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MONSTER

Death's Door

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Death's Door
Item: Death's Door
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player

AvailableJul 20, 2021

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperAcid Nerve

Overview

Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock might get monotonous but it's honest work for a Crow. The job gets lively when your assigned soul is stolen and you must track down a desperate thief to a realm untouched by death - where creatures grow far past their expiry and overflow with greed and power.

Elsewhere

7.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Death's Door, highlighting its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and unique premise. Critics like Impulsegamer and Worth Playing commended the intriguing storyline with plot twists and dark undertones, while Nintendo Life appreciated the engaging narrative with moral grayness and dry humor. The game's themes of life, death, and reapers, infused with zany humor as noted by Hey Poor Player, added depth and charm to the overall storytelling. The blend of dark humor, compelling world-building, and character development, as mentioned by TheXboxHub and Game Informer, contributed to a rich and immersive narrative experience. The narrative's exploration of existential questions about life and death, as highlighted by KeenGamer, further elevated the depth and complexity of the storytelling in Death's Door. On the flip side, some critics noted shortcomings in the story of Death's Door. Gfinity pointed out that while the game had a mix of humor and focus on characters, it lacked depth and coherence in its lore and themes. Additionally, Easy Allies mentioned that while the game had some nice narrative moments, there wasn't a ton of story overall. These criticisms suggest that while the game excelled in certain aspects of storytelling, it may have fallen short in providing a fully fleshed-out and cohesive narrative experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Death's Door. The majority of reviewers appreciated the game's engaging narrative, unique premise, and well-developed characters. Critics like Gamepressure and NME praised the game for its clever writing, rich adventure, and darkly comic spin on traditional genre trappings. Despite some minor criticisms about depth and coherence in the storytelling, the general sentiment is that Death's Door offers a compelling and immersive narrative experience that successfully blends humor, dark themes, and intriguing mysteries. Players looking for a captivating story with a mix of humor and depth are likely to find Death's Door to be a highly satisfying experience based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics laud Death's Door for its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and unique premise, praising its intriguing storyline, dark humor, and exploration of existential themes. While some critics found shortcomings in depth and coherence, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting the game's clever writing, rich adventure, and immersive storytelling experience. Players seeking a captivating mix of humor and depth are likely to be highly satisfied with Death's Door based on the rave reviews.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Death's Door, highlighting its engaging combat mechanics, exploration elements, and challenging boss battles. Critics such as Digital Trends, Gamepressure, and Nintendo Life commended the simple yet thrilling combat system, exciting boss fights, and high-risk, high-reward combat that required precision and strategy. The game's emphasis on exploration, puzzle-solving, and interconnected world design, reminiscent of classic Zelda games, was well-received by reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and But Why Tho??. The mix of combat and exploration in a Metroidvania style, as noted by KeenGamer, added depth to the gameplay experience, rewarding players for thorough investigation. While the majority of critics found the gameplay of Death's Door to be very good, some reviewers pointed out certain drawbacks. Noisy Pixel mentioned that the combat, while not thoughtless, felt uninspired at times, with transparent enemy telegraphs preventing combat from becoming dull. Screen Rant highlighted that the combat lacked depth, with basic weapon combos and spells lacking agility, although the well-balanced boss difficulty was noted as a positive aspect. Gfinity mentioned that the difficulty spikes towards the end of the game could be exhausting for players, indicating a potential issue with pacing in the gameplay experience. Overall, Death's Door received widespread acclaim for its gameplay, with critics praising its mix of combat, exploration, puzzle-solving, and boss battles. The game successfully blended elements from classic Zelda games, Dark Souls, and Metroidvania titles to create a challenging and rewarding experience for players. The tight and satisfying combat, variety of weapons and abilities, clever level design, and engaging boss fights were key highlights that resonated with reviewers. Despite some minor criticisms regarding combat depth and difficulty spikes, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority acknowledging the game's strengths in delivering an enjoyable and immersive gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics unanimously laud Death's Door for its captivating gameplay, with high praise for its engaging combat, exploration features, and challenging boss battles reminiscent of classic titles like Zelda. While some reviewers noted minor issues like uninspired combat moments and difficulty spikes, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the game's blend of elements from iconic franchises to deliver a rewarding and immersive gaming experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Death's Door, highlighting various positive aspects. PlayStation Universe appreciated the charming cel-shaded appearance and special effects that enhanced the combat experience. Checkpoint Gaming admired the detailed and interconnected world design, complementing the narrative with a gloomy aesthetic. Gamepressure commended the stunning locations, dynamic lighting effects, and use of bright and dark colors to set the mood. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded noted the bright and visually appealing world design, while GameCritics found the art design stunning with fantastic visuals throughout. However, some critics did mention a few drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of Death's Door. While most critics praised the visuals, some like Pure Xbox noted the game's fairy tale-like aesthetic, which may not appeal to all players. Multiplayer.it mentioned that the quality of enemies varied, impacting the overall visual consistency. Additionally, Vooks pointed out the lack of color contrast in certain environments on the Nintendo Switch version, which could potentially affect the overall visual appeal for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Death's Door. Critics such as Gfinity, Game Informer, and Pure Nintendo praised the game for its beautiful and well-crafted world, while GameSpew and God is a Geek described the visuals as gorgeous and enchanting. The unique art style, attention to detail, and immersive environments were highlighted as key strengths by various critics, contributing to a visually appealing and memorable experience for players across different platforms. Despite a few minor criticisms, the majority of critics found the graphics and visual design of Death's Door to be a standout feature that significantly enhances the overall gameplay and atmosphere of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Death's Door visuals, praising stunning graphics, detailed world design, and immersive environments. Some critics noted minor drawbacks like varying enemy quality and lack of color contrast in certain environments. Overall, critics overwhelmingly laud the game for its beautiful art style and enchanting visuals, making it a standout feature that enhances the gameplay experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Sound Design and Music of Death's Door, it is evident that the majority of critics were highly impressed with the audio aspects of the game. PlayStation Universe commends the seamless adaptation of the score to different biomes, creating a haunting yet light-hearted atmosphere that immerses players in the game world. Checkpoint Gaming highlights the sound design as the best aspect, with ambient sounds and enemy noises enhancing the immersive experience. Easy Allies and Gamepressure both praise the beautiful and dynamic soundtrack that evolves with the gameplay, capturing the mood of the world and enhancing the atmosphere. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Death's Door is positive, there were a few minor criticisms raised by some critics. For instance, Hooked Gamers mentions that the music suits the dreary atmosphere, which could imply a lack of variety in tone. Additionally, Softpedia notes that while the soundtrack is very good, it calmly underlines the weirdness and melancholy of the world, suggesting a potential lack of standout tracks that leave a lasting impression. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Death's Door. Critics like Noisy Pixel, Comicbook.com, and TheXboxHub praise the soundtrack as wondrous, highly praised, and one of the best of the year, respectively. The majority of reviewers appreciated the immersive and atmospheric qualities of the music, with many highlighting how the soundtrack enhanced the overall experience of the game. The diverse range of musical elements, the seamless integration of sound design with gameplay, and the ability of the music to capture the mood and tone of the world were commonly cited as standout features. In conclusion, Death's Door's Sound Design and Music received high acclaim from critics, contributing significantly to the game's immersive and captivating experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about Death's Door's Sound Design and Music, praising its immersive qualities and seamless integration with gameplay. While some noted a lack of tonal variety and standout tracks, the majority lauded the dynamic soundtrack that enhanced the game's atmosphere. Overall, reviewers like Noisy Pixel and Comicbook.com deemed the music wondrous and one of the best of the year, solidifying its critical acclaim.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on PC, the majority of critics highlighted positive aspects such as smooth gameplay and tight controls. Hey Poor Player mentioned encountering some minor glitches, but they were mostly beneficial or harmless, with confidence that they will be addressed in future patches. Noisy Pixel praised the game for being polished incredibly well and performing smoothly, with only occasional instances where progression is locked behind forced enemy encounters. Worth Playing also noted smooth performance without bugs, except for rare visual glitches that did not impact gameplay. These positive aspects indicate a generally good technical performance on PC. On the other hand, there were some negative aspects mentioned by PC critics regarding technical performance. Hooked Gamers reported save issues, while NME expressed frustrations with navigation, boss attacks, lack of quick-restart button, and mini-map. PC Invasion pointed out issues with unclear progression, lack of in-game guidance, and the need to replay certain sequences multiple times, impacting the overall experience. These criticisms suggest that there were some technical shortcomings on the PC platform that affected the overall gameplay experience for some critics. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Death's Door across different gaming platforms is mixed. While there were positive remarks about smooth performance, tight controls, and polished gameplay on PC, there were also concerns raised about glitches, save issues, and navigation frustrations. The performance on consoles varied, with Pure Xbox mentioning occasional frame dips on Xbox One, and Windows Central reporting bugs on Xbox Series X that required reloading the game. The Nintendo Switch version received mixed feedback, with some critics noting smooth gameplay experiences while others mentioned issues like difficulty discerning the camera and occasional frame rate drops. Despite these technical issues across platforms, the overall sentiment leans towards a well-polished game with minor technical hiccups that may impact the player experience to varying degrees.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed views on Death's Door's technical performance. Positive aspects like smooth gameplay and tight controls were noted, but some encountered glitches and save issues on PC. Console experiences varied, with occasional frame dips on Xbox and bugs on Xbox Series X. The Nintendo Switch version had mixed feedback. Overall, the game is well-polished but may have minor technical hiccups affecting gameplay.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Death's Door are quite varied, offering a mix of positives and negatives. Several critics, such as PlayStation Universe and Gamepressure, highlight the game's post-game content, collectibles, hidden areas, and upgrades that encourage players to continue exploring even after completing the main story. These additional elements provide depth to the gameplay experience and offer incentives for replayability. Critics like Hey Poor Player and Pure Xbox also mention the presence of secrets, upgrades, and optional puzzles that enhance the replay value of the game, catering to players who enjoy thorough exploration and discovery. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the limited replay value of Death's Door. For instance, RPG Fan and Worth Playing note the lack of extreme difficulty and overall safeness in the game, which may deter some players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Additionally, critics like Hooked Gamers and Video Chums point out certain drawbacks such as the absence of difficulty options, large and vacant areas that may feel tedious to explore, and the frustration of navigating without a map. These aspects could potentially hinder the overall replayability for certain players. Overall, while there are differing opinions among the critics, the general consensus leans towards Death's Door offering a decent amount of replay value through its post-game content, hidden secrets, collectibles, and upgrades. Critics like TheXboxHub and Windows Central commend the enticing mysteries, end-game content, and variety of weapons and abilities that contribute to the game's replayability. Despite some concerns raised by critics regarding difficulty levels and exploration challenges, the overall sentiment suggests that Death's Door provides a satisfying gameplay experience with enough incentives for players to revisit the world and uncover its hidden treasures, making it a worthwhile adventure for those seeking replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Death's Door. Some praise its post-game content, hidden secrets, and upgrades that encourage exploration, while others criticize its lack of extreme difficulty and navigational challenges. Overall, the game offers decent replay value with enticing mysteries and end-game content, despite some drawbacks.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on Death's Door, it becomes evident that the game received widespread acclaim for various aspects. Critics such as PC Invasion and NME praised the attention to detail, combat mechanics, engaging narrative, and polished gameplay. The game's challenging yet rewarding combat system, interconnected world, and memorable bosses were highlighted by reviewers like Gamepressure and Checkpoint Gaming. The visuals, art design, and audio were consistently commended, with critics like Digitally Downloaded and Pure Xbox emphasizing the superb production values and outstanding soundtrack that enhance the overall experience. The blend of Dark Souls and Zelda elements, as mentioned by Nintendo Enthusiast and Metro GameCentral, contributed to the game's charm and uniqueness, resonating positively with many critics. On the downside, some reviewers pointed out minor flaws in Death's Door. Issues such as unclear progression, lack of major bosses, underdeveloped characters, and occasional frame rate drops were mentioned by critics like PC Invasion, Easy Allies, and Game Informer. The absence of a map or hint system was highlighted as a drawback by GamingTrend and Vooks, affecting the overall accessibility of the game for some players. Additionally, while the game was generally well-received for its challenging combat, some critics, like Video Chums, felt that it lacked sufficient difficulty, impacting the overall satisfaction for certain players. Overall, the majority of critics found Death's Door to be a standout title in the action-adventure genre, with many considering it a top contender for game of the year. The game's engaging gameplay, captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and unique charm resonated positively with reviewers, leading to a consensus that it is a must-play experience. Critics such as XboxAddict and Gamepressure highly recommended the game, praising its fantastic combat, exceptional level design, and overall well-crafted experience. Despite minor criticisms, the overall sentiment towards Death's Door was overwhelmingly positive, with critics acknowledging its status as one of the best indie games of 2021 and a noteworthy addition to the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

"Death's Door" garners widespread acclaim for its attention to detail, combat mechanics, engaging narrative, and polished gameplay. Critics praise its challenging combat, interconnected world, and outstanding visuals. Some reviewers note minor flaws like unclear progression and lack of major bosses. Overall, the game is hailed as a standout title in the action-adventure genre, with many considering it a top contender for game of the year due to its captivating narrative and unique charm.

MONSTER

Reviews

181 reviews found

100

KeenGamer

Aug 23, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death's Door is praised as an unmissable gem with an engrossing story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and a standout soundtrack. It offers a unique and memorable experience for players.

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100

GamesHub

Dec 13, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death's Door is a thematically interesting game with engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and a captivating narrative. It is a must-play for fans of action-adventure games.

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100

Hey Poor Player

Jul 20, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death's Door is a captivating, beautiful, fun, challenging, and well-balanced game that is highly recommended for fans of Zelda games and those seeking a wonderful adventure experience.

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100

Pure Xbox

Xbox One

Jul 20, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death's Door is a well-crafted game that combines various elements into its own unique experience, deserving attention and considered one of the best games of 2021

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100

Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Nov 30, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death's Door is a breath of fresh air, with an in-depth story, great controls, and appealing aesthetics. Highly recommended.

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100

Gaming Age

Xbox One

Jul 20, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly recommends Death's Door, finding it hard to put down and looking forward to uncovering more secrets and puzzles.

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XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

Jul 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death's Door is praised for its fantastic combat, great characters, interesting story, and exceptional level design. The reviewer struggled to find anything they did not like about the game, making it a must-play and a top contender for game of the year.

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Gamepressure

Sep 11, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death’s Door is described as a spectacle to behold and a joy to play, likely to become one of the favorite games of the year. It is praised for its smart level design, rewarding combat system, engaging story, and challenging yet satisfying gameplay experience.

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Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Jan 3, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death’s Door is a finely-balanced gem, offering a rewarding challenge with polished combat mechanics and a nostalgic Zelda-like experience. Despite minor flaws, it's considered one of the most accomplished indies released.

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Windows Central

Xbox Series X

Jul 20, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death's Door is a tremendous isometric action-adventure game with great characters, tight combat, intriguing story, and stunning visuals and music. Despite some minor technical issues, it offers a memorable and unique experience that is well worth the $20 price tag.

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