DEAD CELLS WIKI
Generally favorable reviews from critics! This game is very darn good!
Dead Cells
Developer(s): Motion Twin, Evil Empire
Composer(s): Yoann Laulan
Engine: Heaps Engine
Platform(s): Linux, macOS, Switch, PS4, Windows, Xbox One, iOS, Android
Release Date: August 7, 2018
Genre(s): Roguelike, Metroidvania
Mode(s): Single-player
Dead Cells is a combination of roguelike and Metroidvania genres. It was developed by Motion Twin and released in 2018 on various platforms.
Gameplay
Dead Cells is a game that combines elements of procedurally-generated roguelike games and action-exploration-based Metroidvania games in a 2D side-scrolling format. The game’s protagonist is the Prisoner, a shape-shifting creature that can inhabit human corpses. The Prisoner must explore a fictional island that is overrun with mutated monsters in order to defeat the island’s King. When the player dies, they lose all weapons and upgrades acquired during that playthrough, with the exception of some permanent items. Weapons in the game include swords, bows, shields, and traps that can be placed to harm enemies. In combat, the Prisoner can dodge enemy attacks by jumping or moving across the ground. Dodging into an enemy’s space allows the Prisoner to attack from behind. When falling from a height, the Prisoner can stun enemies by slamming into the ground or avoid being stunned themselves.
Story
The game takes place on an island that remains unnamed throughout the game. The player character is known as the Prisoner, which is a shapeless entity capable of inhabiting the corpses of deceased individuals found on the island. Although the head of the Prisoner is invincible, the bodies it occupies are not, and if the body dies, the Prisoner must return to the Prisoners’ Quarters to possess a new one. The Prisoner cannot communicate verbally and is limited to expressing itself through nonverbal cues and gestures when interacting with non-player characters (NPCs). From time to time, the player is given a glimpse into the Prisoner’s thoughts through dialog boxes.
How long is Dead Cells?
When focusing on the main goals, Dead Cells is about 14 Hours in length. If you’re a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 85 Hours to obtain 100% completion.
Reception
Critics gave Dead Cells favorable reviews, with the Xbox One version receiving universal acclaim. The game was commended for its captivating gameplay and randomized design.