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MONSTER

Have a Nice Death

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

2023

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

AvailableMar 22, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC

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

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Have a Nice Death charms with its dark humor and creative premise of a cynical CEO Death managing afterlife chaos. Critics praise its vibrant characters and workplace satire, but many lament its shallow narrative and disjointed execution, lacking the depth found in titles like Hades. While it's a fun ride, the game misses the mark on delivering a profound story, leaving players wanting more substance and cohesive character arcs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Have a Nice Death reflects a blend of humor and creativity, with many critics appreciating its unique premise. The portrayal of Death as a cynical CEO managing a chaotic afterlife bureaucracy has been noted for its comedic potential, as highlighted by Finger Guns, who praised the dark humor and character interactions that enrich the gameplay experience. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Impulsegamer emphasized the endearing nature of the characters and the entertaining narrative, suggesting that the game's humor and vibrant world contribute positively to the player's experience. The incorporation of workplace themes, as seen in the critiques from But Why Tho? and LevelUp, resonates well with players, allowing them to relate to the satirical take on corporate life. However, several reviewers pointed out significant shortcomings in the story's depth and execution. Digital Chumps and IGN Italia criticized the narrative for being simplistic and lacking the elaboration and engagement found in other titles like Hades or Returnal. Critics such as PlayStation Universe and Gamer Escape echoed this sentiment, noting that while the game attempts to tackle themes of work-life balance and corporate chaos, the execution feels disjointed and fails to leave a lasting impact. Additionally, some reviews, like that of GameOver.gr, highlighted the excessive dialogue, which detracted from the overall pacing and enjoyment of the story. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while Have a Nice Death offers a humorous and creative narrative with an engaging premise, it ultimately falls short in delivering a deep and cohesive story. Many critics, including KeenGamer and New Game Network, acknowledged the charm and wit in the writing but also noted the lack of poignancy and substantial thematic exploration. Overall, the game is seen as a fun and entertaining experience, albeit one that could benefit from a more developed narrative structure and deeper character arcs.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

"Have a Nice Death" impresses with its fast-paced, engaging roguelike gameplay and smooth controls, earning praise for its variety of weapons and procedural level generation. However, critics point out issues with enemy difficulty balance and repetitiveness, especially in regular encounters. Despite these flaws, the game offers satisfying combat and good replayability, making it a hit for roguelike fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of "Have a Nice Death" has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising its engaging mechanics and thrilling progression. Reviewers like Digital Chumps and Finger Guns highlight the game's fast-paced, frantic combat typical of 2D roguelikes, emphasizing the variety of weapons and perks available to players. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and IGN note the smooth and responsive controls, which contribute to an enjoyable combat experience. The game's thoughtful randomization and procedural generation of levels, as mentioned by Digital Chumps and Jeuxvideo.com, ensure that each playthrough feels unique and keeps players engaged. Additionally, the balance of challenge, as observed by But Why Tho?, is well-executed, making the gameplay both accessible and rewarding for players of varying skill levels. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in the gameplay. PlayStation Universe and Push Square criticize the balance of difficulty, particularly how basic enemies often lack challenge compared to the more demanding boss fights. This sentiment is echoed by MMORPG.com, which mentions the repetitive nature of encounters with regular enemies, leading to a sense of monotony in the gameplay loop. Critics like Slant Magazine also express concerns about the game's repetitiveness as it progresses, suggesting that while the initial runs are exhilarating, the lack of variety in enemy types and level design can detract from the experience over time. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Have a Nice Death" offers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience, particularly for fans of the roguelike genre. While there are criticisms regarding enemy balance and repetitiveness, the majority of reviewers appreciate the engaging combat mechanics, diverse weapon options, and the thrill of procedural generation. Critics like KeenGamer and LevelUp highlight the game's replayability and the satisfaction derived from mastering its systems, suggesting that despite its flaws, the game successfully delivers an entertaining experience that encourages players to keep returning for more.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Have a Nice Death wows critics with its charming, hand-drawn art and vibrant, cartoonish visuals reminiscent of early 2000s animations. While praised for its fluid animations and captivating atmosphere, some reviewers note issues with thematic cohesiveness and potential color monotony. Overall, the game's striking graphics stand out as a major highlight, enhancing the immersive experience while leaving some room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Have a Nice Death have garnered significant praise from critics, with many highlighting the game's charming and unique aesthetic. Reviewers such as Digital Chumps and Finger Guns noted the game's grayscale cartoonish style, enhanced by vibrant colors that reflect the various environments players encounter. Critics like Game Rant and God is a Geek emphasized the game's beautiful hand-drawn art style, complemented by fluid animations that bring characters and settings to life. The visual design is often described as reminiscent of early 2000s cartoons, with a delightful mix of dark themes and whimsical elements, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and KeenGamer. Overall, the artistry and attention to detail have made a strong impression on many, with several reviewers commending the game's ability to create a captivating atmosphere through its visuals. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out a few shortcomings in the game's visual design. PlayStation Universe mentioned a lack of cohesiveness in thematic representation, suggesting that while the individual elements are engaging, they may not always come together seamlessly. Multiplayer.it echoed this sentiment, noting that the predominantly gray color scheme could become monotonous over time. Additionally, while the character designs received accolades, some reviews, such as that from LevelUp, highlighted the similarity in environmental aesthetics, which could detract from the overall experience. This indicates that while the visuals are striking, there are moments where they may not fully maintain the player's interest. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics is that Have a Nice Death excels in its graphics and visual design, creating a distinctive and memorable aesthetic that resonates with players. The combination of charming character designs, fluid animations, and a unique art style has made a positive impact, as seen in the reviews from IGN and Meristation. However, minor critiques regarding thematic cohesiveness and potential monotony in color schemes suggest that there is room for improvement. Nevertheless, the majority of critics agree that the game's visual presentation is a highlight, contributing significantly to its appeal and immersive experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Have a Nice Death boasts a lively sound design and engaging music that enhance its whimsical atmosphere, earning praise for its catchy soundtrack and thematic variety. Critics celebrate its immersive quality, but some point out issues with repetitive tracks and functional sound design, suggesting it might not hold lasting appeal. Overall, the audio elevates the game’s charm and humor, though there's room for improvement in certain areas.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Have a Nice Death have garnered a largely positive reception among critics, highlighting its ability to enhance the game's whimsical and humorous atmosphere. Finger Guns notes the catchy jingle that sets the tone for the game, while IGN praises the excellent soundtrack that complements the mayhem of gameplay. Many reviewers, such as Checkpoint Gaming and Gamer Escape, emphasize the engaging nature of the soundtrack, with Checkpoint Gaming referring to it as a "string of bangers" that keeps players immersed. The variety in the music, as noted by KeenGamer, adds to the atmospheric depth, with each location having its own thematic sound that shifts beautifully with the game’s world changes. Overall, the sound design is described as dynamic and memorable, contributing significantly to the immersive experience. Despite the many strengths, there are some criticisms regarding the sound design and music. Game Rant points out that while the music is enjoyable, the looping tracks can become stale over time, which may detract from the overall experience. Everyeye.it describes the sound design as functional but not exceptional, suggesting a lack of standout moments. Additionally, COGconnected mentions that the elevator leading screens feature a song that quickly becomes annoying, indicating that not all musical elements are well-received. This sentiment is echoed by some critics who feel that while the sound design enhances gameplay, it may not have long-lasting appeal outside of the game context, as noted by KeenGamer. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Have a Nice Death features a strong and engaging sound design and music that effectively enhances the game's playful and dark themes. Critics like IGN and Gamer Escape highlight the soundtrack's ability to elevate the gameplay experience, while others like Softpedia and Nintendo Life appreciate the thematic consistency and charm of the music. However, some reviewers express concerns about the repetitiveness of certain tracks and the functional nature of the sound design, suggesting that while it contributes to the game's character, it may not leave a lasting impression. Ultimately, the sound design and music are seen as integral to the game's identity, successfully balancing humor and atmosphere, even if a few elements could benefit from refinement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Have a Nice Death" shows promise across platforms but struggles with stability. PS5 offers a user-friendly auto-save but has crash concerns; PC is generally stable yet faces game-breaking bugs; the Nintendo Switch suffers heavily with frame drops, stutters, and long load times, making it the least favorable version. Critics recommend avoiding the Switch for a more polished experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

In analyzing the technical performance of "Have a Nice Death" across various gaming platforms, there are notable positives that emerge for each. On the PlayStation 5, PlayStation Universe highlights a user-friendly auto-save feature, which, despite the game experiencing a crash, ensures that players do not lose significant progress. On PC, Digital Chumps praises the stable gameplay experience without crashes or major bugs, while KeenGamer notes a generally smooth performance with a steady framerate, even during intense combat scenarios. The Games Machine also commends the game for running well with low system requirements, maintaining a stable frame rate. On the Nintendo Switch, while the performance is generally criticized, CGMagazine acknowledges that the game runs at least adequately, albeit with some minor performance issues. However, the negatives for each platform cannot be overlooked. On the PS5, the crash mentioned by PlayStation Universe raises concerns about stability. The PC version, while stable for some, has its own share of issues, as KeenGamer points out bugs that can lead to game-breaking scenarios, such as becoming immune to damage or encountering a serious bug that bricks the save file. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch version faces significant criticism, with multiple reviewers like COGconnected and LevelUp reporting frame dips, stutters, and crashes during loading screens. Impulsegamer also mentions frustrating FPS drops likely due to the hardware limitations of the Switch, while Nintenderos and Nintendo Life note long loading times and slowdowns as persistent issues. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a mixed reception regarding the technical performance of "Have a Nice Death." While the PS5 and PC versions have their strengths, particularly in stability and smooth gameplay, the Nintendo Switch version is widely regarded as problematic, suffering from numerous performance issues that detract from the gaming experience. Critics such as Gaming Nexus and LevelUp highlight the frustration caused by these technical shortcomings on the Switch, suggesting that players may want to consider other platforms for a more polished experience. As it stands, the game shows promise but is hampered by significant technical hurdles, especially on the Switch.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Have a Nice Death is praised for its engaging gameplay, diverse weapons, and multiple difficulty levels that enhance replayability. Critics commend its roguelite mechanics and humor, making players want to return. However, concerns arise over the lack of meaningful progression and potential monotony in late-game content, leaving some players feeling the excitement may wane after initial runs. Overall, it offers great short-term fun, but its long-term appeal is questionable.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Have a Nice Death is largely positive, with many critics praising the game's design elements that encourage players to return for more runs. Digital Chumps highlights the multiple difficulty levels and progression mechanics that incentivize improvement, while Finger Guns appreciates the variety of weapons and perks, as well as the humor and narrative depth that keep players engaged. Critics like Everyeye.it and MMORPG.com echo this sentiment, emphasizing the high replayability due to the numerous difficulty options and unlockable challenges that provide fresh experiences with each playthrough. The game's roguelite mechanics, which include randomized levels and diverse character customization options, are also noted as significant contributors to its replay value, as seen in the reviews from KeenGamer and New Game Network. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value that suggest it may not be as robust as some players hope. PlayStation Universe points out that the lack of carryover between runs could limit replayability for certain players, while IGN raises concerns about the absence of meaningful long-term progression, which can lead to a sense of repetitiveness. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Slant Magazine also mention that the late-game experience can become monotonous, with a lack of compelling content to keep players engaged. Additionally, ZTGD expresses that after a few runs, the game may feel like it has exhausted its offerings, leading to a diminished sense of excitement for continued play. In summary, while Have a Nice Death is celebrated for its engaging gameplay loop and variety of options that enhance replayability, there are significant concerns about the game's long-term appeal and potential for repetition. The consensus among critics suggests that while many players will find enjoyment in the diverse builds and challenges available, the lack of persistent progression and the risk of monotony may deter some from fully embracing the game's replay value. Critics such as IGN and ZTGD highlight these limitations, indicating that while the game has strong replay incentives, its longevity may ultimately depend on player preferences and tolerance for repetition.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

In analyzing the overall sentiment surrounding "Have a Nice Death," a clear consensus emerges regarding its strengths. Many reviewers praise the game's stunning art style and engaging gameplay. Critics like Digital Chumps and Finger Guns highlight the game's accessible combat and humor, which contribute to its charm. The artistic direction is frequently lauded, with Checkpoint Gaming and Game Rant noting its vibrant visuals and hand-drawn aesthetics. Additionally, the game is recognized for its replay value and intriguing storyline, as mentioned by But Why Tho? and KeenGamer, making it appealing to both casual players and roguelike enthusiasts alike. However, despite its many commendable aspects, several critics point out notable shortcomings. Issues with level design and enemy variety are recurrent themes, as highlighted by Push Square and IGN Italia, suggesting that the game does not fully capitalize on its potential within the roguelike genre. Some reviews, such as those from Gamer Escape and Slant Magazine, mention that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, which could detract from the overall experience. Furthermore, balancing and difficulty spikes have been flagged as problematic by critics like Gaming Nexus and Impulsegamer, indicating that these flaws may hinder enjoyment for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Have a Nice Death" is a solid entry in the roguelike genre, offering a unique blend of humor, engaging combat, and artistic flair. While it does face criticism for its level design and balancing issues, the game is generally recommended for fans of the genre, as noted by publications like MMORPG.com and Nintendo Life. The combination of its strengths and weaknesses suggests that while the game may not reach the heights of genre-defining titles like "Hades," it still provides an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for many players.

TL;DR

"Have a Nice Death" impresses with its stunning art, engaging gameplay, and humor, appealing to both casual gamers and roguelike fans. However, critics flag issues with level design, enemy variety, and repetitive gameplay that could dampen the experience. While it may not rival genre giants like "Hades," it's still an enjoyable ride worth checking out.

MONSTER

Reviews

75 reviews found

100

Twinfinite

Mar 16, 2023