Death Machine
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About Death Machine
Death Machine is a 2026 indie adventure game developed by Philip Froelich. It blends platforming and metroidvania exploration with a roguelite twist. Set inside a large mechanical citadel, you play as a lone warrior collecting items to upgrade abilities, summon demons, and battle through procedurally generated sections. The game emphasizes backtracking to access new areas and uses a risk-reward system where item placement shifts each run. Released exclusively for PC, it’s a single-player experience with a focus on vertical movement and timed combat. The core loop revolves around surviving hostile environments while piecing together a strategy to reach the citadel’s core.
Gameplay
You navigate a labyrinth of gears and hazards using precise platforming, dodging lasers and crushing machinery. Each run lets you pick up to three items that alter gameplay, like slowing time or summoning a fire demon, to tackle enemies and environmental puzzles. Boss fights require memorizing attack patterns and adapting to shifting mechanics. The roguelite element means item availability resets if you die, forcing you to experiment with builds. Exploration is key; you’ll revisit early areas with new tools to unlock shortcuts. Combat is fast but unforgiving, with health regenerating only between rooms. The game’s challenge lies in balancing resource management with the urgency of advancing before mechanical enemies swarm your location.
What Players Think
Community ratings average 87% with 72% “completed or playing.” Average playtime is 12.5 hours, and 43% finish the main story. Moods are split between curiosity (38%) and frustration (29%). Critics praise the “clever item synergies” but note “repetitive boss designs.” One player wrote, “The risk of losing progress keeps you hooked, but some rooms feel like filler.” Achievement completion stands at 68%, with 15 total unlocks tied to specific items and boss kills. While 58% of players return for speedrun attempts, 21% quit after three failed runs. Price remains unlisted, but 62% of owners say it’s “worth the cost.”
PlayPile's Take
Death Machine is for players who enjoy high-risk metroidvania mechanics and experimental builds. The roguelite item system adds replayability but may frustrate those who dislike permadeath. With 15 achievements and a completion rate under 50%, it’s a niche pick. If you’re patient with grinding and enjoy optimizing strategies, the 12-hour average playtime offers enough content. However, the lack of save points and occasional filler sections might deter casual players. Best suited for fans of punishing, tool-based exploration.
Game Modes
Single player
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