Death end re;Quest: Code Z Review: JRPG Roguelike Embraces the Grind

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The Death end re;Quest series by Compile Heart, once primarily linked to the Hyperdimension Neptunia games, has taken a more sophisticated turn. Originally, the series consisted of traditional turn-based role-playing games with visual novel segments. Recently released is Death end re;Quest: Code Z, which deviates from the norm by incorporating classic roguelike and dungeon crawler aspects. Given its unique spin on the series, should players explore it before the anticipated third installment arrives?

Stepping into the world of Code Z, I’ve found that gameplay takes center stage here, offering a refreshing twist compared to previous versions. Instead of wandering 3D dungeons for combat encounters,

Stamina gauges are frequent in many game genres, including those with a friendly tone like the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series. However, Code Z takes a unique approach by incorporating a sanity gauge instead, causing your characters to inflict harm on themselves. Despite the adorable anime-style characters, this series has a dark and ominous undertone. Sanity depletion within dungeons can significantly reduce your chances of survival.

In Death end re;Quest: Code Z, death isn’t necessarily a negative occurrence. Since it’s a roguelike game, death is an integral part of the gameplay. You’ll often find that dying is not only inevitable but sometimes beneficial because you’ll gain skill points to help make your future attempts easier. Although the game can become repetitive at times, every death brings you closer to advancing the story and making progress, even if it’s not immediately apparent.

In the third installment, both Kei Nanameda (character designer) and Makoto Kedouin (scenario supervisor) reappear. The new protagonist notwithstanding, it’s beneficial to have played the first two games to keep up with the storyline. With its multiple realities, this game can be quite confusing; however, even if you get lost, the stunning visuals and meticulously crafted artwork make the text segments engaging. Long-time players will undeniably derive the most satisfaction from their gaming experience.

Death end re;Quest: Code Z Review: Final Verdict

As a die-hard fan of Compile Heart’s games, diving into their roguelike experiment wasn’t flawless, but it turned out to be an enjoyable detour. With Death end re;Quest: Code Z connecting to the upcoming third installment in the series, this spin-off is definitely worth exploring. The game makes some clever moves that minimize the grind in a naturally repetitive setting, making it a satisfying diversion that will surely satisfy your dungeon-crawling cravings.

SCORE: 7/10

According to the review guidelines on ComingSoon, a rating of 7.5 signifies “Good.” This means it’s an enjoyable piece of entertainment that’s generally worth watching, although it might not resonate with everyone.

Disclaimer: For our Death end re;Quest: Code Z review, we received a digital copy of the PlayStation 5 from the publisher. This review is based on version 1.000.000.

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2025-07-11 23:11