Dead Cells has positioned itself as one of the most impressions indi games of recent years. With a simple design and clear mechanics, it has managed to reach a multitude of platforms beyond the PC, including the Apple ecosystem. In this article we tell you everything you need to know about this incredible game available on the App Store.
History of Dead Cells
For those who are a fan of the lore of video games, you should know that in Dead Cells you are a failed alchemical experiment that explores a castle that changes in each of the rounds you do. The goal in the end is to know what happened in the castle and destroy all the bosses that you will meet. The title of the game is very much in line with the story that it is trying to tell since ‘Dead Cells’ if we translate it it would remain as ‘Dead cells’. At the beginning of the game the reason for this name is quite understood when telling the initial story of the character. Throughout the entire game the cells will be very present as a bargaining chip to acquire certain abilities.
Graphics and gameplay
Dead Cells is categorized as a 2D action platform game with a transversal combat system. Despite not being a 3D game as we are used to, this indi has an art that will make you fall in love from the first moment. The scenarios are perfectly designed down to the smallest detail, and the animations surprise. It undoubtedly deserves the success it has had since, before reaching Apple devices, it has been released on PC, PS4 and even on Switch.
The game is based on making different runes that are totally random. That is, it is not linear but if you die the game you are playing ends and you can start another in which practically everything will vary. This obviously has its pros and cons. The adrenaline generated by having the thought that you are going to die at any moment makes the game much more enjoyable. With each of the deaths, new levels and new final bosses are opened, as we will talk in the progression of the game itself. With each of the games you have the freedom to do whatever you want, whether to be a quiet person who explores each of the corners of the castle or to be a speed runner to pass the level as quickly as possible.
Controls and abilities
The control of Dead Cells is very well developed, feeling quite good when it comes to carrying the character. Being compatible with the MFi controllers it is highly recommended to play it this way due to the speed with which you are going to move and also the movements to be made with the skills and weapons. But if you are going to choose not to use a compatible controller, you can use the touch controls on both iPhone and iPad. On the left side you will find a virtual joistick with which you can move depending on how you move your finger. On the right side you will have access to all the skills and weapons that you are unlocking.
As you progress you will see that the difficulty progresses and you will have to be quick to invoke all the skills. That is why this is a game where it is recommended to use a controller to have buttons with shortcuts to skills or to change weapons.
Progression
The progression is really interesting, resembling a metroitvania. As we have commented previously, we are not facing a linear game but different games are being made. The interesting thing about these games is that they are never the same since the objects that appear will vary in a totally random way. The luck component will come into play since you start without any type of object and as you progress and collect objects, all the statistics will improve, such as damage, armor or life. This is really important since if you arrive with a fairly weak build late in the game it is possible that the enemies, who get stronger with the progression, kill you quickly.
The fact of resembling a metroitvania game is based above all on the need to have specific skills to access certain parts of the map. These permanent abilities are obtained as you progress and kill final bosses. In addition, you will have different skills at your disposal to be able to conserve the gold between games and many others that will facilitate your existence in the game. With all these mechanics it is achieved that at no time you feel bored and as long as you manage to have a specific build you can feel very powerful within a specific game.
It is a game that greatly benefits having an extremely aggressive attitude when fighting with enemies. The skills that you have in the quick functions are very varied and are being achieved on the map. These unfortunately do not remain in perpetuity, although you can start with a specific set of sword depending on the improvements you have been taking.
Price and availability
Right now Dead Cells is priced at € 4.49 and offers many hours of fun by not having a predefined story, allowing you to extend the adventure whatever you want. It is available on a multitude of platforms such as iPhone, iPad, iPod and even on Apple TV. This is undoubtedly a game that deserves to be enjoyed on a big screen and that is why it is recommended to install it on iPad or Apple TV. But the fact that it is also available on iPhone allows you to play a game in the downtime anywhere. As the games last around 15 minutes on average, it becomes an ideal option for trips by public transport.