Death Closet (XBLIG): "A Hardcore Meme Death Frenzy"

I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm a reviewer who likes to buy from the XBLIG marketplace from time to time. If it weren't for the XBLIG indie developers I wouldn't be where I'm at today with this blog. As such I decided to buy a 'Stegersaurus' game that was recently released called "Death Closet". The name was definitely catchy, and the ghastly little dude on the cover art was begging me to buy the game (not really ^.^), so I could not resist. I read the description as usual, and despite that it was obviously one of those "impossible" game titles I ventured forward with my purchase. After downloading the game, and sampling all that it had to offer. I found that this simple game was the first "impossible" title that I actually enjoyed playing.

Death Closet is basically as it sounds. You (the gamer) control the little ghostly dude from the cover art as he dodges all sorts of random projectiles with in a closeted space. The graphics are quite impressive, and the projectiles offer a mesmerizing neon fireworks display that add shine to the already beautifully rendered visuals. The protagonist himself has a wide array of meme like facial expressions that change with each death you experience. After literally losing his head in a bloody spurt this little guy will mortified, scared, angry, or even show facial signs of lunacy. It's details like these that make the game so much more fun, and interesting to play.

When it comes to game modes Death Closet has it's fair share. There are a total of 4 modes that are each based on the the same run, jump, and dodge gameplay mechanics. Within each given mode you are able to move the main character with the left analog stick while jumping, and double jumping with the (A) button. The modes you'll encounter include a more playable mode called 'Checkpoint Mode', A hardcore version of the previous mode called 'Hardcore Mode', an 'Infinite Mode', and even an 'Infinite Coin Mode'. All modes revolve around the same basic concept of dodge, or die trying.

In 'Checkpoint' mode your goal is to dodge sequences of projectiles that act in different manners. Some projectiles will simply fly across the screen in one direction/path while others are more like homing missiles, and will follow you until you cause them to miss you and hit a wall. Once you've dodged a certain amount of these projectile attacks the screen will flash the words "checkpoint" letting you know that you've made it to the next checkpoint. The game keeps track of where you've made it, so if you quit, and start up again you'll be able to continue from your last checkpoint, hence the name "Checkpoint Mode".

The 'Hardcore Mode' is basically the same as 'Checkpoint Mode' with a couple of key differences. In this mode the difficulty is increased, and your efforts are now timed. As you run, jump, and dodge the various projectiles in your path a counter will count up keeping track of how long you survive. If you die the game will end giving you the opportunity to share your record time, or continue playing with a new timer in place. The neatest thing about this mode is the fact that after your death you can share your record time with your XBL friends via Xbox Live. Like 'Checkpoint Mode' this mode type also uses checkpoints.

Infinite Mode is a random, and "infinite" version of the previous two game types. It's name practically explains what the mode is all about. The only thing I really need to say is that like the 'Hardcore Mode' this mode is also timed. As such you'll be able to share your record survival times with your XBL friends via Xbox Live. I should also mention that unlike the previous two modes this one is totally random, and features no checkpoints, hence the word "Infinite" in the title. Following in the footsteps of this particular mode type is a unique game mode called "Infinite Coin Mode". This mode copies all that 'Infinite Mode' has to offer except this time around your score is based on how many square golden coins you collect. Out of all the available mode types this one is oddly the most difficult.

In the end I quite enjoyed the time I spent trying to best my records in this game. Each, and every mode that you advance in makes you feel as if you've accomplished a notable gaming feat. This game will definitely test your skills as a gamer, but will do so in a friendly way that is nowhere near as frustrating as games like "Platformance: Temple Death", or "The Impossible Game". I think this is mainly due to the often hilarious expressions that the ghostly character makes when he dies. The neon projectile visuals also seem to make the game more visually appealing. Aside from the flashy graphics, and hardcore gameplay you'll also find that there aren't really any cheap deaths. Death can be cheated (in this game) if you pay attention to the projectile patterns. I myself made it far into checkpoint mode despite the occasional mishap. As far as recommending the game goes I think it's very much worth the 80 msp asking price. Stegersaurus is one of the handful of returning XBLIG developers who produce quality indie titles. In this latest game they definitely continue their trend of excellence.