With Death Elevator, Glitch Hero and Westild’s Law, we’re checking out three newly released indie projects that we reviewed on a PlayStation 5.
Death Elevator review (PS5)
Death Elevator, developed by Games From The Abyss and published by QUByte Interactive, takes a minimalist approach to the first-person shooter genre. Centering on reflexes and survival rather than progression systems or narrative depth, the game thrusts players into a relentless climb toward the top floor, pitting them against waves of enemies in randomized rooms while scavenging for randomized weapons. This rogue-lite structure keeps each run feeling unpredictable, while the combination of fast-paced movement and a slow-motion mechanic adds a cinematic flair to combat. However, the absence of a progression system (such as upgrades or skill trees) may deter those seeking long-term engagement beyond perfecting their high scores.
Gameplay is intuitive yet punishing, relying on sharp reflexes and quick decision-making. Movement and shooting feel fluid for the most part, though the aiming controls could benefit from more precision. The sensitivity settings lack the fine-tuning required for smooth long-range targeting, which can occasionally lead to frustration. Despite this, the game rewards players who embrace its unforgiving challenge, with slow-motion battles and narrowly dodging death creating exhilarating moments.
Visually, Death Elevator opts for a low-poly aesthetic with stark, uncluttered environments enhancing the focus on action. While this simplicity complements the gameplay, it also means the levels can feel repetitive and lack personality. The game’s audio design, while functional, doesn’t particularly stand out either, leaving the visuals and gameplay to carry the weight of the experience.
Overall, Death Elevator is a no-frills shooter that caters to fans of skill-based gameplay and intense, short-burst action. While its repetitive stage design and unforgiving difficulty might deter some, its addictive challenge and rogue-lite elements will appeal to those looking for a pure test of reflexes and strategy. If you enjoy chasing leaderboard scores and don’t mind the minimalist presentation, this is worth checking out.
Glitch Hero review (PS5)
Glitch Hero invites players into the world of Codeland, a digital realm plagued by bugs and glitches. The story follows Ada, a curious young girl who enters her father’s virtual creation only to find herself tasked with saving it. While the premise leans heavily on familiar sci-fi tropes, its charm lies in its presentation, offering a lighthearted take on programming concepts intertwined with a narrative about bravery and quick thinking. The quirky bunny guide that helps you and Ada’s interactions with other characters add personality, although some of the humor can feel aimed at younger audiences, perhaps making it less engaging for older players.
The gameplay strikes a balance between action-adventure mechanics and coding-inspired puzzles. Using the hammer.exe, players navigate traps, defeat enemies, and unlock pathways across three colorful worlds. The combat is straightforward but enjoyable, especially with the varied enemy types and unique attack patterns. However, the boss battles stand out for their creativity, pushing players to adapt their strategies. While the inclusion of puzzles inspired by coding principles is clever and educational, the simplicity of some challenges might leave more experienced players wanting more. On the other hand, younger audiences or those new to the genre will likely find the puzzles rewarding and engaging.
Glitch Hero’s controls are responsive, ensuring fluid movement during exploration and combat. That said, occasional issues with hit detection can lead to some frustration, particularly in more chaotic battles. The visuals, with their bright and colorful cartoon style, bring Codeland to life. Each of the three themed worlds has a distinct personality, with highlights like Candy World or the rhythm-inspired Music World. The soundtrack complements the action with its upbeat and varied tones, which tend to stay in your head for a bit.
But for all its strengths, Glitch Hero occasionally stumbles in pacing. Some levels drag on longer than necessary, and the story doesn’t always feel as fleshed out as it could be. Still, the game’s combination of vibrant visuals, accessible puzzles, and engaging combat makes it a fun experience especially for families and younger gamers. Its focus on promoting programming concepts is a welcome touch, blending education with entertainment in an enjoyable way.
Westild’s Law review (PS5)
Westild’s Law takes players to the heart of the Wild West in a 2D pixel shooter, blending fast-paced shootouts with a variety of mission types to keep the action fresh. The game’s narrative is straightforward, casting you as the hero tasked with restoring peace by taking down Wild Joe’s gang. And while the story doesn’t delve deep into its characters or themes, it effectively sets the stage for the action-packed gameplay that follows.
The game’s strongest feature lies in its gameplay mechanics, which offer a mix of clever ideas and classic action. The ability to slow time using “ultra-sense” adds a layer of strategy to gunfights, allowing players to react to otherwise chaotic situations with precision. Combat feels satisfying, thanks to a variety of weapons ranging from revolvers to rifles, with the added twist of being able to throw empty firearms to stun enemies. Missions include shootouts, hostage rescues, train-saving sequences, and boss battles, ensuring that the gameplay remains engaging across the 48 levels and true to its Wild West theme.
However, Westild’s Law isn’t without its flaws. The controls, while functional, can feel imprecise at times, especially during high-pressure moments where quick reflexes are needed. Some players might find the mechanics of upgrading characters and weapons to be underwhelming, as the system lacks depth compared to other games in the genre.
Visually, the game embraces a stylized aesthetic that fits its Western theme. The environments are colorful and well-designed, although they occasionally lack the detail to make the world feel more immersive. The music complements the setting nicely, with a soundtrack that helps set the tone of the Wild West, though it doesn’t stand out as particularly memorable.
Westild’s Law delivers an entertaining blend of arcade-style shooting and mission variety that should appeal to fans of action games. While its narrative and mechanics might not be groundbreaking, its charm and accessible gameplay make it a worthwhile ride, especially for those drawn to its Western setting and considering its budget price point.
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