes mostly from understanding the mechanics and enemy patterns.”
“I recommend looking at the how to play menu to wrap your head around the mechanics.”
- music16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in "Dead End City" is widely praised for its fitting apocalyptic theme and high-quality presentation, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Reviewers highlight the rockin' soundtrack as a standout feature that complements the game's aesthetics and keeps players engaged, even if some felt it didn't fully resonate with them. Overall, the music contributes significantly to the game's appeal, making it a notable aspect of the gameplay.
“Great presentation too - animations are top notch and the music sounds great.”
“Dead End City hit the player with a stunning intro and rockin' music in this post-apocalypse, Mad Max style shoot 'em up.”
“The soundtrack is great too and fits very well with the game.”
“The music didn't win me over, but all in all, there's nothing to complain about the game.”
“The soundtrack and sound effects are suited to an apocalyptic theme, even if I am a fan of sound effects.”
“While the game has a rockin' soundtrack, it didn't leave a lasting impression on me.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics feature polished pixel art reminiscent of 80s and 90s styles, particularly in the stronghold areas. The overall aesthetics, complemented by fitting music, create a striking visual experience, with a notable Mad Max influence enhancing the game's atmosphere.
“Plus the aesthetics and music are on point.”
“The Mad Max aesthetic is a nice touch.”
“Graphics are very, very polished pixel art.”
“First thing that strikes you are the aesthetics.”
“-» graphics: 80's and 90's style with a bit more polish on the stronghold areas”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers solid replayability through multiple modes, including an arcade mode, as well as "score attack" and "highway" options, allowing players to engage in varied gameplay experiences.
“Replayability: Apart from the arcade mode, you are provided with 'score attack' and 'highway' choices.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players note that while the game features elements like larger hitboxes, powerup chasing, and medal farming, these aspects should not deter fans of cave shooters from enjoying the experience. Overall, the grinding mechanics are seen as integral to the gameplay, enhancing the challenge rather than detracting from it.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a distinctive Mad Max-like setting, which contributes to its unique and immersive experience.
“The Mad Max-like setting gives the game a unique atmosphere.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong sense of nostalgia, highlighting how the game evokes fond memories of 90s gaming experiences. This emotional connection enhances their overall enjoyment and appreciation of the game.
“I was surprised how nostalgic this game made me feel for games of the 90s.”
