Most games give you a moment to breathe. Death By Scrolling does the opposite. From the second you start, the world is already moving – creeping upward, closing in, and daring you to keep up.
Now available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, this chaotic action affair from Terrible Toybox NZ and MicroProse throws players into a strange version of the afterlife where survival isn’t about standing your ground… it’s about staying one step ahead of the screen itself. And yep, we’re getting proper PAC-MAN 256 vibes…
It joins a previous Steam release.
At A Glance
- Game: Death By Scrolling
- Developer: Terrible Toybox NZ
- Publisher: MicroProse Software
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Switch
- Price: £6.69
- Game Type: Action / Endless Climber
Keep Moving Or Get Left Behind
The central idea in Death By Scrolling is brutally simple: the screen is always rising, and if you don’t keep pace, you’re done.
Set in the oddly corporate chaos of Purgatory, Inc., you’ll pick a character and begin a constant upward push through increasingly unpredictable levels. Enemies swarm, hazards appear out of nowhere, and the ever-present threat of the scrolling screen keeps the pressure firmly on.
It’s not just about reflexes either. You’ll need to make quick decisions; when to fight, when to dodge, and when to risk grabbing that extra reward before the screen catches up.
And for a game built around constant motion, Death By Scrolling manages to pack in plenty of variety. Mid-run vendors pop up offering upgrades, side quests appear when you least expect them, and power-ups can completely change how a run unfolds. All the while, you’re collecting gems to pay off the Ferryman, because even in the afterlife, nothing comes free.
Characters That Change The Climb
Each playable character brings their own perks and abilities, giving runs a different feel depending on who you choose.
Some may lean into survivability, others into speed or combat efficiency, and finding the one that fits your style becomes part of the loop. It adds just enough variation to keep things from feeling repetitive, especially as you push further into the climb.
But what really defines Death By Scrolling is its pacing. There’s no downtime, no safe space to regroup. Even moments that feel like a break are temporary, because the screen never stops.
That constant forward motion creates tension in a different way to most action games. It’s less about surviving waves and more about managing momentum; keeping control in a situation that’s always trying to spiral.
One More Run… If You Can Survive It
Death By Scrolling is built for repeat attempts. Runs are quick, unpredictable, and often end just as you feel like you’re getting into a rhythm. That’s part of the appeal. Each attempt teaches you something new, whether it’s how to handle a certain enemy, when to push ahead, or when to play it safe. Then it throws you straight back in to try again.
For players who enjoy high-pressure action with a constant sense of urgency, it offers something a little different; a game where the biggest enemy isn’t just what’s on screen, but the screen itself.
Just don’t stop moving. Seriously.
You’ll find Death By Scrolling on the Xbox Store, playable on Xbox Series X|S. It’s also on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC.
