Reviews November 4, 2011
The House of the Dead: OVERKILL - Extended Cut
Review by: Calvin Percy
System: PS3
Genre: Shooter (On rails)
Rated: M
Players: 1-2
Cost: $39.99
Release Date: 10/25/2011
Publisher: SEGA
Developer: Headstrong Games
SEGA is back once again with another House of the Dead title. This one is a port of the similar named title that appeared on the Wii (this one is being the Extended Cut). Expectations were kind of low going in. With that being said, I think I have just been reminded of my previous addiction to Light Gun games. Is this just a fluke or may this be the resurgence of this genre…
Yes, House of the Dead: Overkill-Extended Cut is a port of the Wii title. The PlayStation version has two additional levels featuring Varla Gunns and Candi Stryper. Overkill tells the story of Agent G and Detective Washington’s pursuit of Papa Caesar. The game style and direction reminds me of over the top B movies (or exploitation films) and it was very entertaining listening to back and forth verbal battle between the two. Remember the joint venture on the double movie Grindhouse which was directed by both Quentin Tarratino and Robert Rodriguez? If you have seen this title you will have a perfect envision of this game.
Papa Caesar is the main focus of the story as Agent G is trying to find the cause behind a mutant outbreak, while Washington has a personal issue with Papa he wants to resolve. The original story of the law enforcers is very entertaining; Agent’s awkwardness to Washington’s colorful langage is a sight to see. The new version adds Varla (an NPC in the original game) and Candi. Varla is the sister of Papa’s assistant Jasper (who Papa killed) and Candi is just the dumb witted, swollen chest girlfriend of the wheel chair confined Jasper. Apparently they’re seeking revenge for Jasper’s death. This is really all you get from their two levels as only one has any real significance to the story at all. Now don’t get me wrong this is still your standard on the rails shooter. But Overkill is just plain out fun from beginning to end. The levels have great challenge to them and aren’t just a couple of waves of dumb targets running to the screen. The mutants attack running from side to side on the screen; there are quite a few different varieties coming at you constantly. As always a well-placed head shot will drop anyone but the challenge comes in when others may have totally different weaknesses. One mutant looked pregnant and you have to shoot it in the stomach for it to not explode its acid all over you. The bosses have specific weaknesses as usual but a second bar that lets you know how much damage you are dealing to stop the attack.
I was using a controller with playing this title, due to my lack of having the Move, but I plan on getting that accessory soon. But the very surprising reality of this fact was how much fun I had playing without an actual light gun or Move controller. This completely caught me off guard as I expected to do an update to this review after getting my hands on the Move. But, to honest, I don’t see how it could be much different then using the PS3 controller. This was one of the most enjoyable titles I have played this year hands down (with or without Move support).
As expected also the PlayStation version is a much better looker than its Wii counterpart. The high def renditions and upgrades add even more to the overall experience. The HUD was well managed even when bringing a mutant killing buddy with you. Seeing the destruction and dismemberment of limbs is very satisfying and it lead me to begin to pick off the mutants slowly just to see the splatter of blood with each shot. Also the various gun sounds, which can be purchased with the money you collect during the stage and at the completion of each level, were great, while the splatter of your shots tearing flesh were equally satisfying.
There is one thing that threw me off and that was playing the Extended Version, which is unlocked after completing the original story. It offered the two new levels that were in the standard mode. I didn’t notice any addition with the exception of the limited credits (lives). I personally think the Varla and Candi levels should have been the Extended Story but instead the additions weren’t really noticeable at all. There are new elements included, like trophies, the crossbow weapon, and new mutants. The two new levels were the most notable additions to the game though. There also are three mini games available. I found myself testing the speed of my trigger finger as I tried completing the numerous trick shot levels. There is a Horde like mini game that has you destroying just wave after wave of mutants whom don’t stop till you die. My initial expectations were just thrown out the window left and right. I couldn’t have been more pleased with Overkill and I am extremely thankful for this experience. Now I’m going to wrap this up so I can get back shooting these mutants.
Gameplay: 9
Same rail gun shooter just continually done right.
Graphics: 8
The PlayStation polish does wonders for this remake.
Sound: 10
Gunshots lead to splatter and I love both
What’s New: 6
Honestly the new could have been left out but extra levels are always welcomed.
Replay Value: 9
If you love shooting, violence and cursing you will come back for more.
Final Score:
8.4