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
- Engaging gameplay that combines elements of classic shmups with a unique car-based mechanic, providing a fresh experience.
- High-quality pixel art and a fitting soundtrack enhance the game's nostalgic and immersive atmosphere.
- Challenging yet rewarding mechanics, including a fuel system that adds depth to resource management and scoring.
- The large hitbox can be frustrating, making it difficult to avoid enemy attacks and leading to a steep learning curve.
- Unlocking new vehicles and characters can be tedious, requiring significant effort and skill that may deter some players.
- Some players find the enemy patterns and gameplay mechanics restrictive, limiting movement and overall enjoyment.
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its smoothness and engaging mechanics, including a unique fuel system and risk/reward elements tied to weapon usage. However, some players find the hitbox too large and express frustration with the fuel refill system. Overall, mastering the mechanics and enemy patterns is essential for success in this two-button shooter.
“Gameplay is very smooth, and you can unlock your own vehicle hitbox to better understand how to dodge.”
“The game has a lot of mechanics based around getting more fuel; for example, if your special weapon ammo is maxed out, enemies will drop fuel (which also acts as health) when they die.”
“This is a 2-button shooter, so the difficulty comes mostly from understanding the mechanics and enemy patterns.”
“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.”
- music8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its strong alignment with the apocalyptic theme, featuring a rockin' soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the impressive presentation and aesthetics, noting that the music contributes significantly to the game's atmosphere, making it engaging and enjoyable. While some players feel the music could be more compelling, the general consensus is that it effectively complements 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 soundtrack and sound effects are suited to an apocalyptic theme, even if I am a fan of sound effects.”
“The music didn't win me over, but all in all, there's nothing to complain about the game.”
“While Dead End City has a rockin' soundtrack, it hasn't fully captured my interest.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The graphics feature polished pixel art reminiscent of the 80s and 90s, with a strong emphasis on aesthetics that complement the game's Mad Max-inspired theme. Reviewers praise the visual quality and the overall artistic presentation, noting that both the graphics and music enhance the gaming experience.
“Graphics are very, very polished pixel art.”
“First thing that strikes you are the aesthetics.”
“The Mad Max aesthetic is a nice touch.”
“The graphics have an 80's and 90's style with a bit more polish on the stronghold areas.”
“The graphics are very, very polished pixel art.”
“The first thing that strikes you is the aesthetics.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game offers solid replayability through its various modes, including an arcade mode, a "score attack," and a "highway" option, allowing players to engage in different challenges and enhance their experience.
“Replayability is fantastic! Apart from the arcade mode, you have options like 'score attack' and 'highway' to keep things fresh.”
“The game offers great replayability with multiple modes, including 'score attack' and 'highway', ensuring there's always something new to try.”
“With the addition of 'score attack' and 'highway' modes alongside the arcade mode, the replayability is impressive!”
“Replayability is lacking; aside from the arcade mode, the only options are 'score attack' and 'highway' choices.”
“The game offers minimal replayability, with just a few modes that don't add much variety.”
“Once you've completed the main content, there's little incentive to return, as the additional modes feel repetitive.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players note that while the grinding aspect involves larger hitboxes and the pursuit of power-ups and medals, it shouldn't deter fans of cave shooters from enjoying the game.
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % 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.”
“The haunting soundtrack perfectly complements the eerie visuals, creating an immersive experience.”
“The richly detailed environments draw you in, making you feel like you're truly part of this world.”
- emotional1 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.
“I was surprised how nostalgic this game made me feel for games of the 90s.”
