What is LET IT DIE?

LET IT DIE is a bizarre, free-to-play action adventure game developed by the renowned Japanese studio Grasshopper Manufacture. Released on December 3, 2016, for PlayStation 4 and later for PC, the title stands as a testament to creator Suda51’s signature style of industrial punk aesthetics and dark humor. While it may initially appear to be a standard hack-and-slash, the game quickly reveals itself to be a complex, multiplayer roguelike experience that defies conventional genre boundaries.

Genre and Gameplay Mechanics

At its core, LET IT DIE is a massively multiplayer online action game with roguelike elements. The gameplay is heavily inspired by the Souls series, featuring third-person combat that emphasizes timing, parrying, and aggressive offensive strategies rather than passive dodging. Players navigate a randomized world where death is not the end but a mechanic; upon dying, players can choose to resurrect their current body or purchase a new one, allowing for constant progression and customization.

The combat system is fast-paced and chaotic, requiring players to manage weapon durability and switch gear frequently. Each weapon possesses a unique moveset that evolves with use. To survive the escalating difficulty, players must scavenge for rare blueprints to craft personalized items with enhanced durability and stats. The game also features asynchronous online interactions, allowing players to raid each other’s resources and characters, adding a layer of strategic depth beyond pure combat.

Story and Setting Overview

Set in a dystopian future following a tectonic cataclysm in 2026, the narrative takes place on an island outside of Tokyo. The central focus is the "Tower of Barbs," a Babel-like skyscraper that has risen into the heavens. Players assume the role of a revived corpse—or "corpse" as the game terms it—tasked with climbing this tower to reach the top and save the world.

The story is framed within a subversive meta-narrative. The protagonist is initially introduced by Uncle Death, a Finnish skateboarding grim reaper, who presents the tower-climbing as an arcade game called "Let It Die." This framing device highlights the game’s absurdist tone, blending grotesque horror with surreal comedy. As players ascend the 40 floors, they encounter eccentric characters like Kiwako and Meijin, and face off against a diverse cast of grotesque bosses, all while exploring the surreal and often terrifying landscape of the tower.

Notable Features

  • Unique Aesthetic and Soundtrack: The game features a distinct industrial punk art style and an incredible original soundtrack composed by Akira Yamaoka, featuring contributions from various Japanese indie bands. The music is integral to the experience, enhancing the chaotic energy of combat.
  • Roguelike Progression: Each run through the Tower of Barbs offers randomized layouts and enemy placements, ensuring that no two climbs are exactly alike. However, permanent upgrades and gear persist, rewarding long-term engagement.
  • Customization: Players can choose from various bodies (Avatars) with different stats and passives, and customize their gear extensively using blueprints found during exploration.
  • Free-to-Play Model: Despite its premium visuals and depth, LET IT DIE is free-to-play, making it accessible to a wide audience while retaining the core challenges of hardcore action games.

Who It Appeals To

LET IT DIE is best suited for fans of challenging action games, roguelikes, and the Souls genre who appreciate unconventional narratives. Players who enjoy dark humor, industrial aesthetics, and deep character customization will find the game’s eccentricities rewarding. It appeals to those willing to embrace chaos and absurdity in exchange for a unique and memorable gaming experience.