Death by Degrees

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Feb 8, 2005
Metascore
51

Mixed or average reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 45
  3. Negative: 18 out of 45
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  1. PSM Magazine
    70
    Why there's no training mode to practice the thumb-blistering combinations is baffling and only the truly dedicated will be able to pull off some of the harder moves in battle. [Feb 2005, p.83]
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  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    53
    All of Death by Degrees' good points - impressive graphics, entertaining sniper scenes, solid upgrade and combo systems, unorthodox analog fighting that actually works well - are offset by poor enemy A.I. and one of the most user-unfriendly camera systems I've encountered in a long time. [March 2005, p.121]
  3. GameSpot
    56
    A half-baked attempt to combine a combo-based fighting system with some light stealth and puzzle-solving. Unfortunately, no one aspect of the game is done especially well.
  5. IGN
    50
    A disappointment. It's a game that wrongs its user over and over again so that after only a few short hours, the novelty of analog combat wears extremely thin.
  6. GameSpy
    60
    Various elements of the game are solid -- graphics, combat, mini-games -- but they're dragged down by the mediocre adventure elements, unsatisfactory controls, and borderline-obnoxious load times.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    50
    Replay value is limited. It's doubtful that the average gamer would even care to finish this game. The story is predictable so there's little incentive to complete the game just to see the conclusion.
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  8. DailyGame
    55
    The included demo disk for "Tekken V" is far more enjoyable.
  9. GameZone
    59
    With a camera that's less wieldy than a shaken pop bottle, Death by Degrees leaves the player with few reasons to return for more. The gameplay nearly redefines the word repetition.
  10. Next Level Gaming
    63
    And really once you've been in two or three fights, you begin to simply say "ho-hum, now what"? You quickly get bored of things and start losing your concentration. By that time you also start losing interest in the game itself.
  11. Edge Magazine
    50
    The game’s sluggishness is all-pervasive, from Williams’ lethargic climb to the pauses between moving from third- to firstperson when you duck underwater... Death By Degrees progresses at such a sedate pace it’s almost relaxing. [March 2005, p.89]
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  12. eToychest
    55
    Gamers will tire of each and every gameplay mechanic long before the game has reached its completion, and the rest of the presentation—i.e., the story and the characters—is not compelling in the least.
  13. Game Informer
    55
    This game will please neither action fans nor followers of the "Tekken" franchise, and comes off as a marketing scheme gone horribly awry. [March 2005, p.132]
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  14. Worth Playing
    69
    It's like a Tootsie Pop, only the sweet chewy center is covered by the bitterness of gameplay mechanics and camera troubles.
  15. GamePro
    50
    In the end, fans of Tekken will simply ask, "Why?" [Apr 2005, p.80]
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  16. G4 TV
    60
    The camera issues simply ruin the whole experience, though. No matter how solid the control scheme or how shiny the graphics, when you can't see who you're fighting or what's down the next corridor, it's all moot.
  17. Electric Playground
    50
    Stick with "Tekken 5."
  18. The Sydney Morning Herald
    70
    Nina's solo outing fails to rise to the calibre of the Tekken series, though her fans will have fun.
  19. TotalGames.net
    58
    Namco's game seems content to be mediocre, and for a game that carries the Tekken legacy on its shoulders (and will probably sell a huge number of units as a result) that's just too disappointing to forgive.
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  20. Warcry
    65
    Challenging and simple, Death by Degrees is loaded with quirks to keep it going despite the annoying camera and mediocre graphics. Nina is quite the addiction.
  21. Game Chronicles
    57
    If you really need a Nina fix then go get "Tekken 5," a flawless game by all counts. Then again, if for some unfathomable reason you enjoyed the fighting style of "Rise to Honor" and can tolerate load times that exceed gameplay times then by all means, check out Death by Degrees. Just consider yourself warned.
  22. WHAM! Gaming
    69
    For some absolutely unknown reason Namco decided it’s was a “good” idea to hide the save points, and make you look for them.
  23. Total Video Games
    50
    Linear to the point of offering little challenge beyond heading in a straight route through the entire game at an extremely sluggish pace, occasionally demanding you to pick up objects to solve frustratingly cryptic puzzles.
  24. PALGN
    50
    It would have worked better as a unlockable inclusion in "Tekken 5," rather than a standalone game.
  25. GameSpot AU
    50
    Shows some potential, but an unpolished execution and an overall sluggish feel means it's for die-hard "Tekken" fans only.
  26. NTSC-uk
    50
    Without that depth though, this is an average attempt at game design that occasionally sparkles. Only occasionally though. [JPN Import]
  27. AceGamez
    60
    At the end of the day, a very basic beat em' up. It's just kick, punch, shoot, with the odd focus moves here and there to break up the action.
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 35
  3. Negative: 12 out of 35
  1. Stealthgear
    Sep 20, 2013
    7
    A decent game that was too harshly judged. Yes the controls are awkwardly placed, BUT the game is still very playable. This wasn't meant to beA decent game that was too harshly judged. Yes the controls are awkwardly placed, BUT the game is still very playable. This wasn't meant to be a serious beat-em-up. Its more like a Resident Evil 1-3 or a Silent Hill with exploration, item collecting, and some health management. The cruise ship location is massive and just fun to explore. There are plenty of saves to find. There are plenty of rooms and objects to examine without out them being too hidden or too hard. The special attacks are kind of fun. Its pretty obvious this wasn't meant to be too serious, but it is fun in its own way. This game really does have some of the best graphics the PS2 is capable of. If you think of this like an older adventure game with a bit of combat you will like it. Its not an FPS or button masher, and I think people thought it would be. There is some voice acting and story here, but its pretty silly. Right now I'd rate it 7. Decent game and you should probably buy it if you like cinematic games and cool places to explore. It will really take you away from reality.… Full Review »
  2. The_D4RknesS
    Dec 23, 2022
    2
    and amazing how this game is from the same developer that made the amazing URBAN REGIN only this game here is crap with a horrible camera. ifand amazing how this game is from the same developer that made the amazing URBAN REGIN only this game here is crap with a horrible camera. if it had urban gameplay this game would be pretty cool.


    Quite possibly he will only like this crap that likes Nina (Tekken)    … Full Review »
  3. blackneptune
    Sep 23, 2018
    10
    Death By Degrees is such an underrated game.
    It has it's flaws yes, such as long loading times and sometimes bad camera angle, but the    Death By Degrees is such an underrated game.
    It has it's flaws yes, such as long loading times and sometimes bad camera angle, but the gameplay once mastered is a ton of fun. Tekken's Nina fans will love it and others should give it a chance too. It's a game that could have had a lot of potential.    … Full Review »
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