DeadCore

84%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,327 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
DeadCore Game Cover
Logically, I know I’m sitting on my sofa, controller gripped firmly in my hands.
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DeadCore is a single-player Science Fiction Shooter game with a good plot and beautiful game mechanics, graphics, and music. As you climb the Tower to uncover secrets, you'll encounter high-tech security systems, robots, and traps that you'll need to skillfully navigate and defeat using your SwitchGun. The game offers a mysterious world with immense levels, secret passages, and upgrades to explore, making for fantastic replayability, despite being poorly optimized, grinding, and full of bugs.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

84%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,327 reviews
gameplay135 positive mentions
optimization13 negative mentions
  • Challenging and rewarding gameplay that tests reflexes and quick thinking.
  • Beautiful graphics and a unique atmosphere that enhances the experience.
  • Multiple paths and collectibles add replayability and exploration opportunities.
  • gameplay360 mentions

    The gameplay in Deadcore is characterized by fast-paced first-person platforming that combines various mechanics such as double jumping, dashing, and gravity manipulation, creating a challenging yet rewarding experience. Players appreciate the smooth controls and the gradual introduction of new mechanics, although some find certain elements, like the gravity shifts, disorienting or frustrating. Overall, the game is recommended for those who enjoy skill-based challenges and speedrunning, despite some criticisms regarding level design and occasional technical issues.

    • “The gameplay is fast-paced, extremely satisfying, and the mechanics are brilliant.”
    • “The movement feels good, it's fast-paced and rewarding, the mechanics fit very well together, and the difficulty is paced nicely.”
    • “Deadcore has a nice gameplay and fun movement, and that's what it has been made for.”
    • “The gameplay is hard; you will fail many times, but this is not bad because it feels rewarding to finally pass a level, and with more power-ups, you can go back to a level and get more items like logs and tracks.”
    • “The gravity mechanics that were introduced later into the game were initially novel, but ended up just being a bit clunky and disorienting.”
    • “The mechanics are way too random at times and impossible to learn and repeat, so they require trial and error, a very bad design decision in a game focusing on speedrunning.”
  • story265 mentions

    The game's story is minimal and primarily conveyed through collectible logs scattered throughout the levels, which many players find unengaging or difficult to piece together. While some appreciate the atmospheric elements these logs provide, the consensus is that the gameplay takes precedence over the narrative, making it more of a platforming challenge than a story-driven experience. Overall, players recommend the game for its mechanics and design rather than its storytelling, which is often described as weak or lacking depth.

    • “The game's story is solid, and I like the way it's presented, being entirely skippable if you like, or you can opt into it by collecting 'logs' which illuminate a bit of what happened before you came through these ruins.”
    • “The story is coherent with the game's world at large, and in combination with the music, there's a sort of dark and mysterious intensity to your adventure through the remains of this world, without being overly so.”
    • “The story mode is such a wonderful experience, with a superb soundtrack and artistic direction that really brings you into this slick and vivid atmosphere of a world.”
    • “The story is purely optional (hidden away in data logs) and not particularly interesting or well-written.”
    • “There is no real story even if there are supposed tidbits of information granted through an annoying 'journal' style system that you pick up as collectibles.”
    • “The backstory is a weak excuse to sprinkle collectibles around the levels, and the plot is about as deep as the end sequence to Mass Effect 3.”
  • graphics244 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning visuals and cohesive aesthetic, often described as a blend of cyberpunk and minimalist design reminiscent of titles like "Portal" and "Tron." While many players appreciate the beautiful environments and smooth performance, some note issues with repetitive assets and minor graphical bugs that can detract from the experience. Overall, the game's visuals are considered a significant highlight, enhancing the immersive gameplay and atmosphere.

    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning, and I often found myself ignoring the puzzle ahead of me just to look around, which is actually rewarded!”
    • “The aesthetics, graphics, atmosphere, and soundtrack are all fantastic.”
    • “Deadcore is a graphically impressive first-person speedrun-puzzle-shooter hybrid.”
    • “The graphics do the job and nothing more, and yet somehow manage to tax my machine despite their incredible simplicity.”
    • “Instead you get constant micro-stuttering, no matter which resolution or graphical setting you choose.”
    • “There are parts of this game that I like, such as the use of musical audio cues - as well as the sound design overall - and the unique visual aesthetic, but, unless you have a beefy computer and you like platforming in first person, I can't recommend this game.”
  • music205 mentions

    The music in the game has received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many players praising its atmospheric and immersive qualities that complement the gameplay. The soundtrack features a variety of electronic styles, including ambient, drum and bass, and techno, which enhance the game's sci-fi aesthetic and keep players engaged during challenging platforming sequences. While some found the music to be forgettable or generic, others appreciated the ability to unlock and customize playlists for speedrun modes, highlighting the overall quality of the sound design and its integration with the game's visuals.

    • “The soundtrack is beautiful, with drum and bass to chill.”
    • “Deadcore is pleasing to both the eyes and ears, featuring vast, abstract architecture, gorgeous backdrops, and an ambient but energetic soundtrack perfect to accompany you hunting secrets or shaving seconds off of your time.”
    • “The music is great, and it makes for a very immersive experience.”
    • “The soundtrack is forgettable, but the sound design is great; every action gets responded to with a pleasing sound, and it also helps to convey the scale of the whole setting. However, I'm still unsure how there can be that much reverb in the sky, because the sounds basically have no surface to bounce off of, but that's an unimportant detail.”
    • “The sound effects and the music get the job done, but neither is particularly memorable.”
    • “This game has great potential, but suffers massively from the lack of music, and the extreme overabundance of gravity switch puzzles.”
  • replayability64 mentions

    The game offers significant replayability through multiple routes, collectibles, and a dedicated speedrunning mode, appealing to both casual players and those seeking challenges. While some players find the replay value high due to the variety of paths and secrets, others note that it may diminish after initial playthroughs, particularly for those not interested in speedrunning or completionist goals. Overall, the replayability is generally regarded as strong, especially for fans of the genre.

    • “I strongly recommend this game, solid worthwhile experience with more replayability than most mainstream titles.”
    • “The replay value is high, as the game features all sorts of hidden collectibles throughout the levels, as well as stages specifically designed for speedrunning.”
    • “Great game, controls are good, challenge is there, replayability is good with the speedrun and alternative paths, you feel really free in the game with no hand-holding or forced paths.”
    • “Zero replay value and lacks any personality as well.”
    • “Other than that there's not a whole lot of replay value unless you want to do speed runs and fight for a spot on the leaderboards.”
    • “If you aren't a speedrunner, not much replay value.”
  • atmosphere51 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its engaging and immersive qualities, enhanced by a stunning visual style and a fitting soundtrack that includes ambient and electronic music. Players appreciate the unique, mysterious environments that create a sense of tension and excitement, making the gameplay experience feel both exhilarating and captivating. Overall, the combination of graphics, sound design, and thematic elements contributes to a compelling atmosphere that draws players in and keeps them engaged.

    • “Between its engaging gameplay, boppin' electronic tunes, and fantastic atmosphere, Deadcore offers a very fun experience.”
    • “The story mode is such a wonderful experience, with a superb soundtrack and artistic direction that really brings you into this slick and vivid atmosphere of a world.”
    • “The environment is breathtaking, and the audio only adds to an already fantastic atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere will suck you in to the point where the tension and stress is palpable.”
    • “Deadcore is a game which is set in a metallic world with many hazards and surrounded by fog, and the music goes well with this atmosphere.”
    • “My biggest issue with the game is the framerate - sometimes it lags like crazy, making it borderline unplayable; albeit I must confess they've nailed the atmosphere.”
  • optimization27 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant micro-stuttering and performance issues even on high-end systems, leading to a frustrating experience. While some users noted that the game can run smoothly under certain conditions, others highlighted that it struggles with maintaining consistent frame rates, particularly in demanding levels. Overall, the optimization appears to be a major concern, detracting from the gameplay experience for a significant number of players.

    • “I'll say this for it: it has no performance problems and looks great.”
    • “Performance is solid and the game looks and feels great at 144fps.”
    • “It's well optimized and there's nothing to be worried about in terms of gameplay or graphics.”
    • “The game is a stuttering mess, even with a $3,000 PC.”
    • “Instead, you get constant micro-stuttering, no matter which resolution or graphical setting you choose.”
    • “Even on a very high-end rig, the constant framerate stuttering makes this game basically impossible for me to play without developing headaches.”
  • grinding20 mentions

    The reviews highlight a significant amount of grinding in the game, with players expressing mixed feelings about the repetitive nature of certain levels. While some enjoy the challenge and immersion of mastering difficult sections, others find the experience tedious and frustrating, particularly due to backtracking and limited resources. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate a grind-heavy, reflex-based gameplay style, but may deter players seeking a more streamlined experience.

    • “Challenging but not tedious.”
    • “Deadcore gave me mixed feelings; the visuals are absolutely stunning, but I found the last two levels pretty grindy and ended up throwing in the towel on the final level due to a minor jumping bug and simply getting lost since you're not exactly shown what to do or where to go.”
    • “It's by no means super difficult, but replaying some of the same sections over and over can get a little tedious.”
    • “For me, the game came off as tedious and uninteresting.”
  • stability18 mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with users reporting a range of bugs and glitches that can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences, particularly with controls and physics. While some players find the glitches add a layer of enjoyment and challenge, others note that poor optimization and unresponsive controls detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is described as having moments of polish but still suffers from inconsistencies that can disrupt gameplay.

    • “Overall, the game was quite polished and bug-free.”
    • “I experienced very few glitches, making for a smooth gameplay experience.”
    • “The stability of the game allowed me to fully immerse myself without interruptions.”
    • “The game has poor optimization and can be buggy at times, but now, I do believe the difficulty is alright.”
    • “Buggy, unresponsive controls make this game frustrating to play; games being overly difficult wouldn't make me rate it thumbs down, but this game is difficult due to controls not responding in a way you would expect.”
    • “Neither of these can be intentional at all and they really destroy any consistency in running levels; two glitches that really need fixing.”
  • humor10 mentions

    The humor in the game is often compared unfavorably to that of Portal, with some players finding it lacking in wit and storytelling. While there are moments of comedic gameplay, such as achievements tied to dying in humorous ways, the overall experience is described as less engaging and funny than expected. Players appreciate certain funny elements, but many feel that the game does not prioritize humor as a core aspect, leading to a mixed reception regarding its comedic value.

    • “The game literally has no story, which is funny because you have to play 'story' mode to play any other mode.”
    • “What makes it fun is the fact there is a Steam achievement that can only be unlocked by dying a hilarious number of times.”
    • “Then cubes and robot bugs fly after you and bounce you around to make it even more hilarious.”
    • “It's like Portal, but really, really fast... and not funny.”
    • “The jokes fall flat and feel forced, lacking any real wit.”
    • “I expected a lot of laughs, but the humor is stale and uninspired.”
  • emotional4 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional response to the game, feeling a mix of exhilaration and frustration. The sensation of speedrunning is palpable, yet the lack of a physical representation in the game leads to feelings of incompetence, especially when faced with challenging enemies and limited resources. Overall, the experience evokes a blend of excitement and annoyance, highlighting the game's emotional impact on players.

    • “It has a game mode called 'speed runs.' 11/10 made me feel incompetent as a gamer; do not watch speedrun videos on YouTube for this game.”
    • “I can never speedrun, but it definitely made me feel like I was speedrunning.”
    • “Thing is, you're just a flying gun with no model to represent your body, so you can never really know how close you are to touching the red floor.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    Reviewers express frustration with modern monetization practices, highlighting issues such as mandatory microtransactions, always-online requirements, and a lack of modding support. They long for the past when games were released in a complete state without ongoing developer interference or additional costs.

    • “Before the age of DLCs, stripped of modding support, where games were accepted and loved 'as is' and it was just that, instead of continuous tracking of the developers on various forums, having all kinds of outrageous post-release changes and hated additions, mandatory microtransactions or always online forcing for no reason... those were the days.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

63% average critic score

Buy DeadCore

Play time

7hMedian play time
15hAverage play time
5-45hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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