4 Reasons Why Dead Cells Should Top Your Steam Summer Sale Wishlist

Dead Cells

The Steam summer sale is almost over. Your wallet is beaten down. You don’t need any other games. At least, that’s what you’ve convinced yourself. In reality, you’re missing a game you didn’t even know you needed. That game is Dead Cells. Here are four reasons why you need to go buy it right now.

 

1. It’s A Castlevania Throwback

Castlevania

Gamers of all ages can appreciate the 2D brilliance of one of our industry’s oldest franchises. More commonly known as “Metroidvania”, Dead Cells is a love-letter to the genre. It iterates on the Vanias’ secret packed levels by throwing them into a random generator. The core gameplay remains tight and relatively untouched.

I say that, but let me clear up that Dead Cells is not merely a copy of the classic games, more of streamlined take on them. For example, you have all abilities from the start. No unlocking later on. Instead of incorporating a double jump or a roll after you’ve progressed, Dead Cells allows you to master your moves right away.

It’s also been rid of multistage backtracking. Each stage will require backtracking within, but once moving onto the next one, there’s no going back. It’s important to clear out all rooms to ensure you haven’t missed anything. While streamlining can be bad, it works in Dead Cells’ favor as the player can jump right into the action and consistently be moving forward.

Dead Cells still maintains a sense of exploration through items and skill level ups, holding true to traditional Vania gameplay. These are based on an RNG drop system, with more added to the pool as you progress. Secret rooms and shortcuts are also included.

 

2. It Shows Mastery Of The Rogue-Lite

Dead Cells

I play a lot of rogue-lites, and can safely say Dead Cells stands high with the Binding of Isaacs and Rogue Legacies. Somehow it found the perfect balance between progression and permadeath. It’s challenging but not overly so.

A rogue-lite is as good as its combat, and here it’s ridiculously engaging. I’d compare it to how a 2D Dark Souls would feel. Each weapon has its own stats and unique feel. Dead Cells features a good variety, and for the most part they’re all viable. At times you’re swarmed with groups of enemies, nothing a well-timed dodge roll can’t fix. Not to mention bosses will kick your ass if you can’t use them right.

With difficulty tied to stage rather than an overall setting, you can choose a harder stage based on what weapons and skills you’ve gotten. Getting screwed by RNG? Take the easier route. Found your two favorite weapons? Maybe check out the harder ones.

Upgrades, another rogue-lite staple, may not always help you. While persistent across playthroughs, RNG doesn’t guarantee you’ll get that sweet new sword you just boosted. Each run gives you a bit of anxiety hoping your favorite weapon will show up. Recognize the irony that the more weapons you unlock for the pool, the less chance you have of getting ones you want the most.

 

3. It Treats You With Respect

A lot of games nowadays like to hold your hand and make sure you know everything before taking on the world by yourself. Some games benefit from this, but most of the time it ruins the fun. Nothing beats the feeling of figuring out a game all by yourself.

Dead Cells does this and does this well. Much like Dark Souls, it gives you basic tutorials as necessary, but a majority of the game leaves you to it.

These types of games are not only great for your self-esteem, but also for building a community. It’s only a matter of time before forums and guides spring up attempting to figure out all the nuances built into them.

 

4. It’s Only Halfway Done

I know Early Access games aren’t everyone’s favorite. It’s always a risk investing in one, but I could argue that if this game never gets another update, it would still be worth the price.

It’s only fifty percent done but you wouldn’t know if no one told you. Dead Cells has more polish than some sixty dollar AAA games I’ve played. It’s been updated quite a bit since its May launch and already has sixteen to eighteen hours of content, which is even more if you suck like I do!

Dead Cells still has another nine or so months in development, so getting it for cheap would be in your best interest. Plus, who doesn’t love having a say in a game’s progress?

What are you waiting for? Get on Steam and buy this game before the sale ends. Even if you miss it, Dead Cells is still a steal at full price. Just prepare for a lot of rage-quits and RNG mishaps.

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