Dead Cells

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 293 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 211 out of 293
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 293
  3. Negative: 34 out of 293
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  1. CrusaderForever
    Aug 8, 2018
    10
    Wow, this game is rogue-like PERFECTION!! So much fun can be had with this game. The controls are so tight and every death has been my fault. The Sinew Slicer is a great turret. I am loving the graphics for older looking title as well. Gibs, gibs and more gibs is a good thing haha. Working through levels to spend your Cells is so addicting. I am sure there is a lot I don't know andWow, this game is rogue-like PERFECTION!! So much fun can be had with this game. The controls are so tight and every death has been my fault. The Sinew Slicer is a great turret. I am loving the graphics for older looking title as well. Gibs, gibs and more gibs is a good thing haha. Working through levels to spend your Cells is so addicting. I am sure there is a lot I don't know and I am looking forward to playing more today to learn more.… Expand
  2. Pringled
    Aug 7, 2018
    10
    Amazing roguelike game. I havn't had a roguelike feeling like this since The Binding of Isaac, or a platformer experience like this since Ori and the Blind Forest. The game feels extremely polished with lot's of little details, secret areas and unlocks. I love how there is a sense of progression with the permanent unlocks system. If you die, you basically lose everything (as it should beAmazing roguelike game. I havn't had a roguelike feeling like this since The Binding of Isaac, or a platformer experience like this since Ori and the Blind Forest. The game feels extremely polished with lot's of little details, secret areas and unlocks. I love how there is a sense of progression with the permanent unlocks system. If you die, you basically lose everything (as it should be in any good roguelike). However, after beating an area you can unlock some permanent upgrade that you start with after dying. The combat is fluent, the artstyle is great but most importantly the game is very challenging. Any roguelike fan should buy this.… Expand
  3. Bolkie
    Sep 23, 2018
    10
    Dead Cells is turning out to be one of my favourite games of all time.
    I'm always interested in games that are hyped, and in the case of this game it is deserved. Never encountered a game with such replayability and even when you die, you really want to start again.
    Many levels are randomized so they are never the same. Even though a death = start again, it's never futile as you do level    Dead Cells is turning out to be one of my favourite games of all time.
    I'm always interested in games that are hyped, and in the case of this game it is deserved. Never encountered a game with such replayability and even when you die, you really want to start again.
    Many levels are randomized so they are never the same. Even though a death = start again, it's never futile as you do level up every time you play.
    The choice of weapons (one in each hand, usually sword/whip/bow and variants of these weapons) and skills (two different skill: a huge variety) makes every outing exciting. The art is wonderful.
    Lots of different enemies. When you fight them you learn their moves and you get a grasp of which weapons are best for the different enemies. When there is a huge variety of weapons and stuff in a game I usually lose track: but not in this game.
    Try this game, you won't regret.    … Expand
  4. Hermaeus
    Nov 29, 2018
    10
    I don't like pixel art. I don't especially care for roguelikes. And yet, I have to say Dead Cells is straight-up awesome. From the fast, fluid gameplay, to the wide array of weapons (and different ways to approach combat), to a soundtrack I kept playing long after I was done with the game, this is one of the greatest indies I've played, period. Tons of secrets, too. All around excellent.
  5. globe199
    Nov 10, 2019
    10
    It's a good title, but very difficult. I recommend picking it up if you want to play a difficult roguelike-metroidvania type of game.
  6. harlota
    Feb 29, 2020
    10
    It's one of the most addictive games I've ever played. Extremely fluid action and clever risk-reward system.
  7. GBG_Jason
    Aug 7, 2018
    10
    Starting out you’ll see a little pile of goo head to a corpse and reanimate it – this is you. From here you set off to gather your bearings and will likely die before doing anything too grandiose. I managed to make it to the first boss and didn’t stand a chance having no idea what to expect. Eventually you’ll respawn to a room filled with hanging jars that are filled by the runes youStarting out you’ll see a little pile of goo head to a corpse and reanimate it – this is you. From here you set off to gather your bearings and will likely die before doing anything too grandiose. I managed to make it to the first boss and didn’t stand a chance having no idea what to expect. Eventually you’ll respawn to a room filled with hanging jars that are filled by the runes you unlock by giving your Cells to the Collector (no, not the one from Marvel). As the game makes use of the permadeath mechanic so often found in rogue-lites, these serve as the progression you’ll make in the game.

    The game is pretty brutal in difficulty, and the ever changing layout of the map only adds to that as you are never able to memorize how to traverse it. This means there are plenty of secrets to be found, although there are some factors that are pretty standard throughout. In the second area you enter you can safely assume that a timed door can be found by going down the first elevator you encounter. If you happened to make it there quickly enough, there’s a fair amount of rewards to be found, including a trophy/achievement. I actually didn’t manage to do this until I went to the third area with about a minute to spare. The game is full of little things like this catering to all sorts of play styles and encourages trying something new.

    Starting from the beginning you’ll have a sword and the option to choose either a shield or a bow and arrow. Each weapon is tied to a different class which is color coded by red, violet, and green. As you explore you’ll undoubtedly find scrolls that allow you to increase the skills of one of the classes of your choice, which will also upgrade your health. The boosts for each of these will change each time you find them, so perhaps you don’t have any of the survival (green, shield) items, but you really need a health boost – I’ve found myself collecting the 60% health boost over the 31% with a 15% boost to damage of my sword. Each combination of weapons also means a completely different form of playing the game. Whether you end up defending/parrying attacks with green or attacking from a range with purple changes the experience entirely, and I wholeheartedly advise you give both a fair chance. Without a shield you’ll want to get familiar with the dodge mechanic and the proper timing for it, as each enemy has their own tells and abilities. In addition to the three main styles of weaponry, you’ll find tertiary equipment with cooldowns, such as AOE grenades, turrets, traps, among others. These also tie in with the classes, so your choices are pertinent for progression as the enemies grow stronger. If you’re not finding what you want just laying around, you always have the option of buying items from the local merchant.

    The enemies at first glance may look pretty standard, but it doesn’t take long for their designs to become rather intimidating, as well as exceedingly dangerous. Whether they’re teleporting after you until you give in or they drop an assortment of explosives upon death, everything wants to kill you, and they’ll do everything they can to do so. Even the minuscule enemies can be a threat if you’re not paying attention and end up surrounded. Each area has new strategies you have to employ, so be leery when entering the unknown. You are going to die quite often, and that’s okay. It may be frustrating, but the randomness keeps things fresh, and eventually you’ll find some wall chicken and other assorted goods hidden throughout the game to keep you going, along with the upgrades. Honestly, I keep finding things I had no idea about by accident, and it makes me wonder just how much this game has hidden and whether or not everything will be found. There’s plenty of lore to be found in your exploration, and there’s a fair amount of humor which was unexpected, albeit pretty dark.

    On top of the runes you unlock from the Collector, you’ll be granted various abilities from besting the elite enemies which will help you not only traverse different areas and find secrets, but help you progress to new levels. If you find parts of the world that you can interact with but nothing happens, chances are you’ll need to beat one of the bosses or elite enemies first.

    To be quite honest, I’m not sure I ran across anything in the game that I’d say would fault it – even backtracking is a non-issue with so many teleportation devices. The game is about as good as it gets for the genre, and this is a prime example of how you stand out from everything else being released – indie or otherwise. If you’re looking for something that is both challenging and feels good (side note: you can either open doors regularly or bust them open and stun enemies doing so – I’ve never felt so satisfied with a door as having it explode open in this), Dead Cells checks all the boxes.    … Expand
  8. SwitchNoi
    Aug 7, 2018
    10
    I’m very surprised that this game doesn’t have a higher user score. I’m not even necessarily a fan of roguelike games, that is until I played this game. This is one of the best games I’ve played this year. The gameplay is fluid and extremely well done. It’s enjoyable going through the different areas and fighting your way through. I personally don’t have any real criticisms for this gameI’m very surprised that this game doesn’t have a higher user score. I’m not even necessarily a fan of roguelike games, that is until I played this game. This is one of the best games I’ve played this year. The gameplay is fluid and extremely well done. It’s enjoyable going through the different areas and fighting your way through. I personally don’t have any real criticisms for this game so far.… Expand
  9. korksz
    Mar 7, 2021
    10
    I just need one word to describe what I feel about this game: FUN!
    Even though I die a "thousand" times it somehow manages to not make it frustrating. This is a game where a death really feels like progress towards the final boss.
    After playing a ton of AAA games filled with fake content where I usually feel that it's a chore going through the whole game, Dead Cells does something I    I just need one word to describe what I feel about this game: FUN!
    Even though I die a "thousand" times it somehow manages to not make it frustrating. This is a game where a death really feels like progress towards the final boss.

    After playing a ton of AAA games filled with fake content where I usually feel that it's a chore going through the whole game, Dead Cells does something I can't express in words. This is a game. A GAME! Not an annual cash grab, not another story-telling, not another digital world filled with a thousand outposts to capture, just a game focused on giving you pure enjoyment. The combat system, the variety of weapons and gadgets to use and combine together and the flow keeps me wanting to do just one more run. And just one more. And just one more... I highly recommend it to anyone. And I mean really anyone. This is my first roguelite and to be honest, just looking at gameplay videos I felt that it may not be made for me. Considering the praise it got I gave it a shot despite not really liking what I had saw before... aaaand I was wrong. Totally wrong. I absolutely love it.    … Expand
  10. MEMESAREPEOPLE
    Jan 27, 2020
    10
    Dead Cells takes the art of death of video games and puts it on its head, with each run making you stronger until you are able to take on the final boss. While this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this idea, its a brilliant mix of classic Dark Souls-esque difficulty with fluid 2D Metroidvania action.

    In terms of story, you are a prisoner who is reanimated with the fate of traversing an    Dead Cells takes the art of death of video games and puts it on its head, with each run making you stronger until you are able to take on the final boss. While this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this idea, its a brilliant mix of classic Dark Souls-esque difficulty with fluid 2D Metroidvania action.

    In terms of story, you are a prisoner who is reanimated with the fate of traversing an island of unique environments, dying, and learning from death to get farther than you did last time, until you reach the final boss. While there isn’t much in terms of story upfront, the optional lore rooms are genuinely interesting and sometimes even grant you items or food to benefit you during your run, so there’s good reason to visit these.

    Dead Cells is a game where death is almost guaranteed to any gamer on their first run. You will die, a lot. However, its death that keeps you going and drives you forward. After every death, you come back with a valuable upgrade, a powerful new weapon or ability, or even knowledge of the foes you’re facing. The progression feels as if no run is ever wasted, ever, and each run inches you closer to the final boss, until you beat the final boss. However, the fun doesn’t stop there, as there are FIVE more playthroughs of New Game +, each with increasing difficulty to keep you progressing forward. Initially, exploration in Dead Cells is limited to what you can reach with a double jump, or with an elevator. However, progressing far enough will unlock you upgrades that will allow you to explore anywhere that can be explored, and you’ll be rewarded for it too, with either currency, or equipment you can either use or sell.

    Dead Cells is very flexible in its gameplay, with almost any possible playstyle being applicable here. You can be a speedy whirlwind of death, killing all that stands in your way. Or you can play it slow with turrets, traps, and slower weapons. Or you can avoid all combat entirely if you wish to reach a timed door, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the enemies. Most of the weapons and abilities in the game are up to the task to fit almost any playstyle. Dead Cells uses the design where if you’re skilled enough, you’re an untouchable whirlwind of death, thanks to the usage of dodge rolling and/or shield parrying.

    Dead Cells turns death into a lesson, or a stepping stone to the final boss, instead of a reason to rage-quit or to get frustrated. Take this with engrossing, difficult, flexible, and fluid 2D gameplay, and procedurally generated maps, and you have a game that will satisfy any Metroidvania fan.    … Expand
  11. Walterjunior
    Oct 29, 2020
    10
    Great game, 2d graphics amazing... on The best style metroidvania, i like it
  12. bpgould1994
    Jan 21, 2021
    10
    The first thing that I must say to start this review is that Dead Cells is a amazing roguelike Dungeon crawler. That has not been getting as much attention as it should for how many different ways the game can be played and the comp updates it enough to keep the experience fresh and different
  13. Superpurdik
    Feb 10, 2021
    10
    This game reminded me awesome experience from youth playing sega, one of few that gives you such a competition inside an interesting new original world, variety of play style. Dead cells are definitely forever in my game library on all types of game devices, must play!
  14. Korova11
    Feb 16, 2022
    10
    Best game ever. Pure love, favorite rouglike. Cant wait for more dlc, worth all money
  15. oliodyssey
    Nov 15, 2021
    10
    How can someone score this game Zero. There most be something wrong in their head or they have other intentions. I have played more hours than many AAA games and the android version is also great. And the amount of fun is phenominal. It is Roguelike so takes a bit of getting used to. It has great sound track and addictive gameplay. I would rate it 8 or 9 but have to give it a 10 for itsHow can someone score this game Zero. There most be something wrong in their head or they have other intentions. I have played more hours than many AAA games and the android version is also great. And the amount of fun is phenominal. It is Roguelike so takes a bit of getting used to. It has great sound track and addictive gameplay. I would rate it 8 or 9 but have to give it a 10 for its pure and beautiful uniqueness. And why give it a Zero????? Try out the Android version first if you can get it for free or on Play Pass give it 2 or 3 hours.… Expand
  16. Julio-FR
    Feb 10, 2022
    10
    El juegos esta buenisimo, ya lo probe en steam y en teclado no me gusto tanto pero en mando de ps4 me encanto.
    Lo recomiendo para los que le guste la dificultad
  17. Daviwaru
    Mar 19, 2023
    10
    Um dos melhores rogue likes já feitos, que também mistura uma mecânica com metroidvanias
  18. Youmustdienow
    Aug 15, 2018
    9
    Disliked this game after playing 30 mins of it, but boy did my opinion change after discovering the hook & nuances it had to offer. Don’t be like me expecting Dark Souls 2D. This game is better than Souls because it is constantly encouraging you to try new gear rather than commit to a strict class. I see Dead Cells as a new type of arcade style game where you can play for a few mintutes toDisliked this game after playing 30 mins of it, but boy did my opinion change after discovering the hook & nuances it had to offer. Don’t be like me expecting Dark Souls 2D. This game is better than Souls because it is constantly encouraging you to try new gear rather than commit to a strict class. I see Dead Cells as a new type of arcade style game where you can play for a few mintutes to countless hrs. If arcades were still big, this would be some next level stuff.… Expand
  19. Azel
    Nov 27, 2019
    9
    The combat is slick and responsive, there are tonnes of weapons with unique animations, tonnes of gadgets, traps, bombs etc, and you combine your abilities as you find them in each of your play throughs through procedurally generated dungeons. This offers a lot of variety and replayability, especially as there are so many different enemy types too. There has been free DLC added which isThe combat is slick and responsive, there are tonnes of weapons with unique animations, tonnes of gadgets, traps, bombs etc, and you combine your abilities as you find them in each of your play throughs through procedurally generated dungeons. This offers a lot of variety and replayability, especially as there are so many different enemy types too. There has been free DLC added which is such a nice touch, especially given the small team who worked on it. I played the game easily for 30 hours, and could get more out of it. You can customize your runs to stipulate particular weapons etc, to tweak the random elements of the game if you want. I would say that the game would benefit from even more biomes than there are, but for the price that it has, it's an absolute bargain, lasting me as long as so called AAA games.… Expand
  20. GamergodsFail
    Aug 9, 2018
    9
    Dead Cells is the first roguelike game I've attempted, and I'm loving it so far. Permadeath is always daunting, but in this game my failures are not discouraging mainly because of how outstanding the gameplay is. Grinding for upgrades across each and every attempt can add repetition, but for those who have great patience as they slowly get better at it will feel an immense sense ofDead Cells is the first roguelike game I've attempted, and I'm loving it so far. Permadeath is always daunting, but in this game my failures are not discouraging mainly because of how outstanding the gameplay is. Grinding for upgrades across each and every attempt can add repetition, but for those who have great patience as they slowly get better at it will feel an immense sense of accomplishment when they succeed.… Expand
  21. rpardono
    Aug 4, 2019
    9
    Jogo fantástico, excepcional, muito original, muitas horas garantidas de jogatina e diversão!
  22. destinyfan1
    Aug 31, 2018
    9
    Amazing roguelike game,the art style is pretty,their is tons of hours to be had in this game,i am not even a fan of this genre,juli and august where really boring months in gaming,so i saw the reviews,and then i saw dead cells,and o boy it is the best decision i made this summer
    Really don't be afraid,this game isn't very hard,but it isn't easy either,but the upgrades and unlockables make    Amazing roguelike game,the art style is pretty,their is tons of hours to be had in this game,i am not even a fan of this genre,juli and august where really boring months in gaming,so i saw the reviews,and then i saw dead cells,and o boy it is the best decision i made this summer
    Really don't be afraid,this game isn't very hard,but it isn't easy either,but the upgrades and unlockables make this game so fun.    … Expand
  23. Sabith1
    Aug 7, 2018
    9
    Best rougelite 2d sidescrolling gameplay experience i have played it is kinda hard if you dont like harder games i would avoid
  24. Joyoviews
    Oct 19, 2018
    9
    A subtle nod to those games of yesteryear where hand holding and constant checkpoints didn't exist, Dead cells will bring back the challenge of wanting to uncover its story through exploration and "getting good" rather than simply pushing you along and adjusting difficulty to suit certain play styles.
    Starting off as almost literally nothing you eventually uncover and obtain new abilites    A subtle nod to those games of yesteryear where hand holding and constant checkpoints didn't exist, Dead cells will bring back the challenge of wanting to uncover its story through exploration and "getting good" rather than simply pushing you along and adjusting difficulty to suit certain play styles.
    Starting off as almost literally nothing you eventually uncover and obtain new abilites as you go making each subsequent playthrough a different experience everytime throw in randomly generated areas and abilities to open new and more interesting paths and you have a game that full of surprises and rewards for you efforts.
    With satisfying and challenging combat and its exploration playstyle you could compare this game to many metroidvania type games with a dark souls combat twist.
    Master its difficulty or try for the best times i recommend you give it a try.    … Expand
  25. tariq_almandhar
    Jun 12, 2022
    9
    المهم هو الأسلوب وطريقة اللعب وهذا ما أُُتقن في اللعبة
    صعوبة للتحدي والمتعة وطريقة لعب مناسبة
  26. hector_bcn98
    Jun 18, 2023
    9
    Adictivo y difícil como pocos juegos he completado, si se quiere es un juego inacabable, con infinitas runs y descubrimientos constantes de objetos, caminos, mejoras y bosses. Además, está siempre tirado de precio, así como sus dlc's. Compra obligada para cualquier gamer hardcore que quiera romper su mando contra la pared.
  27. WeterGhetto
    Sep 1, 2022
    9
    Классная игра в жанре рогалик, в которой отличная атмосфера, музыка, геймплей, но вскоре надоедает проходить одни и те же миссии в каждой поставленной клетке( На 4 клетке у меня кое-что сгорело) Всем удачи в прохождении!
  28. rccastro0711
    Feb 22, 2023
    9
    i played 30 minutes and it turned into one of my favorite games. The soundtrack, the controls, the tension and combat against some enemies and bosses, everything its just perfect ( I even dowloaded thee soundtrack),and who cannot like the fact that basically many other indie games are present here from Hotline miami, curse of dead gods, shovel and holo knight, my heart love to see all ofi played 30 minutes and it turned into one of my favorite games. The soundtrack, the controls, the tension and combat against some enemies and bosses, everything its just perfect ( I even dowloaded thee soundtrack),and who cannot like the fact that basically many other indie games are present here from Hotline miami, curse of dead gods, shovel and holo knight, my heart love to see all of this. The only thing I disliked is the fact that there isn't a saving mechanic, so you cant quit in the middle of the game, if it had that, this game would be a 10… Expand
  29. Rubber_DUCKYY
    May 22, 2023
    9
    This is the first game in a long time that has made me genuinely excited to play it. Whenever I pick this game up the hours just fly by. Worth EVERY dollar. First rougelite I've ever played, so definite a must play for everyone.
  30. Gamingteacher
    Aug 30, 2018
    8
    A pretty fun game, very pick-up-and-play-able.

    The good: control is practically orgasmic. gameplay is action-pacted and fun to speed-run. Roguelike levels keep things reasonably fresh. Permanent upgrade system rewards even quick playthroughs. Most weapons are fun to use. Bosses are well designed and animated. The average: music is good but will feel repetitive, especially the first    A pretty fun game, very pick-up-and-play-able.

    The good: control is practically orgasmic. gameplay is action-pacted and fun to speed-run. Roguelike levels keep things reasonably fresh. Permanent upgrade system rewards even quick playthroughs. Most weapons are fun to use. Bosses are well designed and animated.

    The average: music is good but will feel repetitive, especially the first level. Some weapons are less fun to use but can be ignored. Only four bosses, two of which you will always face in a complete run and hence can feel repetitive. Difficulty may turn off some players.

    The bad: some level gimmicks are downright bad. Increased difficulty is mainly done by reducing the ability to heal which is a little cheap.

    Yup. Like this one. Kinda wish I bought it on the switch instead as I think the game would suit a handheld more but I’m told the game runs less well on that platform. Definitely worth a play.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best PS4 Game of 2018
50
#50 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2018
41
#41 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Digital Trends
    Jan 23, 2019
    80
    Dead Cells is frenetism in its purest form, and one of the few games in the genre that can grant a sense of progression and skill in the first few minutes, without demanding a grind from the player or a slow-paced levelling system. It takes you in with a powerful soundtrack and a gorgeous visual style, but it’s the combat and how quick and responsive the controls are that make it stand out from the rest.
    Read full review
  2. Gamers Heroes
    Aug 23, 2018
    90
    Dead Cells sets an example for the rest of the industry as far as Metroidvanias are concerned. If Dead Cells sounds even remotely interesting to you, pick it up and give it a go.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Aug 23, 2018
    90
    You often learn by dying, yet this somehow never feels unfair. Compelling and endlessly replayable, the quality of Dead Cells is unlikely to cause division among your friends. [Issue#153, p.94]
See all critic reviews »