DeadCore

 Xbox One
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. GameCritics
    Nov 7, 2017
    70
    I can only recommend Deadcore to speed-runners or the most dedicated of players, but those that get through the initial challenge will find a deep title that successfully translates many hardcore 2D elements into the third dimension. Everyone not in those two categories? Avoid.
  2. XboxAddict
    Jul 31, 2017
    60
    The big question though: Is DeadCore worth the $8 price tag? In terms of value for dollar, not really. In terms of a challenging platforming puzzle game for fans of the genre, yes. DeadCore tries to draw its inspiration from other games; however, it lacks a solid gameplay structure, and therefore doesn't allow one to effectively interact with the game. You have to get the basics right before considering any extras and sadly DeadCore falls flat on its face here. While it may excel on a PC platform, trying to make the switch to consoles isn't always a successful transition as evidenced with DeadCore. Only die hard puzzle platform fans need apply here.
  3. TheXboxHub
    Jul 27, 2017
    60
    DeadCore most definitely has the marmite effect. You will either love or hate speedrunning games and that will probably decide whether you like this or not.

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User score distribution:
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  2. Mixed: 1 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. GBG_Jason
    Sep 28, 2017
    7
    Have you ever had a game that you’ve hated with every iota of your soul, yet you couldn’t stop playing it? Being the model of self-control,Have you ever had a game that you’ve hated with every iota of your soul, yet you couldn’t stop playing it? Being the model of self-control, simply by not throwing the controller into the wall or kicking your dog? For most of my 32 years on this planet, Battletoads has held that crown, but recently I was given Deadcore, which has managed to challenge, if not topple it for the “most likely to push me to throw a console into a woodchipper” trophy.

    You’re tasked with climbing a strange, Tron-ish tower competing in a one man race against whomever designed said tower. Visually, everything is extremely blocky and features designs and colors ripped straight from the Tron series. While not awful looking, it’s very bland. With little to offer in the visual or story departments, Deadcore’s main draw is the rush you get upon completing one of its many trial and error style challenges at breakneck speed.

    I am not exaggerating when I say breakneck speed, as the game runs like Doom-guy was thrust into Portal after being given a hefty amount of meth and a case of Red Bull. Forcing the player to barrel through the level like Sonic on crack after you have gotten the lay of the land does work. However, the time prior to this will be kind of frustrating, as you will probably fall to your death more often than not. While there is a tutorial, it is very basic; you’ll be running, jumping, and utilizing parkour to climb your way up the tower. Eventually you will get an energy rifle of sorts. This rifle acts as a key to open doors, is a means of defense by deactivating turrets or mobile sentries, and is used to flip switches. The controls for said weapon are accurate and work as they should; however, the rest of the controls, particularly the ones for movement, could use some work.

    While the buttons are limited to the triggers and sticks, aside from a reload button assigned to a face button, this game was designed to be played using a mouse and keyboard. While 5 Bits Games did an acceptable job porting this game to consoles, the controls are not nearly as accurate as they should be, especially for this style of game. This will lead to a number of deaths due to player error, glitches, or poor design choices. Luckily, you can reload at any time by pressing the button mentioned earlier, or simply by falling to your death. Additionally, load times are quick and let you get back into your run as quickly as possible, putting you back at your most recent checkpoint, which are frequent and fair.

    The technical glitches mentioned previously are fairly minor; similar to a thug shooting you through a wall in Hotline Miami, the game will occasionally break its own rules. Just as often, I was able to manipulate one of the glitches to boost myself past a difficult challenge or cut a large chunk of my time from a run. The only glitch that really frustrated me was at the beginning of the game: I was forced to do the first mission a total of 4 times. While tiresome, it did show me how much fun the game can be when running through the level as quickly as possible to beat my previous time. Each level took me approximately 15 minutes to an hour on my first run, and with subsequent trials I was able to shave off minutes or even cut the time in half.

    Upon completing each level, there is the option to go back into the game to attempt a speed run. There are also collectibles and leaderboards to see how you stack up against the rest of the community. With this being said, there is a lot of replay value offered here. While not as polished or pretty as other puzzle games out there, Deadcore is a worthwhile addition to your library if you’re looking for something different.    … Full Review »