DEADBOLT

I like games where you have to use strategy and tactics to win, and I like games where you kill everyone on the map. It's hard to find something that isn't turn based that scratches both of those itches, but this game pulls it off.

I don't know how old I am vs. how old this game is. The soundtrack supports it all the way through. You owe it to yourself to buy it to pay respects to the giants of an era long gone. This is a masterpiece that I've played on and off for a decade.

Down to the great pixel art, worldbuilding and amazing soundtrack. The enemies are a bit too bullet spongy though (like in Risk of Rain), making the game more puzzle-like than HM.

Just astounding. Like a vampiric sequel to Gunpoint

Deadbolt is a fantastic little indie gem, a smart and stylish stealth shooter, and while it is being compared to titles such as hotline miami or gunpoint this game is more than capable to stand on its own. In fact, Deadbolt manages to convince both through its challenging gameplay as well as its atmospheric presentation. In Deadbolt you play as the Grimreaper who taking orders from a talking fireplace ventures into the dark to kill zombies, vampires and many more nightmarish creatures. Organised in gangs they are working a mysterious drug enterprise and it is up to you to get to the bottom of this conspiracy of the undead. Each level in Deadbolt serves as a riddle that is to be solved through slow-paced meticulous planning which will both require trial and error as well as reflexive precision gun play. While its gameplay consists of luring enemies into gun fire by maneuvering around to get at them or by tricking them into the dark the gun play itself is fantastically rewarding. An enemy will fall to the ground with splatters of blood and brains flying all over marking the walls in spectacular fashion. Especially if you nailed that much needed headshot to conserve ammunition to finish off the last remaining zombies in the level. Deadbolt has a simple and stark pixel style which keeps its colour scheme simple but it is its imaginative enemy designs where the pixel art shines. The variations of zombies, vampires and other creatures are both smart and stylish. Which can also be said about Deadbolt's terrific soundtrack. Noteworthy are also the bits of writing that are found in mission briefings or as tape recordings that you collect from slain enemies. They give a quirky and interesting glimpse into the world from the perspective of the monsters. I thoroughly loved my time with the dark and gritty world that is Deadbolt and very much think this game is worth your time. It sure is, if not already the favourite, at least one of my favourite titles this year.