Let it Die
Overview -
In 2026 AD, tectonic disturbances caused mass destruction around the world. Continued seismic activity gave way to a massive spire that seems to constantly grow and shift. Known as the Tower of Barbs, rumors spread that the top floor of the tower holds untold riches, luring in thousands who will fight and kill to reach its summit. Can you succeed where countless others have failed, and conquer the Tower of Barbs?
Video Review
While it's nothing terribly impressive on a technical level, the punk aesthetics and terrific sense of style help the game stand out a great deal, with plenty of little visual flourishes that gives everything a lot of personality. Character designs are largely absurd, but they're always memorable and fun. Unfortunately, most of the game's environments are standard apocalyptic fare, which can definitely grow repetitive over time.
Audio Review
The voice work here is terrific across the board, with a cast including actors like Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, Daveigh Chase, and Verne Troyer. Everyone puts in really great performances, making each character really fun to interact with. Akira Yamaoka's score is often surreal, but boasts plenty of excellent tracks, and the game features over 100 songs from different indie bands. Sound design is also lovely, making every attack feel a great deal more satisfying, and making the Tower of Barbs wonderfully oppressive.
Final Thoughts
Boasting some of the most compelling mechanics in a Grasshopper game to date and a terrific sense of style, 'Let it Die' is often a great time, and easily one of my favorite F2P games on consoles. The game is held back somewhat by occasionally wonky difficulty that feels particularly punishing given the game's death system, and it often feels padded with systems that drag things down in the name of length, but overall, I've been having a wonderful time with 'Let it Die', and I look forward to diving into it for weeks to come.