- Developer: Grasshopper Manufacture
- Publisher: Xseed Games
- Release date: August 27th, 2013
- Platforms: PlayStation 3 (reviewed), Xbox 360
- Rating: Mature
A few weeks ago, Amazon had the collector's edition of Killer is Dead available for under $20. It couldn't be resisted, and finally, here's the overdue review.
The latest installment from Suda51 mixes parts of his various titles like Killer7, No More Heroes, and Lollipop Chainsaw to create a cel-shaded, fast-paced action game that's easy to pick up and play. KID stars an assassin named Mondo Zappa, and he's joined by a wide variety of characters.
Just like any other Suda51 game, there is no limit. The cast ranges from a beautiful vixen than has multiple arms, an overly-cheery young girl that can find charm in any situation, and a bad-ass ally that could be mistaken for Jet on Cowboy Bebop.
KID isn't a direct sequel to Killer7, but it does share similar concepts and the same cel-shaded art style. However, it's battle system is homogeneous to the NMH series, it just adds a twist. Along with the basic sword slash attacks, combos, and guard/dodge moves, Zappa is equipped with a huge gun for a left arm called the Musselback.
Throughout the game, the Musselback can change. Players can equip their hero with weapons like a charge cannon, freeze shooter, or a drill. It's a brilliant addition to the frenetic combat system and a good change of pace to the repetitiveness. After purchasing multiple combos with skill points along with blowing them away with various weapons, it's easy to look like a complete bad-ass in the game.
There are four different types of missions that players will experience in the game; two are certainly required while the others are just for added play-ability. Main missions will range from quick boss fights to long, exploration adventures. There are 12 in all, and they can be comfortably be beaten over a weekend. Again, like some other Suda51 games, this game is made to replay.
Gigolo missions are likely the worst part of KID, but its required to get the various weapons for the Musselback. The player's job is to purchase rewards at the gift shop (which is simply reached by selecting it in the main menu), start a gigolo mission, and woo a beautiful woman. It's simple really; all it takes is looking away shyly, and then going in for close-ups to her face, chest, and downstairs.
No, the mode doesn't reek of misogyny or sexism. The problem is the repetitiveness; it becomes a chaotic mess of just guessing whether Zappa should look at the woman's face or lady bits. The hilarity of the reactions by Zappa afterwards sort of make up for the experience.
The other optional modes are challenge missions and sub missions. Challenge missions are given when Zappa finds the more-misogynistic busty nurse that gives out specific challenges. These could range from specially defeating certain enemies on the screen to defeating wave after wave of the monsters.
Sub missions can be played as often as the player would like. They don't impact the main story and is the best way to rack up skill points to buy stuff at the gift shop.
There is no multiplayer in the game, but players can compare high scores to others. Trophies can also be won and grades are given out at the end of the main missions with "AAA" being the best grade. For those that don't like to replay anything, there simply isn't enough here to come back.
While the combat as incredibly fun, the insane story can certainly suffer at times. Having to hear Zappa say any form of the phrase, "killer...is dead," becomes incredibly monotonous. The non-playable characters all come straight out of various anime shows and are completely forgettable. Honestly, so is the storytelling itself.
Suda51 packs all the craziness of his games into one package, but it fails to deliver a quality product that has a certain charm. It's a fun run through for a weekend jaunt and for those that love brainless action games, it's worth the time. For others, time would be better spent on games like Shadows of the Damned or Lollipop Chainsaw.
Grade: C-
Recommended for die-hard Suda51 fans that won't let a bad story ruin a solid, yet slightly repetitive action experience.
Image credit: Flickr
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