Death's Door

Death's Door is an action adventure from Acid Nerve that draws on the design of classic games in The Legend of Zelda series, including its emphasis on polished timing-based combat, exploration of interconnected locations, and the gradual unlocking of new abilities needed to return to previously inaccessible places. The player takes on the role of a crow working as a soul collector, whose routine assignment goes wrong after the soul she was meant to deliver is stolen from her, and she sets out to reclaim it through a series of dangerous, thematically distinct worlds full of puzzles and enemies. Along the way she meets other soul collectors, whose fates and conversations lend surprising depth to an outwardly simple story, along with plenty of dark humor.

On Xbox Series X|S the game runs smoothly with fast loading between areas, which stands out especially when returning to previously visited locations with newly acquired abilities, such as a bomb attack or a grappling hook. A melancholic visual style with a muted, almost autumnal color palette and orchestral music underscore the themes of death and impermanence the game repeatedly explores, without losing its lightness and the dry humor in the dialogue of supporting characters.

Death's Door was released in 2021 and was received by critics as one of the most polished smaller titles of its time, praised especially for its precise combat system, challenging boss fights, and thoughtful level design in the metroidvania spirit. The game is often cited today as an example of how a small team can, with limited resources, create a game comparable in quality to larger productions, and in the Game Pass catalog it's a regularly recommended title for fans of action adventures who appreciate a game that can be completed in a reasonable time without unnecessary padding or filler content, yet still leaves a strong and lasting impression.

Why play it: For metroidvania fans who appreciate precise boss fights and thoughtful level design, it's proof that a small team can create a game comparable to big productions, and one that can be finished in a reasonable amount of time.