“So in the past we released Let it Die and Deathverse,” said Shin in the developer diary. “This time, we’re aiming to make a game that will please both fans of Let it Die and Deathverse.”

Much like Let it Die, Deathverse: Let it Die will also feature roguelike exploration as part of its core gameplay loop. As for multiplayer, the game will feature both co-op, as well as PvP. Shin goes on to mention that the new title will use Let it Die as the foundation for the rest of the game to be built on.

“In short, it’ll be a roguelike exploration game featuring both co-op and player-versus-player, said Shin. “It’ll be taking the good parts from Let it Die. Actually, more accurately it’ll be using Let it Die as a base to build on.”

Deathverse: Let it Die was originally released on PC and PlayStation back in 2022. 2023, however, Supertrick Games announced that the game’s online services were being suspended. Deathverse: Let it Die has, since then, been under redevelopment with Hideyuki Shin taking on the role of its director.

Supertrick Games has announced that Deathverse: Let it Die will be temporarily suspending services in July 18, with the studio looking to “redevelop” with the games. With purported “significant improvements”, the developer feels the game will become more enjoyable to “a wider audience” on top of its existing playerbase. Meanwhile, starting February 7, Death Metal – the in-game currency – will no longer be purchasable.

“There is no doubt that we experienced some challenges since the launch of our game, particularly with regards to in-game matchmaking and lag. We deeply apologize for these issues that may have caused an inconvenience to our players,” Supertrick Games writes. “While we have tried various solutions to some degree of success, we have not been able to resolve the underlying problems. As a result, the development and operations teams have made the decision to temporarily suspend the game’s services while we redevelop Deathverse: Let it Die.

“This was a difficult decision for us to make. However, we believe that re-releasing the game with significant improvements will allow it to be enjoyed by a wider audience as well as our current players. Considering how much time goes into developing a game–and that there’s a finite number of games one can possibly make in a lifetime–it’s impossible to say at this stage whether this is the right choice. But we love this game and are proud to have developed it together as a team. Therefore, we believe this is the best possible decision at this time.”

There’s no word yet on when Deathverse: Let it Die will come back online. The game is currently available on PS5, PS4, and PC.

NOTE: This interview was conducted prior to the game’s launch.

"Like with Let it Die, we designed this game with the idea that we want people to enjoy playing the game with a wide variety of unique weapons."

Given Deathverse: Let it Die’s free-to-play model, how have you approached monetization in the game?

Monetization is based on skins for character customization, Wilsons, weapons, room decorations, and other cosmetic items. The Season Pass is the main purchasable item in the game, and by purchasing it, you will be able to obtain a wide variety of cosmetic items.

Weapon designs in Deathverse: Let it Die have caught the eye of many. Can you talk us through the process of coming up with those unique designs?

Like with Let it Die, we designed this game with the idea that we want people to enjoy playing the game with a wide variety of unique weapons. Although the game specializes in melee weapons, we aimed to create weapons with visuals that are rarely seen in other action games, while keeping the basics in mind, and that can be played in a way that is unique to the action itself.

Beyond their visual design, how significantly are the weapons different from one another when it comes to using them in combat? Is experimentation and practicing with different weapon types to master them something that’ll be an important part of the experience?

Even within the same weapon type, there are variations that can perform completely different actions depending on the Deathblow (special move) or main skill. Each weapon has its own unique characteristics, so by practicing in the game’s training room, you will learn the “tricks” for handling them.

"The game is designed to change dramatically with the introduction of randomly reconfigured stages, Hunters, and Cryptids."

How much of an emphasis does the game place on build variety and depth in progression and customization mechanics?

The game is designed to change dramatically with the introduction of randomly reconfigured stages, Hunters, and Cryptids. The rules are the same, but the game experience will be different each time. Also, since you can craft weapons before you start a match, this will create a play cycle in which players are more motivated to go into battle again with the weapons they have created.

What frame rate and resolution will the game target on the PS5?

Gameplay is designed to run at 60 fps for a pleasant Deathverse action experience. The resolution is 4K.

What can you tell us about your plans for Deathverse post-launch support in terms of new content and things such as battle passes and the like?

We’re planning regular, seasonal updates from launch onward, starting now with Season 1. Future seasons will add events, Hunters, skins, and more. We’ll also be adding crossplay, HDR, and other features down the line.

"We’re planning regular, seasonal updates from launch onward, starting now with Season 1."

Do you have any plans to release Deathverse for Xbox or Switch down the line?

At this point, the team is focused on making Deathverse: Let it Die the best experience it can be for PlayStation and PC.

Set in the year 2026, a natural calamity known as the Earth’s Rage has driven the population into a wild frenzy. Now, a violent and brutal bloodsport by the name of Death Jamboree is raging across television screens throughout the globe. Players assume the role of one such player in this very popular bloodsport as they try to make a name for themselves by winning matches and amassing fame. The story or the world-building isn’t anything interesting, but in a gameplay-oriented title like this one – this particular criticism shouldn’t come as any surprise.

" The story or the world-building isn’t anything captivating, but in a gameplay-oriented title like this one – this particular criticism shouldn’t come as any surprise."

You start by creating your character by selecting from a bunch of options in the character creator, and following that – you are thrust into a tutorial that takes you through the basics of movement and combat. Deathverse: Let it Die is entirely based around close-range combat through melee weapons, and you have your general assortment of light, heavy, and special attacks. There’s also a shield that has a limited capacity for blocking attacks, and once that limit exceeds – you are momentarily stunned which leaves you open to critical attacks. You can also dodge, dash, and jump – and chaining your regular attacks with these movements opens up even more avenues for attacking your adversaries. In addition to this, there are a couple of special perks that you can pick up from the battlefield to get an edge over your opponents in combat.

SuperTrick has crafted a pretty potent combat system that strikes a fine balance between accessibility and depth. While it can take a couple of matches to get up to speed with the combat system and its many mechanics, it quickly becomes second nature afterward as you effortlessly start to chain moves and dodge enemy attacks. But a major issue with the combat system is that there is no lock-on system. While the game does adjust your perspective to align with the enemy, but with enemies being as mobile as they usually are – it can all start to feel finicky at times. The issue becomes even more pronounced when there are multiple enemies on screen at a given time.

"But a major issue with the combat system is that there is no lock-on system. While the game does adjust your perspective to align with the enemy, but with enemies being as mobile as they usually are – it can all start to feel finicky at times. "

Deathverse: Let It Die features two types of game modes – a ranked and an unranked quick match. Both of these modes are based around Death Jamboree, the popular bloodsport which sees a total of 16 players dropping into a map as they try to survive up until the very end and hopefully, emerge victorious.

Each map is divided into multiple open arenas, and each of them is connected with others through short passageways and doors. As the match goes on and players start to fall, select areas start to get contaminated – which forces the remaining players to move towards the safe areas. Deathverse: Let It Die also adds a hunter player to the mix, which is an unkillable character that ruthlessly hunts the players on the field – which of course, requires you to stay out of its line of sight. You are free to use all sorts of tricks and strategies on the battlefield, ranging from hiding in bushes to all-out-frontal assault or intercepting two fighting players to anything that your mind conjures up.

" You are free to use all sorts of tricks and strategies on the battlefield, ranging from hiding in bushes to all-out-frontal assault or intercepting two fighting players to anything that your mind conjures up. "

The maps themselves are also pretty distinct, both in form and function. Furthermore, the level geometry of different maps is well suited to a particular strategy. For instance, a particular map might have plenty of cover – so using stealth to pass out the time might be a better option for that situation. On the other hand, a second map might lend itself very well to aerial takedowns because it has a lot of verticality in its geometry. All in all, there’s decent variety amongst the maps. But you don’t get the option to select which maps you want to queue for, which can become frustrating after a while.

But apart from Death Jamboree, Deathverse: Let It Die doesn’t feature any additional game modes. It would have been great if there were some mini-games, any other team-based game modes, or anything in that vein. You can play the same game unranked match with your friends through an online invite, but that’s it. It’s very likely that SuperTrick may introduce new modes and ideas with future seasons, but at the moment – Deathverse feels pretty lacking in terms of content variety.

But thankfully, Deathverse: Let It Die has a decent progression system where players can unlock all sorts of cool things from weapons to materials to skins and whatnot. Using the currency gained from playing matches, you can craft all sorts of weapons ranging from buzzsaws to power gloves and katanas and other weapons. But you also need to have the required materials with you to craft these weapons, and they can be obtained by hunting animals and collecting resources found on different maps. But with no ability to select maps or farm these materials, crafting a desired weapon can become a frustrating affair. You can also gain currencies and other rewards by completing daily challenges, or you could also spring up real cash for a battle pass that works just like you’d expect it to.

"But with no ability to select maps or farm these required materials for progression, crafting the desired weapon can become a frustrating affair."

Deathverse: Let It Die’s visual presentation isn’t anything to gawk at, but it’s nothing bad either. The game has a very bright color palette and abundant use of gold, and the character design also looks pretty unique, to say the least. The levels also use popping colours like red and maroon abundantly, and they look fairly good. Deathverse: Let It Die is a pretty technically sound game as well, and I didn’t notice any significant bugs or glitches during my time with the game. That said, I did experience a recurring connectivity issue whenever I logged in – which required me to reconnect at least two or three times before the game finally logged me on its server.

In conclusion, Deathverse: Let It Die is a solid game in this overcrowded market of battle royale games. SuperTrick has created a fairly decent combat system that strikes a good balance between accessibility and depth, and the gameplay loop is also enjoyable with varied levels allowing for different strategies. But everything surrounding that core gameplay loop – such as additional game modes and the ability to queue for certain maps are missing from the game at the moment. Furthermore, Deathverse’s progression system can also be frustrating to deal with at times. But at the asking price of absolutely nothing, Deathverse: Let It Die is at least worth checking out, and with some meaningful content updates and additions – it can become a great game on its own.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

In the meantime, the developer has provided new images while discussing five weapons – the Machete, Katana, Arms, Buzzsaw, and Hammer. Director Shin Hideyuki talks about how the weapons aren’t just for cutting and punching but also adding “a layer of horror as a torture device. All the weapons have a common design, where they have a tank (the shiny blue part) that contains a substance called ‘SPLithium’.”

The Machete is a one-handed weapon that’s balanced for offense and defense. Its special attack destroys enemy shields, priming them for the kill. The Hammer is slower but deals immense damage. Attacks can be chained for an endless combo or charged to unleash a shockwave that destroys shields. The Katana is weak against shields but can parry attacks.

The Arms are unique since they destroy shields with regular attacks and allow for flying up to attack from above. They can also create a barrier to protect against strikes. Finally, there’s the Buzzsaw which can “pull off powerful multiple combos and death blows against opponents.” You’ll need good timing and accuracy but that versatility makes it tough to fight.

Stay tuned for more details, including a proper release date, in the coming months.

The test will assess network stability with the aim of ensuring the “quality and stability of the final product.” It’s worth noting that the beta’s content and dates are subject to change without prior notice, and may experience difficulties and stoppages. Data also can’t be carried over into the final release (and may be reset for the beta’s duration).

You can also expect certain functions to either be restricted or disabled. UI elements and game balance are also subject to change before launch.

Deathverse: Let It Die is out in Spring for PS4 and PS5. The “story” takes place hundreds of years after a natural disaster that turned the world upside down. The survival reality show Death Jamboree is now all the rage and involves contestants battling it out in melee combat. Stay tuned for more details when the network test goes live.

Sifu

Slocap, the developer behind the martial-arts-based Absolver, is returning back to its roots once again with Sifu. Players assume the role of a king fu student who sets out to exact revenge for the death of his family. Sifu is built around a very interesting mortality mechanic, wherein players will age by a certain number upon death – which has repercussions on stats like health and damage. It goes a lot deeper than just that, of course – and with a distinct art style and deep combat system, Sifu seems to be shaping up really well. It’s currently slated for release on February 8th, 2022.

Contestants can equip a variety of different weapons and equipment with abilities like wall hacks and diving attacks showcased. There also seem to be finishers that players can use to annihilate their foes. Death is only a minor inconvenience though as players can craft new weapons and try again. It’s unknown whether the title has any connections to Let it Die from Grasshopper Manufacture (which was recently acquired by NetEase Games).

Deathverse: Let it Die is slated to release in Spring 2022 for PS4 and PS5. Stay tuned for more news and announcements from the State of Play shortly.