Death's Door: PS4 Review

Developed by Acid Nerve

Released by Devolver Digital

Platform: PS5

Devolver Digital's Death's Door is a game that many have already adored, both critically and from gamers.

You play a small crow, who works as a reaper, collecting souls in an isometric environment. The crow works for the Reaping Commission Headquarters and is dispatched to collect the soul of a monster who doesn't want to leave life willingly. 

As the battle ensues, the crow learns there is more to the Reaping Commission than he expected, and suddenly his simple world is turned upside down - and the battle is on.

Death's Door is a simple game - albeit one that has a tough gaming mechanic to get through. Cutting across worlds and environments, the game seems reminiscent of the ZX Spectrum fighter titles and games like Knightmare. Combat is difficult at times, requiring a wait and see approach to fighting, and sometimes dying before the chance to strike has even occurred. 

Health is bestowed on the little crow by collecting seeds, planting them and then harvesting them. There's a tactical element that's required for Death's Door and in truth, it takes some time to master the game and its quirks.

One of the biggest downsides to Death's Door is the lack of a map - certainly after scouring areas for exits, the map would greatly help - as would the fact that sometimes the exit out of an area comes from a black ladder on a grey background. It doesn't matter how great the PS5's graphics are, the subtleties are sometimes detrimental to the gameplay.

With a whimsical touch and a narrative that's entertaining enough for a short run title, Death's Door certainly has an indie feel that's worth engaging in - and a simplicity of execution that belays its growing complexities.