"Dead Cells" NS Version Review: A Perfect Example of Roguelike, Even Better on Switch 2?

Hello everyone, I'm your old friend, a seasoned gamer with over a decade of experience. Today, I'll be bringing you a review of one of my personal favorite Roguelike games – "Dead Cells" on the Nintendo Switch. Since its release, this game has won the hearts of countless players with its unique gameplay, exquisite graphics, and extremely high replayability. As a Switch player, I will delve into this game from various perspectives and look forward to its potential on the future Nintendo Switch 2. We'll also explore what new experiences "Dead Cells" could bring us if it were to land on the Nintendo Switch 2.

1. "Dead Cells" Game Introduction: Roguelike Meets Metroidvania

"Dead Cells" is a Roguelike-Metroidvania action game developed by Motion Twin. The core mechanic of the game is permanent death and randomly generated maps. Each death will send you back to the beginning, but you can collect cells to unlock new weapons, skills, and permanent upgrades, allowing you to go further in the next challenge. The game combines the randomness of Roguelike and the exploration elements of Metroidvania, bringing a unique gaming experience.

2. "Dead Cells" Nintendo Switch Version Review: In-depth Analysis

2.1 Gameplay: Core Gameplay and Game Mechanics

The gameplay of "Dead Cells" is one of its biggest highlights. The game adopts a fast-paced combat system. You need to skillfully master actions such as rolling, jumping, attacking, and skill releasing to survive various enemies and traps. The game has a wide variety of weapons, including swords, bows and arrows, whips, magic, etc. Each weapon has its unique attack style and attributes, and you need to choose the right weapon according to your preferences and enemy types.

The Roguelike elements of the game are reflected in the random generation of maps and the permanent death mechanic. Each time you enter the game, the layout of the map, the types of enemies, and the distribution of items will change. You need to adapt to different environments. Once you die, you will lose all unused cells and start from the beginning, which increases the challenge and excitement of the game. However, the permanent upgrades obtained through cells will be retained, allowing you to become stronger each time you restart.

The Metroidvania elements are reflected in the exploration of the map and the unlocking of abilities. As the game progresses, you will gain new abilities, such as wall climbing, teleportation, etc. These abilities will allow you to reach previously inaccessible areas, discover hidden treasures and secrets.

2.2 Graphics: The Ultimate Expression of Pixel Art

"Dead Cells" adopts a beautiful pixel art style, with rich details and bright colors. The character and enemy designs are very unique, the animations are smooth and natural, and the combat effects are gorgeous. Although it is a pixel style, the game's lighting and particle effects are excellent, creating an excellent visual experience.

On the Nintendo Switch, the visual performance of "Dead Cells" is still outstanding. Even in handheld mode, the game's picture is still clear and sharp, and the frame rate is stable.

2.3 Sound Effects: Just the Right Atmosphere

The sound effects of "Dead Cells" are also excellent. The game's background music is full of rhythm and tension, which can well set off the game atmosphere. The sound effects of weapons and the cries of enemies are very realistic, enhancing the game's immersion.

2.4 Story: Stories Hidden in the Details

The story of "Dead Cells" is not presented directly, but hidden in the details of the game world. By reading the item descriptions in the game, observing the environment in the scenes, and talking to NPCs, you can gradually understand the story behind the game.

2.5 Handling: Smooth and Refreshing Combat Experience

The handling of "Dead Cells" is very smooth and refreshing. The game's button layout is reasonable and responsive, allowing you to easily perform various actions. The game's hit feedback is also excellent, and you can feel strong feedback every time you hit an enemy.

On the Nintendo Switch, the handling of "Dead Cells" is also excellent. Whether you use the Joy-Con controller or the Pro controller, you can get a smooth and refreshing combat experience.

2.6 Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros:

• Excellent core gameplay, perfect fusion of Roguelike and Metroidvania elements.
• Beautiful graphics, the ultimate expression of pixel art.
• Excellent sound effects, just the right atmosphere.
• Smooth and refreshing handling.
• High replayability, rich content.
• Excellent performance when ported to Switch, good experience in handheld mode.

Cons:

• High difficulty, requires a certain learning curve.
• Relatively repetitive, easy to feel tired.
• The balance of some weapons and skills is not perfect.

3. "Dead Cells" Game Guide: Beginner's Guide and Advanced Skills

3.1 Beginner's Guide

• Familiarize yourself with the controls: Familiarize yourself with basic operations such as rolling, jumping, attacking, and skill release. This is the foundation for survival.
• Choose the right weapon: Choose the right weapon according to your preferences and enemy types. In the early stage, it is recommended to choose weapons with a wide attack range and high damage.
• Allocate attribute points reasonably: You can get attribute points every time you level up. It is recommended to prioritize increasing health to increase survivability.
• Explore the map: Explore the map as much as possible to find hidden treasures and secrets.
• Unlock new weapons and skills: Unlock new weapons and skills by collecting cells, which will greatly increase your strength.
• Make good use of traps: There are various traps in the game. Using traps can easily eliminate enemies.

3.2 Advanced Skills and Strategies

• Master the timing of rolling: Rolling can dodge enemy attacks. Mastering the timing of rolling is very important.
• Utilize the terrain: The terrain in the game is complex and diverse. You can use the terrain to dodge enemy attacks and counterattack.
• Reasonably match weapons and skills: Different weapon and skill combinations can produce different effects. Try different combinations to find the one that suits you best.
• Learn the enemy's attack patterns: Understanding the enemy's attack patterns can help you better dodge attacks and counterattack.
• Don't be greedy for hits: Greed for hits can easily be countered by enemies. Pay attention to moderation.
• Master the use of shield parry: Using a shield can block enemy attacks and even reflect enemy projectiles.

3.3 Level Guide: Difficulty Analysis and Clearing Skills

The level design of "Dead Cells" is very clever. Each level has its unique characteristics and difficulties. Here are some level guides:

• Prisoner's Quarters: This is the first level of the game. The difficulty is low. The main purpose is to let players familiarize themselves with the game's operations and basic mechanics.
• Promenade of the Condemned: There are many types of enemies in this level. Pay attention to dodging enemy attacks.
• Toxic Sewers: This level is full of poisonous gas and traps. Be careful.
• Ancient Sewers: The enemy strength in this level is high. You need to have a certain strength to pass.
• Ramparts: The guards in this level are very powerful. You need to master rolling and attacking skills to defeat them.

3.4 Equipment Recommendation: Best Weapon and Skill Combinations

There are many types of weapons and skills in "Dead Cells". Here are some recommended equipment combinations:

• Melee Build: Choose swords or hammers with high damage as weapons, and choose skills that increase attack power and survivability.
• Ranged Build: Choose bows and arrows or magic as weapons, and choose skills that increase range and damage.
• Summon Build: Choose summoning weapons, and choose skills that increase the number of summons and their attributes.

3.5 Speedrun Skills and Hidden Element Guide

"Dead Cells" has many hidden elements, such as hidden levels, hidden weapons, and hidden storylines. If you want to challenge speedruns, you can try the following skills:

• Familiarize yourself with the map: Familiarizing yourself with the map can help you find the way to the next level faster.
• Choose the right weapons and skills: Choose weapons and skills suitable for speedrunning, such as weapons with high damage and skills with fast movement speed.
• Use Bugs: There are some bugs in the game. You can use these bugs to quickly clear the game.

4. "Dead Cells" Nintendo Switch 2 Outlook: Performance Improvement and New Experience

What new experiences will "Dead Cells" bring if it lands on the future Nintendo Switch 2?

First of all, the performance improvement will bring a smoother gaming experience. The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to use a more powerful processor and more memory, which will allow "Dead Cells" to run at higher resolutions and more stable frame rates. The problem of stuttering will be effectively solved, and players can play the game more smoothly.

Secondly, the picture quality will be further improved. The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to support higher resolutions and richer colors, which will make the picture of "Dead Cells" more exquisite. The details will be more delicate, the lighting effects will be more realistic, and players can get a better visual experience.

In addition, the Nintendo Switch 2 can also support more MODs and custom content. This will make the content of "Dead Cells" richer, and players can customize the game experience according to their preferences. For example, players can customize maps, modify weapon attributes, and add new enemies.

Finally, the Nintendo Switch 2 can also support more multiplayer game modes. Currently, "Dead Cells" only supports single-player game mode. If it can support multiplayer cooperative mode, it will greatly increase the fun of the game. nintendo switch2 first look This fills us with anticipation for the future Switch 2.

5. Game Recommendations and Purchase Advice

"Dead Cells" is a Roguelike game that is very worth buying. It integrates Roguelike and Metroidvania elements, bringing a unique gaming experience. The game has beautiful graphics, excellent sound effects, smooth and refreshing handling, and extremely high replayability. Currently, "Dead Cells" is priced at approximately $25 on the Nintendo eShop. Considering its rich content and extremely high replayability, this price is very reasonable. nintendo switch2 price In terms of price, considering Nintendo's consistent strategy, we believe that the price of the Nintendo Switch 2 will also remain within a reasonable range.

5.1 Similar Game Recommendations

If you like "Dead Cells", then you may also like the following games:

• "Castlevania" series
• "Metroid" series
• "The Binding of Isaac"
• "Neon Abyss"
• "Hades"

5.2 Game Recommendations for Different Budgets

• Sufficient budget: Buy the DLC of "Dead Cells" to experience more content.
• Limited budget: You can wait for "Dead Cells" to be discounted before buying.
• Free games: You can try some free Roguelike games, such as "Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup".

5.3 Game Cost Performance Analysis

"Dead Cells" has a very high cost performance. It has rich content, extremely high replayability, and an excellent gaming experience. If you are a fan of Roguelike games, then "Dead Cells" is definitely not to be missed.

5.4 New Game Release Information and Prediction Evaluation

Currently, Motion Twin, the developer of "Dead Cells", is developing a new game called "Windblown", which is also a game that integrates Roguelike and action elements. I am very much looking forward to this game and believe that it can bring a brand new gaming experience. At the same time, for the future Nintendo Switch 2 nintendo switch2 compatibility, we are also very much looking forward to "Dead Cells" having better compatibility performance.

6. Summary and Score

All in all, "Dead Cells" is an excellent Roguelike game. It combines Roguelike and Metroidvania elements, bringing a unique gaming experience. The game has beautiful graphics, excellent sound effects, smooth and refreshing handling, and extremely high replayability. If you are a fan of Roguelike games, then "Dead Cells" is definitely not to be missed. Of course, it would be even more exciting to experience a smoother and more beautiful "Dead Cells" on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Overall Score: 9.5/10

Reasons for the score:

• Excellent core gameplay, perfect fusion of Roguelike and Metroidvania elements.
• Beautiful graphics, the ultimate expression of pixel art.
• Excellent sound effects, just the right atmosphere.
• Smooth and refreshing handling.
• High replayability, rich content.

Reference Score:

• IGN: 9.0/10 (https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/08/06/dead-cells-review)
• Metacritic: 89/100 (https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/dead-cells)

Hope this review has been helpful to you. If you have any questions about "Dead Cells" or other Nintendo Switch games, please feel free to leave a message in the comment section, and I will try my best to answer them. See you next time!