Death Relives arrives on PlayStation 5 as a mythologically inspired survival horror experience that attempts to carve out its own identity by blending Aztec folklore with classic cat-and-mouse gameplay. Developed by Nyctophile Studios, the game casts players as Adrian, a teenager caught in a terrifying chase against the Aztec god Xipe Totec while uncovering a personal family tragedy. It’s a compelling setup that promises both mythological depth and emotional stakes, but the delivery is uneven, leaving the game hovering between intrigue and frustration.
The narrative is one of the game’s most distinctive qualities. Rather than drawing on familiar Western horror tropes, Death Relives digs into Mesoamerican mythology, making Xipe Totec a formidable antagonist whose demand for sacrifices gives the story a menacing weight. The premise of Adrian trying to piece together the truth behind his mother’s fate adds a personal touch that helps ground the supernatural elements. But while some players may find the storytelling refreshing and bold, others will feel the pacing falters at times, with exposition occasionally dragging between tense sequences.
Gameplay centers on survival horror staples – running, hiding, and solving puzzles to stay one step ahead of Xipe Totec. The design of the god’s AI adds unpredictability, keeping players on edge as his appearances feel less scripted than in many genre peers. When it works, it can be genuinely nerve-wracking, forcing quick decisions in high-pressure moments. However, the mechanics can also feel inconsistent, with stealth sections occasionally marred by erratic detection and puzzles that, while unusual, sometimes stray into trial-and-error territory that interrupts the tension rather than enhancing it.
Controls on PS5 are functional but not always as responsive as they should be. Precision in stealth encounters can feel slightly off, which is problematic in a game where being caught often leads to sudden failure. Some of the game’s interactions are tactile and immersive, but lacks polish, leaving certain sequences more frustrating than frightening. Still, the core framework remains accessible enough for players familiar with the genre to find their footing quickly.
Where Death Relives excels most is in atmosphere. Visually, the game’s environments are moody and striking, with dark temples, candlelit corridors, and oppressive jungles that make excellent use of lighting to build tension. The design of Xipe Totec himself is chilling, standing out as a genuine horror presence. Audio design amplifies this further, with unsettling soundscapes and music that sell the looming sense of dread even when the mechanics falter. It’s clear that Nyctophile Studios poured effort into making the sensory side of the experience as immersive as possible.
Taken as a whole, Death Relives is a game of contrasts: it offers an original villain rooted in underexplored mythology, a unique premise, and an unsettling atmosphere that lingers. At the same time, it struggles with consistency in its gameplay mechanics and pacing, which can sap tension and leave moments feeling clumsy rather than frightening. For players seeking a fresh take on survival horror with cultural depth, there’s enough here to warrant attention, but expectations should be tempered with the knowledge that the execution doesn’t fully match the ambition.
Score: 6.3/10
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