Games these days are expensive. Unless you’re looking at indie titles, most of the time you’re paying up to $60 per game. Free games are also an option, but it’s generally pretty difficult to weed through all the games that only claim to be free when they’re really waiting to strangle you with microtransactions that are all but required to actually enjoy the game.
But if you’re looking for a game on PS4 to have some fun with and not spend a buck, you should take a look at the delightfully bizarre Let It Die.
The Gameplay
Let It Die is a roguelike, meaning it has an element of permadeath to it. As you play, you’ll be sending dozens of expendable bodies up a structure known as the Tower of Barbs, in hopes of reaching the top. It’s easier said than done, though, as hordes of enemies stand in your way. The combat takes some notes from Dark Souls, in that it places emphasis on dodging and attacking enemies when you have an opening, rather than simply button-mashing. Granted, it’s not quite as polished as Dark Souls, but that is a rather high standard to set.
One interesting feature that sets it apart from its roguelike peers is directly related to its title. As you progress further, you unlock stronger characters you can play as, and the game actively encourages you to kill off your current one so you can switch over…in other words, to let it die. You can get continues (purchased with real money) in order to stave off death, but it becomes increasingly less worth it.
The Style
The gameplay is executed well (for the most part), but what really makes this game enjoyable is its sense of style. The Tower of Barbs is set in a futuristic, dystopian Japan. And the game’s mascot is a guy called “Uncle Death”, who looks like the Grim Reaper wearing novelty spiral glasses and riding a skateboard. He also refers to you as “senpai.” Yes, really.
Meet your new best friend.
The absurdity of this game goes further than that, when you take a look at its weapon variety (ranging from chainsaws to irons to the “murderous rake”) and even consumables (you can eat frogs to regain health). If nothing else, finding all the oddities the game has to offer should keep you entertained for quite some time.
If it cost money, I’m not sure whether I would recommend Let It Die. But as a free game, it’s absolutely worth a look. There are microtransactions, but they aren’t required for your enjoyment (and if you’re a PS+ member, the game will give you a bunch of premium items for free). If you’re looking for a way to kill some time on PS4 without killing your wallet, this game is a great choice.
What are your thoughts on Let It Die? Let us know in the comments!
