Sorry no brains on the menu...we do have bullets though?!
The Nintendo Wii is a fabulous console, but for all it’s good points it has got one slight flaw. That flaw is a lack of adult orientated games.
Now I enjoy playing Smash Bros Brawl, Mario Kart and Kororinpa as much as the next guy, but come on, give us some guts, gore and mindless violence! Thankfully Sega have come to the rescue with House of the Dead Overkill which is not only packed with the aforementioned guts, gore and mindless violence but more swear words than Gordon Ramsay can pump out in an episode of Hell’s Kitchen.
In fact, Sega have barely pulled any punches with House of the Dead - from the first boss being a Stephen Hawkins style character mutated into a floating telekinetic ZOM-sorry-mutant (G doesn’t like the Z word) to Isaac Washington almost being an even bigger pimp than shaft, not to mention very sexist! In one quick move Sega has turned the family friendly Nintendo Wii into a foul mouthed-blood-bath. And I, for one, couldn’t be happier. Having said that Sega has given this rendition of House of the Dead a very tongue in cheek vibe. It has a unique sense of humour that really makes you laugh out loud.
the first boss being a Stephen Hawkins style character mutated into a floating telekinetic ZOM-sorry-mutant (G doesn’t like the Z word)
House of the Dead Overkill on the Nintendo Wii is a prequel to the classic arcade games that we all know and love. It sees a young Agent G team up with a loud-mouth Isaac Washington, and right from the start the pair do not get along. The friction between the pair is caused by the more than evident differences, Agent G in his Suit and shades (Men In Blackesque) by-the -book approach; and Isaac, in his tight yellow t-shirt, loose cannon cop style (axle foleyesque) but to bigger proportions.
It's a love/hate relationship
Throughout House of the Dead Overkill Isaac and G will swap insults and just try to get one-up on the other, during the gameplay itself it’s quick one liners, in the cinematics the animosity between the two is really shown, whether it’s the abundance of swearing or the nature in which Gs’ cool exterior will sometimes crack, the exchanges are golden.
The game itself is pretty much standard House of the Dead: on the rails shooting action. Despite it being standard House of the Dead in terms of the gameplay formula, the setting for Overkill has drastically changed the mood. The eerie feeling usually associated with House of the Dead has given way to over-the-top-violence and language. (The jury is still out on whether this is the direction that House of the dead should go).
The eerie feeling usually associated with House of the Dead has given way to over-the-top-violence and language.
Even though House of the Dead Overkill doesn’t push the Wii to its limits visually, it does look good. There are a variety of zom-sorry-mutants to blast your way through. In fact the number of on-screen enemies can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, even when you have a friend along side you. With the end of each level comes "The Boss Fight", as veteran House of the Dead players will know. These can be insanely difficult, yet do-able if you wait for the ugly beast to show its weak spot before you riddle it with bullets.
Thats not a gun, it's a man-cannon!
The length of each level is quite hefty; 30-40 minutes long in some cases. This proves to be both good and bad. Good in the sense that you really feel as if you’re getting your money’s worth from the game, but bad in that when you’re using the Hand cannon it can cause quite a bit of arm ache (that could, of course, just be me). Speaking of the hand cannon, this little bit of kit - although not essential to your experience with house of the dead Overkill - is great fun to use.
House of the Dead Overkill is what the Nintendo Wiis older market has been crying out for; a no holds barred adult title. There is no doubt that House of the Dead Overkill is a great game, but my recommendation is that it’s even better with a friend, as you can laugh and blast your way through the zom-sorry-mutants together.
GAME's Verdict
- The B-movie feel really gives the franchise new life
- Brilliant to play with a mate
- The humour is great, don't think I've laughed so much from a game
- It doesn't do anything "new" in terms of gameplay
- Occasional slowdown when there was to much on the screen
- More weapons would have been a good addition
Review by: Tom "Agent G" Daly
Version Tested: Wii
Review Published: 13.02.09