Death From Above
- February 22, 2024
- Rockodile
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam"Death From Above" is a drone-based arcade game set during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where you play as a Ukrainian military drone operator. Your mission is to combat enemy forces, recover stolen equipment, and restore communication lines. A significant aspect of this game is its real-world impact, as 30% of net proceeds support two Ukrainian organizations, "Come Back Alive" and "Army of Drones," providing non-offensive aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. By purchasing the game, you contribute to a meaningful cause while enjoying an engaging gaming experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and engaging experience with intuitive controls and satisfying gameplay, allowing players to strategically operate drones in a unique setting.
- Players appreciate the game's humor and the positive message it conveys, as part of the proceeds go to support Ukraine, making it a meaningful purchase.
- The graphics and soundtrack are well-received, contributing to an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.
- The game is relatively short, with many players completing it in about 90 minutes, leading to concerns about its replay value and depth.
- There are notable optimization issues, with some players experiencing performance problems and bugs that detract from the overall experience.
- The enemy AI is criticized for being simplistic and unchallenging, which can diminish the excitement and strategic elements of gameplay.
- story36 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story is set against the backdrop of a simulation of the Ukraine war, where players control a drone to complete various missions, creating a sense of pride and accomplishment. While the campaign features thrilling gameplay and engaging visuals, many players feel it lacks a deeper narrative and variety, with calls for more missions and a more developed storyline in future updates. Overall, the potential for a richer narrative experience is recognized, but the current offering is seen as limited, primarily relying on mission-based gameplay without a substantial overarching story.
“The game's campaign is a thrilling ride through a dystopian narrative, complete with intriguing characters and plot twists that keep you hooked from mission to mission.”
“With its jaw-dropping visuals, intuitive controls, gripping storyline, and intense combat, it surpasses expectations and sets a new standard for the genre.”
“In this thrilling experience, you take control of a high-tech drone and embark on missions to infiltrate enemy bases.”
“Because there is no story, the messages you receive from them are the only source of world-building.”
“[i]Death from Above[/i] has potential, but it could benefit from a more thoughtful approach to gameplay and narrative that aligns better with its meaningful mission.”
“Definitely needs more missions on a variety of maps as only one gets boring after just a few hours.”
- gameplay30 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Death from Above" is generally described as thrilling and engaging, featuring intuitive controls and a variety of combat mechanics that keep the experience fresh. However, some players note that the gameplay can feel short and repetitive, often taking place on a single, empty map, and express a desire for more content and improved enemy AI. While the game has potential and offers a unique blend of strategy and action, it could benefit from additional mechanics and a more thoughtful narrative approach.
“The gameplay is thrilling and satisfying, with intuitive controls that keep you focused on the objectives.”
“The array of weapons and power-ups, from homing missiles to devastating energy beams, keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.”
“The gameplay is captivating, allowing you to strategically plan your approach and execute tactical strikes to neutralize threats with the use of different ammo for the drone.”
“The controls are very simple, gameplay is very short, and graphics are okay at best.”
“Gameplay is fine, but it all takes place on one single and empty map.”
“However, I can't help but feel that the gameplay falls short of the mark.”
- graphics22 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the high-quality visuals and atmospheric design that enhance the gameplay experience. However, some critics note that the graphics can feel dated, reminiscent of late 90s to early 2000s titles, and while they are generally considered passable, they lack the polish of larger AAA games. Overall, the visuals contribute positively to the game's immersive qualities, despite some technical shortcomings.
“What surprised me when I first opened the game was the high quality of the graphics.”
“This adrenaline-soaked adventure earns its 10+ rating with a perfect blend of breathtaking visuals, seamless controls, and pulse-pounding combat.”
“With its jaw-dropping visuals, intuitive controls, gripping storyline, and intense combat, it surpasses expectations and sets a new standard for the genre.”
“Graphically, the game has problems, but in general, they are not critical for such a game.”
“For an Unreal Engine title, the graphics and models are rather late 90s to early 2000s.”
“Of course, the graphics are rather simple (especially animations and VFX), but good enough to create a nice atmosphere.”
- music14 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in "Death from Above" has received high praise for its engaging and vibrant soundtrack, featuring contributions from notable artists like Antytila. Reviewers appreciate the soundtrack's ability to enhance gameplay, with suggestions for expanding the original score in future updates. Overall, the music is described as a standout feature that complements the game's fun and immersive experience.
“The game has a great soundtrack and the graphics are passable enough that it does look like areas of Ukraine that I've seen.”
“Triumphant soundtrack from Antytila, Odarka, and Surface Tension!”
“It's a very fun drone sim with a super cool soundtrack - I hope more people will support Death from Above!”
“It would be nice to see the developers expand the OSTs and perhaps release a soundtrack pack in the future.”
“In conclusion, with its knockout gameplay, bright musical accompaniment, unique tutorial approach, and the ability to tackle serious topics with some kind of humor, 'Death from Above' offers an interesting experience.”
“They found amazing partners, from Come Back Alive NGO and the Army of Drones fundraising project to the sensational pop-rock band Antytila, who made the title song in English and Ukrainian.”
- humor12 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its abundant humor, featuring funny easter eggs and a lighthearted approach to serious topics, which enhances the overall enjoyment. Players appreciate the comedic elements, such as the washing machine mechanic and humorous missions, that contribute to a fun and engaging experience. Overall, the humor effectively alleviates tension and adds a unique charm to the gameplay.
“The game does have a lot of funny easter eggs that gave me an honest chuckle when I was playing it.”
“But the game has a big sense of humor too; I won't spoil the surprise, but it was too funny to not enjoy.”
“Exploration is also fun and relaxing, with funny easter eggs and an awesome soundtrack that really fits the game.”
- optimization8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is lacking, particularly on platforms like the Steam Deck, where performance can drop to around 20 fps. Many users note that while there are bugs and performance issues, these are expected in early access, and the game remains enjoyable. Improvements in optimization and audio are needed, but players are willing to overlook these shortcomings given the game's purpose and support for a good cause.
“There are a few bugs and the performance could be better, but that's mostly because it's in early access; the game is more than playable and enjoyable :)”
“It could be better optimized, but since it's early access and dedicated for a good cause, it can wait.”
“Before you make your purchase, a word of caution: the optimization leaves a bit to be desired, especially on Steam Deck - you're looking at about 20 fps.”
“The game definitely requires some optimization and audio improvements, but if you wanted to support Ukraine in real life, buying this game may be the easiest way to do so.”
“Also, optimization is not very good, but I guess it is an early access thing.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is engaging, drawing players in with its visuals and a sense of accomplishment from completing missions. While the graphics, particularly animations and visual effects, are somewhat simplistic, they effectively contribute to an overall enjoyable ambiance.
“The visuals and atmosphere pull you right in, and there’s a real sense of pride in completing each mission.”
“The graphics are rather simple (especially animations and VFX), but good enough to create a nice atmosphere.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the game offers good replayability due to the presence of high scores, achievements, leaderboards, and side missions, encouraging them to revisit the game for completion and competition.
“There's a high score system that adds significant replay value.”
“The game is highly replayable due to achievements, leaderboards, and side missions.”
“But at least there's a high score to add replay value.”
“+ Replayable for achievements, leaderboards, and side missions purposes.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, with frequent PC freezes occurring even on systems that are otherwise high-performing.
“My PC freezes up almost constantly, and I don't have a slow PC at all.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I've experienced numerous bugs that disrupt gameplay and affect stability.”
