Blurring the lines between the already ill-defined genres of Metroidvania and Roguelike comes Dead Cells, which has officially launched this week on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch ($24.99). The PC version is still available at a 20% launch discount until August 13.
Watch the fun animated trailer above.
Dead Cells is a 2D action-platformer that features procedurally generated levels and permadeath with no checkpoints whatsoever. Yet all is not lost upon death. The progress you make in each interconnected level is saved, as well as permanent upgrades to weapons and abilities. Special abilities let you access different levels at different points, creating unique runs in each attempt.
The island world features a total of 13 levels, four bosses, and 80 different weapons and skills. The PC version also features a Daily Run Mode with leaderboards to encourage daily competition.
The indie platformer will also be available in a limited physical special edition from Signature Edition Games. These copies are limited to just 2000 units, and include a two-CD soundtrack, 56-p[age artbook, and a large outer box with exclusive cover art. The Signature Edition will arrive on August 21 for $50 for PlayStation 4 and Switch. A Special Edition for the PC version includes a 20-page concept artbook and game soundtrack.
A regular retail version is also coming to PC, Switch, and PlayStation 4 on August 21.
Dead Cells was developed by Motion Twin, a small French independent studio. It originally launched last year via Steam Early Access. Motion Twin incorporated a year’s worth of feedback and fixes into the final release, and the game is currently enjoying an impressive Metacritic score around 90.
Dead Cells is currently available on digital stores on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Switch. It’s rated T for Teen.
