Dead Cells 2018

Released: August 7, 2018
Genres: Platform · Adventure · Indie
Platforms: PlayStation 4 · Linux · Android · PC · iOS · PlayStation 5 · Mac · Xbox One · Nintendo Switch
Developers: Motion Twin · Evil Empire
More info: Wikipedia IGDB

Where to buy

Digital: GOG Fanatical $21.24-15% Steam Epic Games Nintendo PlayStation Xbox

More deals on Fanatical, and in Adventure
Physical: Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: GOG, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, ININ Games and Amazon

Is it still worth playing?

Motion Twin's 2D side scrolling roguevania, in early access from 2017 and fully released in 2018 on Linux, macOS, Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows and Xbox One. Runs start in a prison, with permadeath and procedurally generated levels built from predesigned sections. Those levels reshape each time, but the template stays fixed, with shops, chests, loot doors that close on a timer and a set boss order. In a run you have a dodge roll and a ground slam, about 50 weapons and item synergies. Between runs, cells buy permanent upgrades, while runes unlock new travel routes and permanent abilities open new zones. Challenges are grouped into brutality, tactics and survival. Runs that change inside a template you come to know still pull you into one more today.