Image: Magic Design Studios
Have a Nice Death, developed by Magic Design Studios and released in 2022, is a 2D action roguelike with a unique and darkly humorous twist. Players take on the role of the Grim Reaper, who finds himself in the middle of a corporate power struggle within Death Inc. To reclaim his position, the Grim Reaper must navigate a series of procedurally generated levels, battling various undead creatures and collecting souls along the way.
Gameplay (8.5/10) Have a Nice Death delivers an engaging gameplay experience that combines fast-paced action, strategic decision-making, and the unpredictability of roguelike games. Players control the Grim Reaper as he slashes, dashes, and unleashes powerful abilities to defeat his enemies. The game's procedural generation ensures that each run is different, with a variety of enemy types, level layouts, and power-ups to keep players on their toes.
The game's difficulty can be quite challenging, with permadeath and limited resources forcing players to think carefully about their choices and develop their skills. This challenge is further enhanced by a diverse array of bosses that test the player's abilities and adaptability.
Graphics and Sound (8/10) Have a Nice Death features a stylish and detailed hand-drawn art style that complements the game's darkly humorous tone. The character designs are charming and imaginative, and the game's environments are rich and varied, reflecting the different departments within Death Inc.
The game's sound design is equally immersive, with a moody and atmospheric soundtrack that sets the stage for the Reaper's journey. The sound effects, from the Reaper's scythe swings to the cries of the undead, add an extra layer of polish and impact to the gameplay experience.
Content and Replayability (8.5/10) Have a Nice Death offers a wealth of content, with a multitude of unlockable abilities, weapons, and upgrades that allow players to customize their playstyle and experiment with different strategies. The game's procedural generation and challenging difficulty ensure that no two runs are the same, providing ample replayability for players seeking to master the game and uncover all of its secrets.
To conclude, Have a Nice Death is a unique and entertaining take on the roguelike genre, combining engaging gameplay, dark humor, and a distinctive art style to create a memorable experience. With its challenging difficulty, great gloomy atmosphere, diverse content, and high replayability, Have a Nice Death is a must-play title for fans of action-packed roguelike games.
Overall Score: 8.3/10