Sure thing. Here it goes:
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Alright, so there’s this game, Death end re;Quest: Code Z. Sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi thriller, right? Idea Factory International and Compile Heart decided to shake things up by tossing us into a parallel universe. Why? Who knows, but here we are, cruising through World DE-1.5. Yep, it’s like a copy of our Earth from the 2000s, but with more “oops, you’re dead” moments just waiting to happen.
First off, get this: it’s not your typical turn-based RPG. Instead, they went all rogue-like dungeon crawler on us. Total Shiren the Wanderer vibes. I’d reviewed that other game, Shiren… oh what was it — The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island on the Switch. But anyway, Code Z hands you over 100 ways to kick the bucket, each creatively crafted by Makoto Kedouin, the genius behind the chilling Corpse Party. If this doesn’t intrigue you, maybe it’s time to check your pulse.
Okay, diving deeper—literally and figuratively—I picked a difficulty setting. Now, brace yourself: you’ve got Normal for no-strings-attached dying, Elite that robs you of all your goodies upon death, and Expert, the ultimate life-draining level, where even Sayaka’s data takes a nosedive after every escape attempt. It’s a real ‘gamers only’ style challenge.
So, you’re Sayaka Hiwatari. You shuffle through dungeons like it’s an elaborate chess game. Enemies stride and pounce just as you do. All a matter of timing, really. There’s a sequence: move, attack, dodge a ferocious bug bite perhaps. The X button becomes your new best friend when facing foes. Oh, and squares can make you face your fears—or enemies, same difference.
Now, picture this: the camera’s a bit finicky. Control it like your rebellious teenage years—hit the buttons right, and it’ll behave. You can zoom in, zoom out, twist it, turn it… all the while making sure you don’t get blindsided by an oncoming nemesis.
And let’s talk about Sanity. Yeah, forget everything you know about typical hunger meters in rogue-likes. This one messes with your head. Watch it dwindle as you wander through traps or take a jab at enemies. The visuals start tweaking if Sanity hits rock bottom. Ether Codes become your lifeline; find them or buy them, your call.
Speaking of lifelines, the “Death Ends” are a showstopper here. Morbidly fascinating, I must admit. End a run, add it to your log, earn Skill Points, and beef up Sayaka’s talents. It’s like achieving misery but getting rewarded for it. Use the Skill Tree wisely—it’s not just decorative.
Oh, and if you’re on a trophy hunt, take note. This baby’s got a full list of 18 Bronze, nine Silver, and five Gold trophies. From leveling up Sayaka to collecting an absurd number of weapons, and yeah, experiencing a ton of Death Ends too. A trophy hunter’s dream or nightmare, depending on your knack for punishment.
In the gritty midst of all these extraordinary catastrophes, you might want a peek at the Deluxe Edition. It’s got the digital soundtrack and art book, but you’ll fork out a neat $69.99 for it. Or, grab the plain version for fifty bucks. You do you.
Anyway, there’s my spiel on Death end re;Quest: Code Z. If you’re up for something utterly mind-boggling with a side of existential dread, maybe give it a whirl. Just my two cents.
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There it is. Enjoy!