Death's Door (Acid Nerve) Video Game Review

  

INCLUSIVE TALLY (Overall): 9.2/10

"An Exquisitely Engulfing Affair of a Gentlemanly Fowl Reaper"

Bang for your Bounty (Value): 7.5/10 

Available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows and penciling in at $19.99 the price on Death's Door experience feels just about right for the length of the game. Not a steal but if you happen to find a deal as the time passes or it makes it to game pass, I would jump on it quickly. 

Ocular Pleasure (Graphics):  8.5/10 

Very clean and consistent to the style. I especially enjoyed the little touches that were taken in the minor details. The puffs of dust behind our feet as we run, the smoke on the cigarette of my favorite character, Badger, and the little gems hidden all over the maps. While the art could be called simple in comparison to other games, I feel it suits the vibe of the game completely. 

Butter or Stutter (Gameplay/Mechanics): 9.5/10 

Simple and simply perfect. The game is as smooth as lotion, not glitchy in any way. The combat system is very simple but the functionality is top notch. The weight and balance of the character feels amazing and we have the added bonus of uncomplicated magic abilities that compliment a speedy combat system. The addition of having to connect with a melee hit to recharge your magic abilities  balanced the game well and forces us to use all of our skills. Death's Door boasts functional fast paced action with convivial yet testing boss encounters. 

Body of Expression (Story): 9.3/10

The tone of the music and delightful setting had me engulfed as if I was watching a Hayao Miyazaki film. The light piano resonance and harmonious jams give the characters personality and really bring the inventive afterworld to life. We play as a courteous crow encumbered with reaping the souls of one-of-a-kind spirits that have been far too lucrative and power hungry. Death's Door perfectly walks the line between ominous and pleasant. Sharpen up your reflexes as a feathered umbra on a charming journey as we jaunt through an eerily attractive undying realm. 

Harmony of Workings (Balance/Interest/Gameplay): 9.2/10

Graciously Crafted. Death's Door is at the top of my list as far as top-down action adventure games in this calendar year. Dungeon puzzles, speedy combat with reactive dodge-rolls, and challenging but not rage-quit challenging boss fights. We can't help but compare this to a Legend of Zelda game... but the premise seems almost better in a sinister yet sincere way. We riot through the dungeons with our weapons (or rain diversion device) fighting to bring the souls of our predecessors to peace while unlocking new skills and chasing gluttonous soul hungry monsters. As we fight to make our Crow kin proud, we advance at every turn with crafty shortcuts allowing us to make headway, even on death. There is enough substance to satisfy in each zone but feels precisely timed to keep our palette fresh and stir curiosity with the seductive secrets along the way. 

Unique Entities (Characters):  9.3/10

It's the minor figures that make the game for me. The obsessive grandma I can't help but compare to Yubaba, the cocky Toad King, Betty the "king of the hill" Yeti, the "cool cat" Badger the Reaper with his skunk stripe feathercut, the ever naïve Pothead, Steadhone the humble Grave Digger, or Jefferson the scurvy Squid Back Sailor/Cook. I fell in love with these eccentric, outlandish and just plain weird characters.  I can't help but crack a smile when I reminisce them. One of my favorite things about this game was allowing my creativity to wander and craft potential backstories for the untouched characters. Loved it. 

Triumphs/Keepsakes (Achievements/Trophies):

4/10 difficulty, 15-20 hour range for all achievements. There are 3 missable achievements. Be sure to look out for those when you start and when fighting the witchy grandmother or our amphibious friend. The most difficult trophy in the game is missable as well so be sure to not even swing your sword before picking up the umbrella if you want to knock it all out in 1 playthrough. 

Undefined duty (Other): 

As a appreciator of classical piano and music that brings characters to life, I want to be sure to shout out David Fenn, who did a phenomenal job on the music. While there is no voice acting, the music brings the text dialogue and environment to life. 10/10

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