Xbox Game Pass has a ton of gems just waiting for subscribers to discover them. The service has an even mix of new AAA titles and indie games that may have flown under the radar, making it perfect for gamers with diverse interests. Likewise, Game Pass has its fair share of indie games that have received widespread recognition, as is the case with action-adventure game Death’s Door. The game won Best Indie Game at the Golden Joystick Awards last year among other accolades, so people may be well familiar with it. For those who aren’t, an indie gem awaits.
While it likely appeals to a broad market, Death’s Door may be of specific interest to fans of Nintendo games, and in particular fans of The Legend of Zelda. Since its launch, Death’s Door has been compared to a couple of games, including Dark Souls for its combat loop, but the more obvious comparison at first glance is Zelda. Death’s Door shares many similarities with the classic Nintendo series, which may help tide Zelda fans over until Breath of the Wild 2 is released later this year.
What is Death’s Door?
Death’s Door is one of the latest offerings from indie publisher Devolver Digital, which has put out a number of acclaimed games over the years. Death’s Door was one of the highest-rated games of 2021 by various reviewers, and certainly a successful release for Devolver Digital. It gained a large audience despite launching as an Xbox console exclusive, as while Death’s Door has a charming aesthetic, it also has a fairly dark tone. The player takes control of a crow who essentially works as a grim reaper, claiming the souls of monsters not ready to depart from the living world. However, it soon becomes clear that a conspiracy is afoot, and the player needs to open Death’s Door in order to get to the bottom of it.
This story of conspiracy and soul reaping is wrapped in a cartoonish aesthetic that acts as a smokescreen for the darker tone of its premise. Death’s Door rewards exploration, and its art style has been compared to a Studio Ghibli-inspired world. There’s a lot of backtracking to be done in Death’s Door as players unlock previously inaccessible areas, and like a Souls game, players aim to defeat monsters, reach checkpoints, and unlock new parts of the world. This top-down adventure game offers a strong challenge, but rewards those who are persistent.
Death’s Door is Great For The Legend of Zelda Fans
Death’s Door doesn’t shy away from the darker elements of its story, although it does have a fanciful tone to its aesthetic. Some of its elements and bosses wouldn’t look out of place in a Zelda game. While Breath of the Wild 2 is currently scheduled to release this year, assuming there are no delays, fans looking to scratch their 2D Legend of Zelda itch may have to wait for some time. Fans of top-down Zelda may have to look elsewhere for a similar experience, and Death’s Door’s gameplay and aesthetic could fit the bill.
Death’s Door's rewarding exploration and darker undertones should also be familiar to Zelda fans. With it being among the games coming soon to Xbox Game Pass, trying it out should be a no-brainer for Nintendo fans who are subscribed on either console or PC. It may be some time before Zelda fans receive a true top-down Legend of Zelda game, even if Breath of the Wild 2 releases soon, but there are plenty of Zelda-like experiences out there to satiate that hunger.
Death's Door is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.