Video Game Mini Review: Death Elevator

Developer: Games From The Abyss

Publisher: QUByte Interactive

Genre: Action

Nintendo Switch

Death Elevator is a minimalist roguelike that combines arcade shooting with a brutal one-hit death mechanic. Developed by Games From the Abyss and published by QUByte Interactive, the game challenges players to ascend a skyscraper packed with enemies, blending simple retro gameplay with bullet-time mechanics.

Minimalism defines every aspect of Death Elevator, including its narrative—or lack thereof. The game offers no complex plot or character development, leaving players to focus entirely on the action. This makes it feel more like an arcade game, bringing players back to the days when they would insert themselves into a blank protagonist.

At its core, Death Elevator is all about fast-paced action and survival. Players navigate each floor of a procedurally generated skyscraper, shooting enemies to unlock the elevator to the next level. One hit means death, but the game’s bullet-time mechanic slows the action whenever danger strikes, giving players a quick second to dodge bullets, dash away, or counterattack. The arsenal of weapons, ranging from SMGs to grenade launchers, adds variety.  For experienced players, Hardcore mode removes the bullet-time mechanic entirely. While the simplicity is refreshing, repetitive level layouts and limited enemy variety can make the experience feel monotonous after extended play. There simply isn’t a lot of depth, which makes the game not last as long as others in the genre. That doesn’t stop it from being fun until players burn out though.

Death Elevator uses a low-poly aesthetic similar to Superhot but leans even further into minimalism. Its stark environments are punctuated by pops of color and fun visual effects. The sound design adds to the tension, with crisp gunfire and enemy cues improving the atmosphere. The game does lack polish though, with inconsistent hit detection and occasional visual glitches. On the Nintendo Switch, the controls feel a bit imprecise, but they’re manageable after adjusting the sensitivity.

For those seeking a quick, brutal, and satisfying challenge, Death Elevator offers plenty to enjoy—just don’t expect it to be polished or hold your attention for the long haul.