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Review of Dead or School on PlayStation 4

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Mar 2020
Cover image of Dead or School on PS4
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 13 Mar 2020
Genre: Hack-and-Slash
Developer: Studio Nanafushi
Publisher: Marvelous Entertainment

Introduction

In the realm of indie games, 'Dead or School' stands out as a unique blend of hack-and-slash action, RPG elements, and post-apocalyptic narratives. Imagine being trapped underground for 70 years because the world above has turned into a zombie-infested realm, and you just want to go back to school. Sounds like a terrible time? Well, that's Hisako's life!

Gameplay

Gameplay revolves around Hisako, our spunky heroine armed with some serious weaponry and a burning desire to escape the subterranean dread and meet the monsters outside-literally! Players are thrust into the chaos of post-apocalyptic Tokyo, battling everything from zombies to other freaky monsters while mastering hack-and-slash mechanics with the finesse of a samurai. As Hisako, players leap through beautifully rendered environments inspired by real Tokyo locales like Shinjuku and Akihabara, while simultaneously smashing hordes of undead creatures into pixelated mush. Each level is filled with loot, upgrades, and the occasional boss fight that'll test your skills and hilarity thresholds. Furthermore, the game infuses RPG elements through its progression system, allowing players to enhance abilities and gear-because even in a zombie apocalypse, a girl's gotta look good!

Graphics

When it comes to graphics, 'Dead or School' has a stylized charm that isn't always smooth but makes you smile nonetheless. The characters are vibrant-even if some visuals seem like they wandered out of a 3D animation class gone awry. The aesthetics cater to both the whimsy and horror, presenting a wonderfully weird apocalypse that combines life on a budget with artistic creativity. Sure, the graphics might not blow your socks off, but they will definitely take your mind away from the fact that you just lost to a mutant bird.

Conclusion

While 'Dead or School' may not be the new apex predator of hack-and-slash titles, it brings enough fun and unique twists to keep it interesting. The narrative, while slightly meandering, offers an entertaining glimpse into a world turned upside down. It has a mix of engaging combat, adorable characters, and a generally kooky atmosphere that appeals to those who enjoy the indie scene. It's a solid pick if you're searching for a chill gaming session, combined with a side of zombie-bashing satisfaction-just remember, Hisako is on a quest for education... and a good dose of chaos. Just don't expect to learn much in the way of actual survival skills.

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