Just released for early access, Have a Nice Death stands out with striking art and a dynamic combat system that feels fresh yet familiar. The trailers drew massive attention and millions have watched, signaling a strong anticipation from gamers. After spending considerable time with Have a Nice Death, here are thoughtful impressions of what players can expect.
What is a nice death?
Roguelikes once appealed to a niche audience, but the genre surged after the success of Dead Cells and Hades, which were heralded as standout titles. Returnal also found a solid audience, aligning well with fan expectations. The team at Magic Design Studios jumped into this space, and the buzz from the trailers helped establish a dedicated following. The visuals lean toward the warmer, brighter tones reminiscent of Hollow Knight, while the kinetic attacks and skill animations clearly nod to classic roguelike action. The gameplay, meanwhile, channels Dead Cells: run, fight, upgrade, and restart when you fall, compelled to try again and improve with each run.
But does that equation make a game truly compelling? It’s a fair question. Have a Nice Death is enjoyable, yet it sometimes feels like it lacks a spark of inspiration that makes a title memorable.
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The Plot of Have a Nice Death
In a world where death can sometimes feel distant, an old caretaker of the afterlife carried out duties for the living and the dead with stoic efficiency. When fatigue sets in for the grim reaper, powerful echoes rise in the form of Sorrows, and even Death herself takes a break for a spell.
Time passes and power shifts. Sorrows grow stronger as Death loses influence, and the subordinate forces begin to overstep their bounds, threatening to overwhelm the mortal realm. Realizing the danger, Death takes up the scythe again, determined to restore balance, discipline the misbehaving factions, and confront forgotten villains. Yet the road to reclaiming order is not easy.
The story in Have a Nice Death tends to be straightforward, avoiding intricate worldbuilding in favor of humor and a brisk pace. While occasional lore drops come from characters who remain on Death’s side, the narrative stays light and accessible, with dialogue that punctuates the action and gives players brief, humorous breaks between battles.
The humor is a steady companion throughout, and the performances deliver with enough wit to elicit a smile even amid the perilous moments.
Gameplay Have a Nice Death
Core gameplay mirrors classic roguelike principles. Death embarks on a long journey through a personal realm, pursuing the heads of opponents and moving from boss to boss. The structure is built around five distinct floors, each culminating in a major confrontation. Enemies are plentiful but, for the most part, manageable once their attack patterns are understood. Only in arena moments do players face tight, crowded engagements that demand precise strategy.
Progression requires careful planning. On several floors, players can discover essences to upgrade weapons or acquire items that boost combat readiness. Other areas yield equipment that assists in combat, and occasional mini-bosses offer treasure rewards. The route choice matters: should one chase resources early or push toward weapon upgrades and potential boosts later? The path choice shapes the boss fights and simplifies or complicates the encounters ahead.
One of the game’s defining features is its “start from scratch” rhythm. Just as in other roguelikes, a failed run resets progress, but with one notable twist: Death earns gold after a failed attempt, which can be spent on unlocking new weapons, upgrading gear, and expanding options for future runs. Yet there’s no guarantee that the sought-after gear will appear soon, keeping luck and decision-making at the heart of every run.
To beat Have a Nice Death, players must read enemy tells, dodge deftly, and adapt to the rhythm of each encounter. Some prefer ranged weapons to chip away from a distance, others favor heavy melee for close quarters. The question of which weapon will drop during a run adds an element of suspense and personal strategy to each attempt.
The variety of equipment is decent at the outset and grows as players push deeper. Weapons can be upgraded or transformed by altering their base properties, but stamina with each run can wear thin, and new gear often takes a while to appear. Boss encounters are well-crafted, offering enough challenge without tipping into frustration. The overall balance leans toward engaging but fair combat that rewards timing and planning.
Meanwhile, the world’s bosses deliver enough variety to keep battles interesting without reinventing the wheel. The roguelite pacing and the tempo of fights create a satisfying loop, even if some encounters feel less inventive than in other modern titles. The game’s scope and design keep the momentum up, and the journey to the final boss can occupy many hours for dedicated players.
In terms of enemy variety, Have a Nice Death presents a consistent lineup of mobs within each boss area. They’re visually distinct but not radically varied, which means players focus more on attack cues and positioning. Still, the core combat loop remains compelling enough to sustain a player’s interest through multiple runs, and the core roguelike thrill is very much present.
Visual, System Requirements and Sound
The game’s presentation is polished. Character designs, stage layouts, fluid animations, and a vibrant color palette combine to create a warm, inviting world. The visual style nods to Hollow Knight while maintaining its own charm and energy, offering a pleasing atmosphere that supports the action. The aesthetic choice helps the game feel accessible and welcoming, even amid the often brutal combat moments.
On the technical side, Have a Nice Death runs smoothly on systems that meet its basic requirements. A modest setup is enough to enjoy the game: a capable graphics card and a few gigs of RAM ensure a steady frame rate and responsive gameplay. The audio complements the action with a soundtrack that stays mood-appropriate—calm, then driving during boss fights—helping to maintain focus during long sessions.
For players who are curious about Have a Nice Death but aren’t fond of the pixel art style offered by some roguelikes, this title provides a fresh alternative with enough charm to win over new fans. It remains an early-access project, and there is potential for more content and features to arrive over time.
Are you going to play Have a Nice Death?
Source: VG Times