Dead Cells

 Switch
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 439 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 358 out of 439
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 439
  3. Negative: 33 out of 439
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  1. rdekoch
    Sep 3, 2018
    10
    I love this game. Even though it's pretty faithful to the rogue-like genre, it keeps me coming back thanks to permanent upgrades, creamy controls and nifty surprises. Dead Cells is gorgeous and it's procedurally generated levels never feel random. I sometimes feel intimidated or bored by rogue-likes and I can't quit playing it.
  2. EFYevan
    Aug 7, 2018
    10
    Dead Cells is one of the most satisfying action games I've ever played. It takes the progression system of a Metroidvania and transforms it into a procedurally generated action roguelite with a steep but conquerable difficulty curve. Dead Cells delivers on everything from its fast and intensely gratifying, free-flowing combat to its wide variety of interesting weapons and upgrades.

    In    Dead Cells is one of the most satisfying action games I've ever played. It takes the progression system of a Metroidvania and transforms it into a procedurally generated action roguelite with a steep but conquerable difficulty curve. Dead Cells delivers on everything from its fast and intensely gratifying, free-flowing combat to its wide variety of interesting weapons and upgrades.

    In Dead Cells, you fight your way through an ever-changing labyrinth of levels, all of which are accompanied by tense but rewarding boss fights. Its world starts off somewhat linear, but eventually opens up with multiple branching paths of different areas you can explore, all while you progress towards unlocking new weapons and abilities. You’re almost guaranteed to not make it all the way through on every run. You will die. But as your efforts lead you to blueprints for new gear or a permanent ability rune, it makes it all worth your while — even if you’re sure that death is waiting just around the corner.

    Autoplay setting: On
    Fallen enemies drop cells that you can use as a resource to buying those blueprints, giving you a sense of solace as you collect them after emerging from the depths of each stage. The trick with retrieving those dead cells, though, is that they’re only useful if you can make it to the hub area at the end of each level, which is where you invest those cells into the blueprints you need for new gear.

    When your hero dies, all of your gear disappears along with you. Although you can technically reach the final boss on a single run, there’s a good chance that you won’t, and a good chance you’ll oscillate between the victory of discovering and crafting new items and the draining sense of loss after all your work is lost on dying again and again.

    There were plenty of times where I died and lost all my dead cells just steps away from a hub area. But even those narrow calls just inspired me to keep playing and trying for a better run. That continuous leveling up through the acquisition of new blueprints and ability runes makes the RPG-like progression system in Dead Cells so compelling.

    Cellular Destruction
    The combat seems simple at first blush -- you have two weapon slots and two ability slots, all of which you can customize choosing from your list of what you’ve unlocked. But it didn't take long before I realized how well thought out this design really is. All of the equipment and ability sets feel like they were built to be complementary to one another, and while certain combinations are more natural fits than others, I found strengths to each of the permutations that the four weapon/ability slots afford you.

    Some pairings are genuinely diabolical, like a turret that poisons enemies alongside a sword that conveniently disseminates bonus damage to poisoned enemies. If you find a good match, it can quickly change the course of any run. You can try a technical build with a high-powered bow and a set of deadly traps, or you can brute force your way through with a sword and shield to parry. You're never locked into any specific build -- you can even change up your play-style in the middle of a run.

    “
    Fights are fast, fluid, responsive, and one of the most gratifying representations of combat I've ever experienced.

    Gear like grenades, traps, and even spells can also go into your two ability slots, which may be my favorite design decision in Dead Cells’ combat construction. Most games limit your most useful skills with long cooldown timers or a limited mana system, but Dead Cells encourages you to use your deadliest gadgets with a fast recharge timer. It never punishes you for using your best tactics. Fights are fast, fluid, responsive, and hands-down one of the most gratifying representations of video game combat I've ever experienced.

    There’s also the mutation system, which adds another layer of diversity to how you can play. This is where you can choose from various buffs that enhance and alter your abilities. You have to choose carefully, though, because you can only carry up to three at a time and you can only change mutations between levels. The mutations you pick can ultimately be the determining factor between a victorious run or a one-way ticket back to the beginning.

    The Verdict
    Dead Cells strikes a perfect and engaging balance between the Metroidvania and roguelite experiences by focusing on your failures and urging you to experiment each time you do fail. There's more than enough variety in the combat to keep me hunting for blueprints that lend themselves to new and dynamic playstyles for weeks to come. Along with this highly addictive and rewarding gameplay, Dead Cells delivers one of the most satisfying and well-designed action roguelite experiences you can currently play.    … Expand
  3. sniderman89
    Mar 12, 2019
    10
    I rarely finish a video game. But Dead Cells is a fun game until the end. I will probably keep playing even though I completed it. It is a perfect medium priced download game for me.
  4. bulger_paul
    Aug 9, 2018
    10
    Woah. Dead Cells is one hell of an excellent bloody game.

    Before I say more, I should disclaim that my first time ever playing this game is for the Nintendo Switch, and the Switch version only came out two days ago, so I haven't beaten it yet (I don't even think I've gotten anywhere near a halfway point), but I've already sunk in at least 15 hours because I can't seem to put this down    Woah. Dead Cells is one hell of an excellent bloody game.

    Before I say more, I should disclaim that my first time ever playing this game is for the Nintendo Switch, and the Switch version only came out two days ago, so I haven't beaten it yet (I don't even think I've gotten anywhere near a halfway point), but I've already sunk in at least 15 hours because I can't seem to put this down whenever I pick it up. So unless the quality suddenly drops off halfway through, I'm madly in love with this game.

    Gameplay/Controls: 10/10
    The game doesn't give you a tutorial, it just throws you in and lets you figure everything out. But the odd thing here, is the fact that games that just throw you into them without any training are usually intentionally designed to be overwhelming (like Dark Souls, which is the obvious comparison most of us like to lean on when we try to describe games with no hand-holding) in order to test your stubborn will and perseverance, but Dead Cells is so intuitive that it never feels overwhelming. It's the kind of game that immediately just "clicks." Sure, there are aspects of the game that take some time for the player to hone, like timing dodge rolls and double jumps, but it instantly feels so good to play that even your first death (trust me, there will be a lot of them) still feels like it was entirely your fault, and not for cheap reasons, like there was something you were just unfamiliar with or didn't know about ahead of time.
    The gameplay is also so fluid that it never gets boring, no matter how many times you run out the starting gate and face the same zombie types with the same attack patterns. I just can't iterate enough how good it feels to play this came. Every dodge, every sword swing, every arrow shot, literally everything you do in this game, feels amazing, and I don't know how to describe it, but the fluidity just keeps the same actions from feeling repetitive.
    In the vein of repetition, the one thing I was most worried about when I first walked into this game, that very quickly became my favorite part of it, was the procedural generation of the levels. Usually, I'm not a fan of procedural generation. To me, it makes an experience feel less "hand crafted," like exploring is less special, since every detail I uncover wasn't put there especially for me to discover, but instead it was spit out my a random number generator. But it doesn't feel like that in Dead Cells. I don't know how to describe this either, but every room I go into, every door I unlock, every item I pick up, every secret I find, feels like it was all put there just for me, even though it was randomly assembled, and I have no idea how the development team behind this game pulled that off, but I absolutely applaud them for it, because no matter how many times the game spits out a new layout of the same level for me to explore, everything just feels like it was intentionally placed right there, for me to find, instead of something that was just randomly assigned to a spot, which is a feeling that never gets old.
    And lastly under gameplay, I want to mention how much i freaking love the weapons and the items that they give you to use throughout this game. I may fall in love with a certain weapons combo which makes me desperately not want to die so I don't lose my gear, but no matter what, if I have to start all over again, I just know I'm going to uncover a new combination of weapons that I fall in love with all over again. Every single item and weapon put into this game feels like it's useful for something, and even though I have preference types, I'm happy with whatever the game gives me for that run.
    I should probably start talking about other things now, since I've already almost used up my max allotted characters.

    Writing/Story: 8/10
    The story is passable. I like the concept of a blobular spirit inhabiting an already deceased corpse, and every time you die, you just inhabit a new corpse, which makes the idea of rogue-like game with a continuous plot, and NPCs that you have recurring encounters with, feel more fluid and organic. If there is much of a story, I'm not sure what it is yet. All I know is that you begin in a prison cell on an island somewhere and you're trying to break out. But the writing itself is very often morbidly funny, so I've given it high marks.

    Artwork/Graphics: 10/10
    Hands down the best pixel artwork I've seen in a game. Personally, I love pixel artwork, but I've never loved it more here.

    Music: 9/10
    I've had the soundtrack on loop for the past two days on YouTube whenever I'm not playing the game. The music in this game is absolutely gorgeous.

    Overall: 10/10
    This is one of the most instantly satisfying action games I've ever played. I've said it a dozen times, and I'll say it again, it just feels amazing the minute you start playing it. It is insanely addictive, the artwork is incredible, and so is the music.    … Expand
  5. cubeboard
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    Wow, as a hold schools gamer, I consider Dead Cells a master piece. Took me more than 80 games to beat the final boss. What a journey!

    If you like pixel art, that game is perfect, nice colours, graphic and fast animation. It’s really gore, so it’s not for kids. It would be too hard for them anyway. The upgrade and combination of weapons are really well balanced. So the gameplay    Wow, as a hold schools gamer, I consider Dead Cells a master piece. Took me more than 80 games to beat the final boss. What a journey!

    If you like pixel art, that game is perfect, nice colours, graphic and fast animation.

    It’s really gore, so it’s not for kids. It would be too hard for them anyway.

    The upgrade and combination of weapons are really well balanced.

    So the gameplay controls and visuals are awesome for me.

    I have nothing to complain on the audio. I really like the music at the end credits.

    The value of this game is … crazy. How that game can be so cheap. For a completionist, there are a lot of items to discover. All stages are randomly created, so you not get bored.

    So it’s a 10/10, let’s get back to the game and try to beat the game faster!

    Have a good gaming session.

    Cheers,    … Expand
  6. nando_u
    Sep 18, 2018
    10
    A Great Game of this year! A lot of armors, itens, swords, armadilhas... A great Person in the world wonderful color and design amazing. A Great game for many hours, a every hour of play a new skill, a new path, a new discovery ... the game is renewing itself and getting more and more enjoyable to stroll through the dungeons and villages!
  7. xclo
    Aug 10, 2018
    10
    If you want to play a worthy successor to the long line of Metroidvania classics and are willing to experience rogue-like difficulty to get it, Dead Cells is an experience worth having over and over again.
  8. mcoci
    Aug 22, 2021
    10
    De los mejores exponentes del género roguelike, gameplay muy ágil y desafiante, altamente adictivo y lleno de contenido, un imperdible
  9. mcsw712
    Aug 18, 2018
    10
    This game is just pure fun. Keeps me coming back for more. There is no beating it I feel, but there is progression which I like. Every time I die, I feel like it's out of my hands.
  10. ByNato
    Sep 30, 2019
    10
    Un juego simple, entretenido, re-jugable, barato y que se mantiene constantemente con actualizaciones
  11. JJHLH
    Feb 25, 2020
    10
    Dead Cells plays fantastic on the Switch. This is pretty close to a perfect game. It has everything: action, exploration, beautiful graphics, immersive sound effects, and an addictive level up system of collecting permanent upgrades with the cells you collect during the game. A definite 10 if there ever was one.
  12. Pakon
    Sep 15, 2018
    10
    What-a-game. Excellent and addictive gameplay, as tough as it should be (difficulty increasing as you proceeed through the game), amazing HD-2D graphics and a lot of replayability since each time you start again, the dungeons are different. One of the best 2D action/metroidvania/roguelike games of 2018 and maybe of all time. Highly recommended.
  13. FabioAlquimista
    Aug 9, 2018
    10
    Tough, fun and addictive. If you love to put 100% of yourself in a game, here you are! I've played almost all the best switch games and this is by far the best single player one. Just remember to eat while you're playing. It's like a game from the past where the fingers got fired with the present where everything is smooth and still so difficult but rewarding. A must have.
  14. Razor_M2
    Aug 20, 2018
    10
    Mejor rogue-lite de los últimos años, con gran variedad, combate entretenido y mucho coleccionismo. Recomendadísimo!
  15. verdammte
    Sep 2, 2019
    10
    Dead Cells is my favourite go-to game when I don't know what else to do. The gameplay is quick-paced, easy toy to understand, and an enjoyable grind style of progression that always leaves you challenged.

    I just had the pleasure of meeting the developers and musical composer at PAX West. They are great guys and could not have done more to show their appreciation of their fans. This game    Dead Cells is my favourite go-to game when I don't know what else to do. The gameplay is quick-paced, easy toy to understand, and an enjoyable grind style of progression that always leaves you challenged.

    I just had the pleasure of meeting the developers and musical composer at PAX West. They are great guys and could not have done more to show their appreciation of their fans. This game is a 10/10, the developers are a 10/10, and the music and composer are a 10/10.

    I own this game on Switch and PC. I have bought all their merchandise as well. Please show them your support and try this game. You will not be disappointed.    … Expand
  16. bl1rt
    Dec 29, 2018
    10
    No game has managed to turn frustration into determination quite like Dead Cells. After stumbling through the game with luck once, but horribly failing to get that next boss cell, even with maxed-out level at the forgery. I began researching weapon statistics, boss strategies, different builds, timed doors, how to go most efficiently through the biomes, and so on. I have not experiencedNo game has managed to turn frustration into determination quite like Dead Cells. After stumbling through the game with luck once, but horribly failing to get that next boss cell, even with maxed-out level at the forgery. I began researching weapon statistics, boss strategies, different builds, timed doors, how to go most efficiently through the biomes, and so on. I have not experienced that level of obsessiveness with any other game. And while it felt rewarding to do the research and trying again and again, until results came in, a more casual gamer can have the same amount of fun with a completely different approach. That's amazing.
    One of the best games ever.    … Expand
  17. RedDan
    Jan 25, 2019
    10
    This game has the smoothest controls I've ever experienced in a game. This game sets a new precedent for metroidvanias and action games in general. The fact that it was made by an indie developer makes it even more impressive. Tip: Not every item you unlock is that great, so don't unlock an item before you research it. It will just clutter up your runs. Also, you can break the doors inThis game has the smoothest controls I've ever experienced in a game. This game sets a new precedent for metroidvanias and action games in general. The fact that it was made by an indie developer makes it even more impressive. Tip: Not every item you unlock is that great, so don't unlock an item before you research it. It will just clutter up your runs. Also, you can break the doors in between levels to give all of your cells to the blacksmith after you've unlocked what you want!… Expand
  18. giannis2001
    Jul 3, 2022
    10
    By far one of the best roguelike games. The combat is perfect with incredibly smooth gameplay, and tons of variety in weapons, items, builds. The music is amazing as well. Also, even though the lore isn't the main point, I have to say it's actually interesting. Absolutely must play.
  19. Brayliner
    Feb 4, 2020
    10
    Perfect for mobile but I would recommend this game for anyone that just wants some quick sword kills. Feels great.
  20. Hangedman84
    Jan 31, 2021
    10
    Dead cells = really good pixel grapchics!

    Dead Cells = great music and sound!

    Dead Cells = perfect gameplay loop!

    Dead Cells = obscenely huge amount of content!

    Dead Cells = a development team that listens to the opinions of its players!

    Imho Dead Cells is one of the best roguelites game ever created!
  21. Zimnybart
    Sep 18, 2019
    10
    It’s definitely my favorite Switch game, fun and very addictive. It’s relatively simple product with very well developed mechanics. Progression system kept me playing for hours: again and again. Hell a bloody good game and if you’re a dark souls fan then its a must play!
    The game has changed a lot since the release and the creators seems to really care about its further development – good    It’s definitely my favorite Switch game, fun and very addictive. It’s relatively simple product with very well developed mechanics. Progression system kept me playing for hours: again and again. Hell a bloody good game and if you’re a dark souls fan then its a must play!
    The game has changed a lot since the release and the creators seems to really care about its further development – good job    … Expand
  22. KitusVadim4
    Oct 1, 2019
    10
    Gameplay: 10
    Design: 10
    Graphic: 10
    Игра имеет достаточно простой для освоение, но интересный гейплей, а также дизайн всего!
  23. Pete112
    Apr 24, 2020
    10
    I held of on buying this game for ages as I read it was extremely hard and I normally gravitate towards games like yoshi which are fun rather than frustrating.

    In the end I decided to give it a go and I am so glad I did. While brutally difficult, you keep some pickups and get slightly stronger each time. This together with the exciting, fluid gameplay keeps you coming back for more.    I held of on buying this game for ages as I read it was extremely hard and I normally gravitate towards games like yoshi which are fun rather than frustrating.

    In the end I decided to give it a go and I am so glad I did. While brutally difficult, you keep some pickups and get slightly stronger each time. This together with the exciting, fluid gameplay keeps you coming back for more.


    There are a few games like Zelda Breath of the Wild that regardless of whether you enjoy the genre, are a must buy. This is one of those rare games    … Expand
  24. The_Stapler
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    This game is amazing!

    I am a huge fan of "metroidvania" style games! I loved SOTN and Super Metroid. I saw my cousin playing Dead Cells on launch day and was instantly hooked. I downloaded it immediately haha It's fast, engaging, and wonderfully different. The controls feel perfect. The graphics are crisp and the music is jamming. This is not an easy game which is a relief! I'm    This game is amazing!

    I am a huge fan of "metroidvania" style games! I loved SOTN and Super Metroid. I saw my cousin playing Dead Cells on launch day and was instantly hooked. I downloaded it immediately haha

    It's fast, engaging, and wonderfully different. The controls feel perfect. The graphics are crisp and the music is jamming. This is not an easy game which is a relief!

    I'm new to roguelike games but this has been a great experience! I like the idea of being able to permanently upgrade your inventory from the blue prints you find. Then you have to grind for cells to unlock that new found item. The game gives you incentive to keeping playing and pushing to get farther. The music is awesome and keeps you hyped. Also I'm digging the pixelated graphics. The perma-death aspic really makes you think wisely. My favorite indie game for sure. I look forward to future updates and DLC.    … Expand
  25. shoryukennl
    Feb 17, 2020
    10
    This game is really as good as the other reviewers say. Along with Hollow my favorite games on the switch. Difficult but satisfying.
  26. PiernikSadysta
    Jan 19, 2022
    10
    This game is made for ns! I love every visit in toilet with ns and this game
  27. Robertinho123
    Aug 23, 2021
    10
    This game is perfect for Switch, I'm not good enough to complete it, but went up to 3 BC, and I absolutely loved every minute of it. I'm not usually into games like this, but this one is exciting.
  28. Grzsmyk
    Feb 16, 2020
    10
    One of best platform games f for switch. Great graphic, responsive control, and tons of things too unlock with a little rouge lite spice. That's what I like
  29. CrispCicada
    May 27, 2020
    10
    Dead Cells is easily one of the most criminally underrated and satisfying action/metroidvania games I've ever laid my hands on. Gameplay-wise, this game is phenomenal. You hack and slash your way through loads of interesting levels. Every level have a randomly generated layout, but they all stick to some variables, such as what enemies can spawn in them and what recipes can be obtainedDead Cells is easily one of the most criminally underrated and satisfying action/metroidvania games I've ever laid my hands on. Gameplay-wise, this game is phenomenal. You hack and slash your way through loads of interesting levels. Every level have a randomly generated layout, but they all stick to some variables, such as what enemies can spawn in them and what recipes can be obtained from them. After you beat a level, you reach this keep where you can obtain weapons, abilities, and more when you exchange your cells to the cellkeeper. To get cells, you must kill monsters. In the keep, you'll also be able to select a perk, which'll help you in your journey. Choose wisely, as you can only have 3 perks a life. After you beat the game once, you'll be able to equip boss cells. They'll increase the difficulty of the game and add new enemies to areas. In the spawn, there's also a daily challenge and a tailor. The tailor will allow you to select any outfit, which can be obtained by beating a boss or buying one from the cellkeeper. This game has 2 DLC packs. Rise of the Giant adds 2 new levels, new weapons, new outfits, and a new boss fight. The Bad Seed DLC adds 3 new levels, new weapons, new outfits, minibosses, and a new boss fight. In conclusion, Dead Cells is an amazing game that almost everybody can enjoy. Have a lovely day/night, folks!… Expand
  30. EmCza
    Jul 2, 2020
    10
    One of the best action rouge-lite I’ve ever played. Before I bought this game, I’ve though “that game is overhyped crap”, but when I start playing this game, I couldn’t stop.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best Switch Game of 2018
13
#13 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Nintendojo
    Jan 7, 2019
    83
    Dead Cells likely won’t convert any roguelike detractors, but it’s a wildly creative and fun title nonetheless. Its game world, characters, and enemies all drip personality. The combat is fluid and gritty, there’s a ton to upgrade and unlock, and it’s easy to get lost for hours within Dead Cells‘ world. While a more prominent storyline and some memorable set pieces would go a long way towards elevating this to being one of the premier platformers of this console generation, Dead Cells remains a must-have. I can’t wait to see what Motion Twin does next.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Dec 4, 2018
    90
    If you want to see what an exemplary roguelike looks like, look at Dead Cells. It does everything right – the controls, the level design, the combat, the character progression system, the pace – and collecting cells remains a joy even after dozens of hours. [10/2018, p.58]
  3. games(TM)
    Sep 6, 2018
    80
    Incredibly punishing, impossible to put down. [Issue#204, p.80]
See all critic reviews »