Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantastic, violent platformer is rewarding but challenging.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Dead Cells+
What's It About?
DEAD CELLS+ introduces a nameless "failed alchemic experiment," who now has a glowing orb where his head would normally be. Your goal in this 2D rogue-like action platformer is to escape a deadly castle, filled with monstrous enemies and traps. You can choose which weapons to use -- such as a sword and shield or bow and arrow, as examples -- plus there are special items and attacks, orbs to collect, different paths to take, boss fighters, and collectables and secrets to find. You cannot "die," but you lose some magic and must start the level all over again. Plus, the level design and enemies are procedurally generated, so it can be challenging. The game's tagline is "Kill. Die. Learn. Repeat." As with other Apple Arcade games, there are no advertisements or in-game purchases. In fact, the developer is offering all three downloadable content (DLC) expansion as part of the game: The Bad Seed, Fatal Falls, and Queen and the Sea. The Apple Arcade version also includes new outfits and weapons, daily leaderboards (to compare your progress against others), the option to auto-hit enemies, and a training room.
Is It Any Good?
Between its smart game design, countless ways to customize the experience, and bonus three DLC expansions included, this is an engaging, challenging platformer worthy of your time. It's difficult to pinpoint the exact charm of Dead Cells+, but it mostly lies at the intersection of exploration, frenetic action, light role-playing elements, and the ever-changing (and dynamically generated) platforming elements. You'll study your enemy's patterns, figure out the best way to complete the level to avoid starting from the top, perhaps switch up your playstyle and loadout (through trial and error), decide if and when to use a limited amulets and magic attacks, and search for helpful runes, secret passages, and collectibles.
While you might dismiss this pixelated 2D game as "retro," which might imply "easy," it's surprisingly deep and demanding. But despite how many times you encounter a setback -- and it'll happen a lot -- you won't be deterred as your mind will race on how to re-approach the level successfully. And just when you think you've finally made it to the end of a particularly tough level in the castle, you may be facing off against a boss fighter that has it in for you. If you didn't suffer from sweaty hands before playing this game, it may start with Dead Cells+. While there are some minor control issues with the touch-screen buttons (iPhone, iPad), and the fact there's no Mac version of this Apple Arcade title, there is little to complain about with Dead Cells+.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in video games. Is the impact of the violence in Dead Cells+ affected by the pixelated visuals of the game? Would it have a stronger impact if the visuals were more realistic?
What's the appeal of retro-looking games? Does it bring back the fun of older titles? Is it because it focuses on gameplay instead of visuals?
Game Details
- Platform : Apple Arcade
- Pricing structure : Paid (Part of the $4.99/month Apple Arcade service.)
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Playdigious
- Release date : January 6, 2023
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Robots
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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