Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Amazon

Steam

Twitch

MONSTER

Have a Nice Death

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Have a Nice Death
Item: Have a Nice Death
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Comedy, Side View Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableMar 22, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperMagic Design Studios

Overview

Have a Nice Death is a 2D action roguelite where you play as an overworked Death, whose employees have run rampant, completely throwing off the balance of souls - and his vacation plans. In order to restore order, you'll have to grab your trusty scythe and show your employees who's boss.

Elsewhere

7.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

49%

Mixed (50-79)

51%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Have a Nice Death are generally positive. Many critics appreciate the game's unique premise and its incorporation of humor and funny interactions between characters. BaziCenter and But Why Tho?? both highlight the game's humorous approach to the corporate setting, with But Why Tho?? specifically mentioning the exploration of themes of work-life balance and difficult working conditions. Everyeye.it praises the game for its satirical take on the toxic work environment, while Game Rant commends the story for becoming deeper and more engaging as it progresses. The Games Machine also mentions the game's exploration of themes such as overwork and the negative effects of a work-centric society. These positive aspects of the story contribute to the overall enjoyment and entertainment value of the game. However, there are some critics who express negative opinions about the storytelling in Have a Nice Death. Digital Chumps finds the storytelling lacking compared to other titles like Hades and Returnal, suggesting that the game may not meet the same level of narrative depth. GameOver.gr criticizes the excessive dialogues, suggesting that they become excessive and detract from the overall experience. New Game Network mentions that the banter between Death and Sorrows lacks bite, which may contribute to a lack of impactful storytelling moments. These criticisms indicate that while the story may have its strengths, there are areas where it could be improved to provide a more immersive and engaging narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Have a Nice Death offers an enjoyable and entertaining story. The game's unique premise of Death as the CEO of a corporation and the exploration of themes related to work culture and the afterlife are generally well-received. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming, MMORPG.com, and Softpedia praise the game for its rich story, thematic characters, and well-written dialogue. The humor and comedic elements present throughout the game are also appreciated by critics such as IGN, Shacknews, and Impulsegamer. While there are some criticisms regarding the depth and impact of the storytelling, the positive aspects of the story outweigh the negatives, resulting in an overall positive reception from the critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics generally praise the humorous and unique storytelling in Have a Nice Death, highlighting its satirical take on toxic work environments and exploration of work-life balance. Some critics, however, find the storytelling lacking depth and impact compared to other titles, with criticisms focusing on excessive dialogues and lack of impactful moments. Despite some flaws, the consensus is that the game offers an enjoyable and entertaining story with thematic characters and well-written dialogue, ultimately receiving positive feedback from critics.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Have a Nice Death, highlighting its challenging and satisfying combat mechanics. Critics such as BaziCenter and But Why Tho?? appreciated the opportunity to play as Death and navigate through different departments, utilizing various weapons, spells, and abilities. They found the gameplay to be appropriately balanced, providing a sense of progression with each playthrough. Checkpoint Gaming also commended the smooth and fluid combat, with responsive controls that enhanced the overall experience. Digital Chumps and Gamer Escape praised the game's progression system, variety of weapons and spells, and inclusion of curses, which added depth and replayability to the gameplay. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Have a Nice Death. IGN Italia mentioned balancing issues with certain weapons, abilities, and spells, which could potentially affect the overall gameplay experience. Slant Magazine felt that the game became repetitious and lacked variety as it progressed, while Games.cz mentioned a lack of variety in enemy types and rewards for repeated playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Have a Nice Death is highly enjoyable and engaging. The game offers a challenging and satisfying combat experience, with a variety of weapons, spells, and abilities to choose from. The inclusion of curses, progression elements, and permanent upgrades further enhances the replayability of the game. Critics such as KeenGamer and Gaming Nexus praised the game's narrative integration with death, multiple endings, and the encouragement to learn from mistakes. While there were some minor criticisms regarding balancing and variety, the positive opinions of the majority of the critics indicate that the gameplay of Have a Nice Death is a strong aspect of the game.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about the challenging and satisfying combat gameplay of Have a Nice Death, praising its balanced progression and variety of weapons and spells. Some critics noted issues with balancing and repetitiveness, but overall, the consensus is that the game offers an engaging experience with replay value.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Have a Nice Death are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game's art style, character designs, and animations. The visuals were described as visually appealing, stunning, and beautiful. The hand-drawn art and attention to detail were commended, with critics noting the unique and macabre style reminiscent of Tim Burton's works. The game's art and animation were also described as well-crafted, delightful, and charming. The use of a restricted color palette and the incorporation of vivid colors were mentioned as effective in creating a visually distinct and immersive atmosphere. While the majority of the critics had positive opinions, there were a few minor complaints. Some critics mentioned that the predominantly gray color scheme could become monotonous over time, and a few critics noted that the levels didn't change much outside of their appearance, which was slightly disappointing. However, these criticisms were outweighed by the overall positive reception of the game's visuals. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Have a Nice Death are highly commendable. The game's unique art style, attention to detail, and cohesive visuals were praised. Critics mentioned the stunning visuals, well-crafted animations, and the ability of the art to create a distinct and immersive atmosphere. The positive opinions of critics such as Game Rant, KeenGamer, and Meristation further support the overall sentiment that the Graphics and Visual Design of Have a Nice Death were very good.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning art style, animations, and macabre design of Have a Nice Death, likening it to works by Tim Burton. While some noted minor issues like a monotonous color scheme and lack of level variation, the overwhelmingly positive consensus is that the game's graphics and visual design are top-notch, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Have a Nice Death are generally positive. Many critics praise the game's soundtrack, describing it as catchy, enjoyable, and well-suited to the theme. IGN Italia and Softpedia both mention that the game has good sound and music design, while The Games Machine highlights the cheerful soundtrack with Disney-like elements that enhance the gameplay experience. KeenGamer commends the music for greatly enhancing the atmosphere and fitting perfectly with the surroundings, with each location having its own consistent theme. The sound effects are also noted to be dynamic and memorable, adding to the overall immersive experience. The inclusion of unique sound effects, such as a record scratch when Death gets hit, is also appreciated by Game Rant and CGMagazine. However, there are some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Have a Nice Death. Game Rant mentions that while the music and sound design are enjoyable, the looping music can become stale over time. The inclusion of a record-scratch effect when Death is hit is also seen as potentially distracting. COGconnected points out that the elevator leading screens have a song that quickly becomes annoying. KeenGamer notes that while the audio enhances the overall experience, it may not have long-lasting appeal and doesn't stand out on its own. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Have a Nice Death are positive aspects of the game. The soundtrack is praised for being catchy, enjoyable, and well-suited to the theme. The sound design is noted to accentuate the impacts of hits and deliver cute and funny quips in the dialogue. The variety of styles in the original soundtrack is also appreciated, with IGN mentioning a catchy little jingle that plays when the player gets sent back to the office. The unique sound effects, such as the record scratch, add flair and enhance the gameplay experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding repetitive music and potential distractions, the overall sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of Have a Nice Death contribute positively to the game's atmosphere and gameplay.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics generally praise the Sound Design and Music of Have a Nice Death for its catchy, enjoyable soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. The cheerful soundtrack with Disney-like elements and dynamic sound effects are highlighted. Some critics mention that the looping music can become stale over time and certain effects may be distracting. Despite minor criticisms, the consensus is that the Sound Design and Music contribute positively to the game's atmosphere and gameplay.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

14%

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

In terms of the technical performance on PC, the majority of critics had positive experiences. Digital Chumps commends the stability of the gameplay experience, with no crashes or major bugs encountered. The Games Machine also praises the smooth performance and stable frame rate, even with multiple elements on the screen. New Game Network mentions slight lag during intense boss fights, but overall, the game runs well on the Steam Deck. These positive opinions indicate that the PC version of Have a Nice Death provides a solid technical performance with minimal issues. On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch version of the game received mixed reviews regarding its technical performance. Several critics, such as CGMagazine, COGconnected, Games.cz, and Gaming Nexus, mention various issues. These include frame dips, stutters, crashes during loading screens, occasional stuttering when loading onto a new floor, and frustrating FPS drops. Impulsegamer attributes the FPS drops to the hardware limitations of the Nintendo Switch. LevelUp adds that there are frame rate drops and lag, particularly during boss battles, while also noting occasional dialogue appearing in the wrong language. Nintenderos and Nintendo Life both mention frame rate drops and long loading times. NintendoWorldReport specifically highlights loading times and slowdowns as issues. These negative opinions indicate that the Nintendo Switch version of Have a Nice Death suffers from technical shortcomings, affecting the overall gameplay experience. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, the overall consensus regarding the technical performance of Have a Nice Death is mixed. While the PC version is generally praised for its stability, smooth performance, and low system requirements, the Nintendo Switch version faces significant technical issues. Frame rate drops, stutters, crashes, and long loading times are mentioned as recurring problems. Despite some positive aspects, such as occasional stuttering being deemed non-game-breaking by Gamezebo, the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch is a major drawback. It is evident that the game requires further optimization and bug fixes for a more enjoyable experience on this platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics laud the PC version of Have a Nice Death for its stable gameplay and smooth performance, while the Nintendo Switch version faces technical woes like frame drops, crashes, and long loading times. Overall, PC shines while Switch struggles, needing optimization for better gameplay.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

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 Have a Nice Death are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's variety and customization options as key factors that contribute to its replayability. BaziCenter praises the game for offering an almost endless combination of spells, curses, and weapons for players to enjoy. But Why Tho?? commends the game for its 17 difficulty options and multiple ways to resolve challenges, making it approachable for newcomers and challenging for veterans. Everyeye.it also emphasizes the high replayability of the game, with multiple difficulty levels and unlockable challenges. These positive aspects of the game provide players with different experiences and encourage them to play through the game multiple times. However, there are also some negative aspects that critics point out regarding the replay value of Have a Nice Death. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that while the game offers plenty of content to explore, late game gameplay can become repetitive. IGN criticizes the lack of meaningful character advancement outside of runs, stating that the long-term progression systems don't provide a feeling of momentum. Game Rant also notes that the repetition of areas and enemies may dull the enjoyment for some players. These criticisms suggest that the game may not provide enough variety or meaningful progression to keep players engaged in replaying on increasingly harder difficulties. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Have a Nice Death offers good replay value, but it does have some limitations. The game's variety in abilities, curses, and upgrades, as well as its permanent unlocks and discounted purchases, are praised by critics such as God is a Geek and DualShockers. The randomized floors, performance bonuses, and unlocks mentioned by Gamer Escape and New Game Network also contribute to the game's replayability. However, some critics, like Slant Magazine and Games.cz, feel that the game lacks enough variety and compelling content to keep players engaged in replaying on harder difficulties. Despite these criticisms, the majority of critics agree that the game provides enjoyable replay value through its customization options, randomization features, and sense of progression.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise the replay value of Have a Nice Death for its variety, customization, and challenging difficulty options. Positive aspects include endless combinations of spells and weapons, multiple ways to resolve challenges, and high replayability with different experiences. However, some critics point out that late-game gameplay can become repetitive, lacks meaningful character advancement, and may dull enjoyment due to repetition of areas and enemies. Overall, while the game offers good replay value with variety in abilities and upgrades, some limitations exist in terms of variety and compelling content on harder difficulties.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

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

Overall, the critics have expressed mostly positive opinions about the overall verdict of Have a Nice Death. The game has been praised for its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and unique artistic direction. Critics such as BaziCenter, Game Rant, and Meristation have highlighted the flawless character development, exceptional artistic design, and beautiful visuals of the game. The combat and boss fights have been described as tight and enjoyable by Gamer Escape and Noisy Pixel. The game's humor and entertaining writing have also been applauded by Everyeye.it and Jeuxvideo.com. However, there are some criticisms regarding the game. Some critics, like Gamezebo and Gaming Nexus, have mentioned difficulty spikes and frustrating gameplay experiences. Shacknews and Slant Magazine have noted a lack of variety and repetitiveness in the game as it progresses. IGN and NintendoWorldReport have pointed out technical issues on the Nintendo Switch version of the game. Some critics, such as Digital Chumps and Impulsegamer, have mentioned minor flaws and balancing issues. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Have a Nice Death is an enjoyable and engaging roguelike game. It offers a highly rewarding and addictive experience, with its unique concept, challenging gameplay, and stunning visuals. The game has been recommended for fans of the genre by critics like But Why Tho??, Multiplayer.it, and Nintenderos. While there are some flaws and criticisms mentioned by certain critics, the overall sentiment is positive, with many critics praising the game's strengths and recommending it to players. The positive aspects of the game, such as its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and enjoyable combat, outweigh the negatives, making Have a Nice Death a highly recommended title in the roguelike genre.

TL;DR

Critics mostly love Have a Nice Death for its engaging gameplay, beautiful visuals, and unique artistic direction. They praise flawless character development and enjoyable boss fights. However, some criticize difficulty spikes, lack of variety, and technical issues on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, critics find the game enjoyable and engaging, recommending it to fans of the genre despite minor flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

76 reviews found

100

Twinfinite

Mar 16, 2023