Netflix nabs the iconic Dead Cells for its ever-growing games library

Netflix’s game studio is slowly but surely dropping new titles, adding around 40 mobile releases in 2023. One such game is the universally-acclaimed Metroidvania/roguelike action gem Dead Cells, which was just announced as part of the streamer’s “Netflix & Thrill” promotion for Halloween. I wouldn’t exactly call this a horror game, but you do play as a headless blob-infused ghost and it's heavily inspired by the Castlevania series, so sure why not.

Dead Cells: Netflix Edition looks to include the full original game along with all kinds of DLC, including the recently-released crossover with the aforementioned genre stalwart Castlevania. A traditional Netflix subscription gives you access to the game on both iOS and Android devices. It remains to be seen if you can use the official game controller app to play the game on a supported television.

If you’ve been living underneath a rock that changes location each day, Dead Cells is a sidescrolling roguelike with procedurally generated maps that reset each run. The world is vast and filled with secrets and power ups. Many of these upgrades stick around from run to run, making this more of a “roguelite” like the equally stunning Hades. The Metroidvania aspect kicks in because there are parts of the map unavailable to you when you first play, requiring traversal mechanics (like the double jump) that you pick up as you play. It’s an addictive formula with one heck of a gameplay loop. There’s a reason it’s sold more than 10 million copies across platforms.

In addition to Dead Cells, Netflix also announced the forthcoming release of an enhanced version of horror puzzler Slayaway Camp. This game has you controlling a cute lil psychotic slasher called Skullface. The heartwarming tale tasks you with solving isometric puzzles and killing annoying camp counselors. Slayaway Camp: Netflix & Kill likely includes DLC from Slayaway Camp: Butcher's Cut - Deluxe Edition, among other goodies.

Both of these spook-adjacent games are coming soon, though Netflix hasn’t dropped actual release dates. They’ll come out before Halloween, however, or else what’s the point. Just like all Netflix games, they won’t have ads or in-app purchases, just sweet, sweet gameplay.

There’s also a Dead Cells animated series in the works. Interestingly, there’s no home for it yet, but this move certainly hints that it could premiere on Netflix, particularly with the platform’s recent push into animated game adaptations. A recent Netflix animation event teased shows based on Sonic the Hedgehog, Tomb Raider and Devil May Cry. The streamer has also released a couple of well-regarded cartoons based on the Castlevania franchise. 

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