By Luis Gutierrez, Staff REporter
There’s one main objective in any action game: don’t die. Whether getting eaten by a, dragon in Windhelm, or waxed by a Nazi zombie, those who die are rarely saluted. But not in “Disc Room.” In this game, death is usually the only way to survive, as to advance to the next level means being sliced, shredded and otherwise murdered by a psychotic disc.
Devolver Digital, the team behind hit games such as “Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout,” and others once again successfully delivers an entertaining game that is both simple for relative newbies yet complicated enough to keep seasoned players sticking around.
The simplicity stems from the fact that each room you enter you confront these discs, but what complicates matters is that you don’t know how you’re supposed to be killed–and in some you actually have to survive.) With over 40 rooms to clear you’ll encounter a range of 64 disc.That keeps the game fresh and stimulating, because not all rooms are the same.
Just like the rooms, the discs are constantly changing. They range from maniacal instruments of destruction to those with a colored aura that slow you down when entering it, making it easier to die. of killing tools, some have an aura and when in it, you’ll be slowed down making it easier for you to die.
Despite the odds seemingly against you, the farther you advance, the more abilities are unlocked, such as slowing time, cloning and more. These help you survive the more challenging leve, however you only one ability at a time, and never know when the next one will become available.
One flaw is the storyline. It is set up with a mysterious, sci-vi vibe, as to why these deadly discs are randomly killing people. The reason isn’t unveiled until the end of the game, and there are no clues given, so those who appreciate narrative structure will be disappointed. But if you like fast-paced games where you are constantly on alert, then this is something for you.
The progression of the rooms is also a plus. While each revolves around the players dying at one point, meeting your destined end varies. Sometimes, it’s clear, like running headlong into a disc. Other times, you have to decipher a vague clue that pops up on the screen like “??? four times.”
Other highlights include the game’s competitive aspects, and the music. Each room has a leaderboard and I found myself staying in rooms after completing the main objective just to see if I could beat the top score. It’s even better when that score is a friend’s.
The music is constantly changing, ranging from relaxing, ambient lo-fi beats to more adrenaline pumping rhythms.
At $14.99 “Disc Room” is definitely worth the money. It’s a simple game to jump into but with enough surprises to keep you engaged. The game is available on Nintendo Switch, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. With all of that in mind the game is a 8/10.
