Gameplay:
Ever since The House of the Dead 2 on Dreamcast we've been laughing hysterically at this comical arcade shooter. The good news is that the fantastic parts of these games are identical to the originals, such as the awful voice acting and character animation. Without those aspects, this is just another shooter game. The bad news is that the horrible parts are also preserved. You are very restricted with your options, including the number of continues, and there really isn't anything to do but shoot zombies. No additions have been made, and while in The House of the Dead Overkill you can gain money to buy new weapons, you pretty much just have a pistol in this game. A shotgun could really come in handy.
Basically you as the shooter are trying to prevent some mad, retarded psychopath from destroying mankind with his odd-looking super villain. This is no easy task, even on easy mode, and many might get frustrated and give up. There doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the easy and very hard modes, and there may not be a difference at all. A few new additions could have been made to these games, maybe some new guns and in game modes, but for $30 you pretty much get two games in one that are worth about $10. If you can beat the game, most likely with a friend, you will find that the main reward is the extremely ridiculous voice acting towards the end. I can only hope that Sega did this intentionally, but I have my doubts.
Controls:
First of all, the Wii remote is just no good. The controls are very unnatural and your wrist will actually scream and beg you to stop playing. If you want to enjoy this game you must buy the gun remotes, which will cost more money than the game is worth. With the guns, however, this game will bring you back to the embarrassing arcade days of your past. The remote is very responsive to your aim, though it's a bit difficult to relocate your cursor after you haven't shot for a few seconds. Otherwise, the controls are similar to Dreamcast, as you can only shoot, reload, shoot, reload.
Graphics:
Perfectly horrible graphics. Yes, it's some kind of strange paradoxical madness, but you're guaranteed to enjoy these pitiful looking zombies, stages, and bosses. Everything is blocky, lifeless, and awkwardly animated. Characters run like those in South Park episodes, and the main nemesis, Goldman, looks like a demented second grade teacher bent on world destruction. The graphics are identical to the older version, and will make you appreciate next-gen consoles much more.
Sound:
Praise be to Sega for the worst voice acting in video game history. As Goldman says, "He will rule over all mankind!" he practically swallows his tongue on the last syllable. Not only do your enemies have hysterical voice acting, but your friends do as well. As your friend dies before your very eyes, he gives you the key to his car to save your own life. Your only resonse is a happy, peppy, "Thanks G!" Okay, so the sound is hideous, along with the zombies, the ambience, and the hoky music, but this is still without a doubt the best aspect of this awful game. Play it for this reason alone.
Replay Value:
It's safe to say the only replay value this game has depends on how many of your friends are willing to play it with you. Find a good friend, share your laughs over the voice acting and pathetic graphics, and you will get your money's worth. Without friends, however, you're not only a sad and lonely gamer, but you're sure to throw this game out of the closest window in your house. If you do not have friends, do not buy this game.
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Rating:
Story: 6.0
Gameplay: 6.0
Controls: 7.0
Graphics: 6.0
Sound: 7.0
Replay value: 6.5
Overall: 6.5
Own, Rent, Avoid:
Rent: While it's a good port from Dreamcast and PC, you're much better off renting this one and getting a few laughs out of it before returning it five days later.
Last Thoughts:
I thank Sega for such a wrechted, lamentable game, and I'm glad that the voice acting and graphics have not been updated one bit. This is a shred of video game history that cannot be overlooked simply because it shows that not every game must be realistic and innovative to be fun. The House of the Dead 2 & 3 has terrible gameplay, despicable graphics, hilarious voice acting, and almost no replay value, and it is still amazing. However, with a few new additions, options, and better controls this game could have been much better.
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Written By
Ryan Leack
3/23/2009
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