The Prisoner, an amorphous creature capable of possessing dead bodies, awakens in the depths of an island prison with no memory. A soldier tells the Prisoner they can no longer die. Through repeated escape attempts, the Prisoner learns that the island was once a powerful kingdom brought to ruin when a plague called "The Malaise" transformed most of its citizens into mutated monsters. After escaping the prison depths, the Prisoner resolves to kill the island's reclusive King, believing that his death will change something on the island. Fighting through plague-infested regions, the Prisoner reaches the throne room and slays the comatose monarch, only for the King's corpse to explode violently, destroying the Prisoner's host body. The head crawls through a fountain drain that leads back to the prison, where the cycle begins again.
Dead Cells is a roguelike-metroidvania hybrid that has maintained steady attention since its 2018 release across numerous platforms. The game remains challenging enough that filmmaker Guillermo del Toro recently requested an easier mode, prompting the developers to explore accessibility options. Evil Empire, the studio behind Dead Cells, has shifted focus toward a full Castlevania revival titled Belmont's Curse after Konami declined their initial pitch for a Dead Cells Castlevania DLC in favor of the standalone project. The new Castlevania game has generated considerable acclaim for blending classic series DNA with Dead Cells' polished style, with a demo planned ahead of the season. Meanwhile, Dead Cells itself continues to find audiences through subscription services and retains influence as a reference point for indie platformers entering the market.
via Eurogamer
If you've been hungering for something gothic as we inch towards October, the scariest month of the year, then you're in luck. Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is getting a demo you'll be able to sink your fangs into soon.
via Rogueliker
If you loved Dead Cells, this article has recommendations galore, from Spelunky to Dunjungle and everything in between.
via Rock Paper Shotgun
"You're not the last Belmont anymore", Trevor reminds his daughter Rose, as they gently sail into a Paris ablaze and ripped apart by monsters. Rose knows it well, as do indie developers Evil Empire. Following their success with roguelike Dead Cells (and its own Castlevania DLC),…
via PCGamesN
The new Castlevania game succeeds in being both familiar and fresh, and it’s easily the prettiest title I saw at Gamescom this year.
via GameRant
A new game on Steam has serious Dead Cells vibes, but it takes place in Mexico and offers a Metroidvania experience inspired by Mexican folklore.
via GG.deals
Come and see whether last month's lineup is worth your time and money.
via Rogueliker
Dead Cells is one of two headline games in the latest Humble Choice, although you'll need to move fast.
The eight Humble Choice in 2026 has arrived, featuring Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Dead Cells plus DLC, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – Ultimate Edition and more PC games! The latest Humble Choice is available to buy from August 4th 2026 to September 1st 20…
via GameSpot
Whether you're a veteran gamer or not, it's okay to admit that Motion Twin's 2018 roguelike-metroidvania Dead Cells is kinda hard. So much so that, eight years later, acclaimed filmmaker and avid gamer Guillermo del Toro has implored the studio to make it a little more forgiving…
via Shacknews
Evil Empire is said to have approached Konami about a Castlevania DLC for Dead Cells, at which Konami offered to work with the studio on a full game.