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Review of Killer is Dead on PS3

by Chucky Chucky photo Aug 2013
Cover image of Killer is Dead on PS3
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: PS3 PS3 logo
Released: 27 Aug 2013
Genre: Action, Hack and Slash
Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher: Kadokawa Games

Introduction

Killer is Dead, a hack-and-slash feast brought to you by the brilliant, the one and only, Goichi Suda (Suda51), takes us on an adrenaline-fueled ride through a world where cybernetic enhancements are the norm. Yep, thank you, future! Our protagonist, Mondo Zappa, isn't just your typical send-you-shivers-down-your-spine killer; he's a contract killer with a gun for an arm and a penchant for beautiful women. The vibes are as subtle as a flamingo in a snowstorm. So, let's dive into this messy, blood-soaked ball of absurdity! Buckle your seatbelts; it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Gameplay

As you step into the shoes of Mondo Zappa, expect to juggle combat, bizarre side missions, and a sprinkle of existential dread. The core of the gameplay revolves around melee combat that can only be described as hyperactive. Players mash buttons-not like you're angry, but like you're trying to crush the world's worst video game into a pile of pixels. Mondo's combat is based on chaining combos, so you'll want to keep that in mind unless you're aiming to look like a giraffe on roller skates. Dodging is your friend; nail it at the right time, and you enter the glorious 'Adrenaline Rush' mode. Ever wanted to slow down time and feel like a bad-ass? This game gives you that opportunity. Three types of missions await you: story, sub-missions, and well, "Gigolo Missions"-and yes, the name says it all. Mondo's interactions involve making eye contact with women while navigating through a whirlwind of awkwardness that throws the classic concept of 'dating' out the window. Just, for the love of all that is good, don't take it too seriously. They don't call it 'Killer is Dead' for nothing.

Graphics

Graphically speaking, the game is a kaleidoscope of stylized madness. Expect cel-shading that somehow straddles the line between cartoonish charm and a fever dream. You'll find that the art style is reminiscent of a comic book that got mixed up in a paint explosion. The design elements are striking and memorable, but hey, isn't that what we want? A cocktail of vibrant colors, bizarre designs, and effects that scream 'I'm too cool to care'? However, the graphics don't shy away from showing their age. It looks beautiful, sure, but at times, it feels like an outdated masterpiece-like a vintage record that you play just to feel classy while rolling your eyes at its imperfections.

Conclusion

Killer is Dead is one of those games that simultaneously dazzles and frustrates. It's aesthetically stunning, featuring an off-kilter storyline and intense, chaotic combat. But with humorously awkward missions like the Gigolo Missions, you can't help but wonder if the creators were having too much fun at the expense of good taste. Is it a masterpiece or a gloriously weird hit-and-miss experience? Well, here's the silver lining: it's got a bit of both. In a nutshell, if you're looking for a game filled to the brim with suspenseful combat, dreamy graphics, and the ability to forget about reality for a bit, give Killer is Dead a go. Just be aware that you might find yourself locked into existential conversations with a video game character who's not quite as charming as he thinks he is. Grab your katana, and get ready; it's time to embrace the weirdness. Have fun and remember: just keep those combos flowing, and don't stare too long at the ladies-Mondo has that covered.

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