March 29, 2024

Deathstate Delivers Lovecraftian Bullet Hell Shooter Fun

Welcome to Indie Spotlight!

Are you a fan of bullet hell and/or twinstick shooter games? What about H.P. Lovecraft lore? Then Deathstate is the game for you!

Deathstate stood out as one of my favorite titles from the Indie MegaBooth at PAX East 2016. It is a roguelike monostick shooter based around the mysteries and horrors of H.P. Lovecraft. Oh, monostick shooter? This was the first time I had heard that term, too. Your character targets the nearest enemy and fires automatically. The second joystick instead serves as a sort of rapid phasewalk that helps you dodge incoming fire.

 

Endless baddies are coming your way, stay alive!
Endless baddies are coming your way, stay alive!

Each playthrough consists of four random castles, each with three randomly generated levels and a boss fight. You’ll face the undead, swamp things, demons and interdimensional creatures of unknown origin, all with a thirst for your soul!

As you explore each level, you’ll come across relics and weapons to improve your abilities. Mini bosses will also leave behind organs that you can ingest to become stronger. No two playthrough are the same!

A powerful priest in an unknown realm...
A powerful priest in an unknown realm…

To top it off, you have a great variety of characters to brave the other side. A scientist has special knowledge of potions you come across. A priest can dissipate all projectiles on a whim. A pumpkin man instills fears on his foes. Choose your favorite and see how far you can go!

Deathstate became an addition to my list of roguelikes in a matter of minutes. I have already run dozens of playthroughs, changing up my style and combinations for a unique challenge every time. With an in-game option to spike up the difficulty, Deathstate can be as exciting and challenging as you want it to be. Feel the power and fight to survive!

Deathstate is available on Steam.

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