Deathstate
- October 19, 2015
- Bread Machine Games
- 2h median play time
Get on SteamDeathstate is a single-player Science Fiction Shooter game that offers a bizarre and atmospheric experience in a roguelike, bullet hell setting. By projecting your consciousness into alternate dimensions, you'll discover spectacular graphics, fabulous soundtracks, and unique characters, all while seeking the fate of Professor Elinberg. Deathstate combines 16-bit visuals with advanced Unity shader effects for a unique and hostile journey through the realms of demi-existence.
Reviews
- Unique gameplay mechanics with automatic shooting that allows players to focus on dodging and positioning.
- Rich Lovecraftian themes and vibrant pixel art create an engaging atmosphere.
- High replayability with a variety of unlockable characters, items, and secrets to discover.
- Some players may find the automatic targeting and shooting mechanic less engaging compared to traditional twin-stick shooters.
- The game can feel overwhelming at times due to the visual effects and numerous projectiles on screen.
- Difficulty can be inconsistent, with some runs feeling too easy or reliant on RNG for success.
- gameplay70 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Deathstate is characterized by its engaging bullet hell mechanics and simple controls, allowing players to focus on movement and dodging while their character automatically shoots. While the game offers a variety of unlockable characters and items that enhance replayability, some players feel that the mechanics can become repetitive and overly simplistic, lacking the depth found in more complex roguelike titles. Overall, the game strikes a balance between accessibility and challenge, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and seasoned players in the genre.
“Overall, with lockdown depression, I came to really appreciate Vampire Survivors' one-stick gameplay, and with that perspective, I find Deathstate a lot of fun as a halfway point between VS and full-on bullet hell games.”
“The gameplay is simple but still interesting, as there is a surprising amount of player choice involved with each individual run.”
“Deathstate's relative simplicity works for it rather than against it - it makes it easy to keep playing without exhausting the player's attention or mechanical dexterity.”
“Gameplay: literally move and you shoot automatically.”
“It's too simple both in terms of mechanics and actual challenge.”
“Visual design choices also get in the way of the gameplay.”
- music49 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread praise for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, with many reviewers highlighting its Lovecraftian themes and retro influences, such as chiptune and heavy metal elements. While some noted that the soundtrack can be repetitive, it generally complements the gameplay well and contributes to the game's unique aesthetic. Overall, the soundtrack is described as awesome, addictive, and a significant factor in the game's appeal.
“The clean pixel art is perfectly fitting and the chiptune soundtrack is superb, drawing on inspiration like old Doom MIDI classics to provide an ominous, understated backdrop to the chaos.”
“Honestly, I liked the music so much I bought the soundtrack DLC, and I never do that.”
“A lot of replay value, innovative gameplay, amazing music, difficult as it can get, the Lovecraftian atmosphere and the very nice developers behind it make this game a great choice.”
“The music in the game ranges anywhere from tolerable to aural punishment.”
“My only complaint is the lackluster music and sound effects.”
“The soundtrack is a little repetitive, but overall fits the atmosphere perfectly.”
- graphics48 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their unique and appealing pixel art style, enhanced by psychedelic and Lovecraftian themes. Players appreciate the smooth integration of 3D effects with retro visuals, creating a captivating atmosphere, although some find the visuals overwhelming at times. Overall, the game's aesthetic, combined with its engaging gameplay and soundtrack, contributes to a memorable experience.
“The game is Lovecraftian-horror themed with cool graphics and awesome music.”
“The beautiful pixel artwork keeps your eyes fixated on the screen while the monotonous gameplay lulls you into a trance-like state of dreamy lucidity.”
“The visuals, the smooth gameplay, the music (dear god the music sounds like it was ripped straight from a Sega Genesis game, i.e. awesome), everything about this game was clearly made with so much love.”
“The only real problem I had with this game had to be the choice of visuals.”
“The clutter and aesthetic bits strewn about the levels make it hard to tell what can be walked over and what can't.”
“The visuals can be pretty overwhelming at times.”
- replayability12 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is noted for its high replayability, featuring alternate endings, unlockable characters, and numerous items and upgrades that enhance the experience. While many players appreciate the replay value and innovative gameplay, some feel it lacks depth compared to competitors and doesn't encourage repeated runs as strongly as expected for a rogue-like. Nonetheless, the combination of engaging graphics, music, and unlocks contributes to a generally positive perception of replayability.
“I enjoyed it and it's pretty replayable with alternate endings and new characters to unlock.”
“Fun game with plenty of replay value, great music, and lots of unlocks!”
“Doesn't beg for tons of runs despite being a roguelike, which kills what small amount of replayability the game has.”
“Lacks some replayability; I would like unlockable extra floors.”
“Lots of items and upgrades add to the replayability.”
- atmosphere11 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its surreal and alien levels, enhanced by a fitting soundtrack and sound design that contribute to a unique aesthetic. Reviewers highlight the combination of humor, art, and music as key elements that create an engaging and immersive experience, with some noting a slightly cheesy yet foreboding tone. Overall, the atmosphere is described as fantastic, innovative, and a significant factor in the game's replay value.
“Plus the game has some excellent atmosphere - the levels feel quite surreal and alien, especially when combined with the soundtrack.”
“It's an absolute blast to play, oozing with atmosphere.”
“The soundtrack is a little repetitive, but overall fits the atmosphere perfectly.”
“The music and sound design are also wonderful and add to the slightly cheesy yet foreboding atmosphere.”
- story9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as a captivating, Lovecraftian experience that enhances the gameplay, though it is somewhat vague and not the central focus. Players appreciate the intriguing setting and the sense of a larger narrative waiting to be explored, while acknowledging that the writing serves its purpose without being overly complex. Overall, the story complements the action and atmosphere, making it a notable aspect of the game.
“I like the setting and story, very 'lovecraftian' and well presented.”
“It makes you feel like there is a huge story waiting to be uncovered.”
“Deathstate does an amazing job of fusing a wonderful, thrilling 8-bit dangerfest with rich lovecraftian story and flavor.”
“If you hate one of those styles or are waiting for a Lovecraft-like story, do not buy this game; it is not made for you.”
“The story is, admittedly, vague: you have followed a professor into a dimension filled with monsters, and now you have to defeat him and/or escape.”
“The point I'm trying to make is that the story and writing don't have a big role—nor do they need to—but they're good for what they are.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted to be minimal, with some players finding the ending amusing, particularly when only one character is unlocked. Comparisons to other games suggest that while it has its moments, it lacks the comedic depth found in titles like "Dungeons of Dredmor."
“The ending is kind of funny when you only have the one character unlocked.”
“Reminds me of a bullet hell rendition of Dungeons of Dredmor, one of my favorite actual roguelikes, minus the humor.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its stability, with numerous bugs and glitches reported by users, suggesting that it requires significant fixes before it can be recommended.
“I would recommend this game, but not until it gets fixed. There are so many bugs and glitches, and it's been out for a decent amount of time.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“I've encountered numerous stability issues that ruin the overall experience.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious and unenjoyable, often feeling that deaths do not result from their mistakes, which diminishes the sense of challenge and accomplishment.
“It's not fun; it's tedious and never feels like I died for a mistake when they kill me.”
“Grinding feels like a chore rather than an enjoyable part of the game.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is well-optimized, running smoothly on basic laptops with integrated graphics and showing no signs of stuttering.
“The game runs smoothly even on a fairly basic laptop with integrated graphics; I've noticed no stuttering at all.”
“The optimization is impressive, allowing for a seamless experience across various hardware setups.”
“I appreciate how well the game is optimized; it performs beautifully without requiring high-end specifications.”
