Fatal Falls doesn’t deliver additional plot, but aims to entertain players by spicing up the mid-run game. It’s worth noting, however, that it may take quite a bit of time to reach the first new biome. It took several tries at defeating the Concierge on the Black Bridge before Fractured Shrines was an option, to the point of questioning if the Fatal Falls download even happened. Once the new content was accessed, Fatal Falls delivered on its promise.

In true roguelike fashion, the layout of each biome is never quite the same, changing with each run. Fatal Falls comes with two new biomes and a boss fight, each with their own unique paths. Fractured Shrines can only be accessed through the Black Bridge or The Nest, and, after completing its run, players can only move on to the Undying Shores or the Clock Tower. The Undying Shores, however, can be accessed from the Fractured Shrines, Stilt Village and the Graveyard. It is one of few biomes with only one way out, through the Mausoleum, which houses the new boss fight. From there, players can travel to High Peak Castle or the Derelict Distillery.

The first biome, Fractured Shrines, is a creative, almost whimsical addition to the middle run of Dead Cells. Most exciting in this level is the addition of a new blueprint for the cultist outfit. Players cannot enter the Undying Shores from Fractured Shrines unless wearing these new togs. To avoid a visit to the tailor and starting the run from scratch, Motion Twin and Evil Empire have added a new and unique feature that allows players to directly swap outfits by using the Beheaded’s head to possess a cultist corpse that can be found in the biome.

After battling through Fractured Shrines, players gain access to the Undying Shores, a much grimmer backdrop reminiscent of the Stilt Village. No blueprints or runes are needed to escape this biome, just classic Dead Cells skill and agility.

Finally, the new update takes you to the Mausoleum and the latest boss, the Scarecrow. On close examination, players may recognize him as the Royal Gardener, who succumbed to the Malaise, alas. It may take a few tries to learn his attack patterns, but defeating the Scarecrow is well worth the effort. Without revealing too much, here’s a protip: try not to step on the flowers and watch out for the mushrooms.

The new weapons acquired in Fatal Falls are fairly standard (Iron Staff, Snake Fangs, Lightning Rods, Ferryman’s Lantern, Scarecrow’s Sickles, Serenade and Cocoon), but most exciting in the bunch are the Scythes and Maniacal Sword. Scythes are attracted to enemies and will follow the Beheaded for a short time, while the Maniacal Sword not only flies, but is sentient and acts as a homicidal pet.

For only $5, Fatal Falls is a solid investment for any Dead Cells fan. It’s a marvelous extension of the game, providing a nice change of pace after defeating the Concierge boss.

Photo courtesy of Motion Twin