
Let It Die, a 2016 release from Grasshopper Manufacture and published by GungHo Online Entertainment, catapulted players into the grotesque heart of Tokyo, Japan, years after a catastrophic earthquake has ravaged the city. This isn’t your typical post-apocalyptic wasteland though; it’s a macabre carnival, a feverish dreamscape tinged with vibrant neon and grotesquely endearing characters. Prepare yourself for a unique blend of action, survival horror, and roguelite elements, all wrapped in the signature twisted humor of Goichi Suda (SUDA51).
A Tale as Twisted as the City Itself
The narrative follows you, an amnesiac fighter known only as “The Player,” who awakens inside a bizarre underground tower called the Tower of Barbs. This towering structure, a labyrinthine nightmare populated by equally bizarre denizens, serves as both your prison and your path to salvation. Your goal? To climb its many floors, battling monstrous foes and scavenging for weapons and supplies, all while uncovering the truth behind your own forgotten past and the unsettling events that led to Tokyo’s ruin.
The Tower of Barbs is a cruel mistress, filled with constantly shifting layouts and hordes of grotesque enemies: chainsaw-wielding bikers, katana-wielding ghosts, giant mutated rats, and even walking, talking toilets (because why not?). Death is inevitable, a frequent visitor in this unforgiving world. However, Let It Die’s roguelite mechanics embrace this inevitability, allowing you to use your fallen comrades’ “Hate” to upgrade your skills, unlock new weapons and armor, and even influence the future layout of the Tower.
Unique Mechanics That Keep You Coming Back for More
Let It Die throws a lot of unconventional ideas at the wall, and somehow, most of them stick. The combat system is fast-paced and visceral, requiring you to master timing and positioning to survive against the relentless onslaught. Weapon durability plays a crucial role; even the most powerful sword will eventually shatter, forcing you to adapt and experiment with different weapons and fighting styles.
Beyond traditional melee combat, Let It Die also features “Skill Capsules” – consumable upgrades that grant temporary boons like increased damage, speed boosts, or elemental attacks. These capsules add a layer of tactical complexity, allowing players to tailor their approach based on the enemy they face and the situation at hand.
The game’s multiplayer element is equally unique: “Death Metal,” a feature that allows players to fight alongside (or against!) ghosts of other fallen players. These ghostly companions can offer valuable support in battle or even challenge you to duels, adding an unpredictable layer to the experience.
Here’s a breakdown of some key features that set Let It Die apart:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Death System | Permadeath with a twist; use “Hate” from fallen comrades to upgrade |
Weapon Durability | Weapons break over time, encouraging experimentation and adaptability |
Skill Capsules | Consumable upgrades that provide temporary boons |
Death Metal | Fight alongside or against ghosts of other players |
Tower of Barbs | Procedurally generated dungeon with constantly shifting layouts |
A Cyberpunk Aesthetic With a Heart of Gold (Well, Maybe Tin)
Let It Die’s art style is a bizarre fusion of cyberpunk grit and cartoonish charm. Think The Punisher meets Scott Pilgrim, with neon-drenched streetscapes populated by characters ripped straight from an anime fever dream. The soundtrack perfectly complements this aesthetic, blending heavy metal riffs with synthwave melodies to create a truly unsettling yet exhilarating atmosphere.
Beneath the grotesque exterior, however, Let It Die harbors a surprising amount of heart. The game’s humor is dark and twisted, but it never loses sight of its characters’ humanity. From the quirky denizens of the Tower to the enigmatic “Hunter,” the game populates its world with memorable personalities who add depth and pathos to this otherwise macabre experience.
A Recommendation Worth Dying For (Figuratively Speaking)
Let It Die is not for the faint of heart. It’s a challenging, often frustrating, but ultimately rewarding experience that pushes the boundaries of action gaming. Its unique blend of genres, unconventional mechanics, and darkly humorous tone make it a truly unforgettable adventure. If you’re looking for something different, something that will challenge your expectations and leave you wanting more (even after death), then Let It Die is definitely worth checking out.