I don’t know what it is with scientists. I mean, experimentation is fine and all, but in retrospect, professor Elinberg would likely have been better off never opening that void portal. That would also have limited your possibilities for a grand adventure in Deathstate. So perhaps it wasn’t that bad? Yeah. Probably was. But let’s discuss that once you’ve returned with something to show for time spent in that dangerous place.
Oh right, you can’t just jump in and out of that strange newfound realm, as you’ll first have to… well, enter a “death-like meditative state” of sorts, granting you access to astral projection (ooh!). The thing is though, this place is anything but friendly, as pretty much anything that moves is out to kill you. From skeletal fiends to demonic otherworldly beings, there’s always someone nearby, eager to gnaw on your flesh.
You play as a number of unique characters trying to discover the fate of Professor Elinberg who opened a portal to the void. Great and terrible mysteries and even greater treasures await if you are bold or foolhardy enough to go beyond the beyond.
Ironically, that goes both ways, as parts from fallen foes can be used to augment your skillset, tilting the odds properly in your favour and all that good stuff. Unfortunately, those are quite the rarity… for some reason or other. So for the most part, you’ll have to settle for more standard equipment, like grimoires, mystical weaponry and, well, masks. What? Ah yes, normal for this realm of existence, is what I meant.
With each run – of which there will be many, as death is permanent – featuring a randomly generated level along with a wealth of different enemies, unlockable characters, stylish pixel art and a Lovecraftian twist, I’d say this one’s got genuine staying power. Oh, and it packs some truly rockin’ tunes too, which is just perfect for blasting hordes of hellspawn, ya know?
Deathstate is available from Steam, carrying a $14.99 price tag.