If you are a fan of arcade shooters, and have spent tons of quarters filling The House of the Dead arcade machines over the years, you’ll be happy to know that the popular arcade shooter is now on the PS3 and uses the PS Move! The game has that same feel as the arcade version and take visual elements from the grind house film genre. The House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut is a remake of the Wii title that launched a few years back. But don’t fret this isn’t just a port as the game has received a HD graphics overhaul, two new levels, new weapons, classic and hardcore modes, and lastly 3D!
In The House of the Dead: Overkill gamers follow the story of detective Issac Washington and his partner Agent G. Each level finds the two blasting their way through numerous mutants leading up to a boss battle. The story and its dialogue have an over the top B-movie grind house feel, with no seriousness and plenty of laughs and bad jokes. The story spans nine levels, all with the same core concept. Kill mutants, collect glowing collectables and finish with a boss battle. Once you complete the story once you unlock the directors cut version of the story which brings in new enemies and some new weapons. I like that concept, so many game story modes have you playing through once just to unlock the same exact story just at a higher difficulty, House of the Dead: overkill gives you a slightly altered story experience for the second play-through. Unfortunately even with the changes in the directors cut version of the story, it’s overall the same concept, kill a bunch of mutants, collect things, and fight a boss. This is a on-rails shooter, but each level really felt the same, except for the look. The game is just very simple and basic and it would be nice to some day see an on-rails shooter try new things.
Beyond the story mode there are also three mini-games, which I’m sure many people will be spending lots of time playing. Money Shot 2 is a carnival style game where you hit color targets. But the two that will interest a lot of people are Stayin Alive, which is a horde styled mini-game, where you fight off waves of enemies. The last mini-game is Victim Support, where you and up to four friends have to protect groups of survivors.
The game looks ok, while the graphics are better than the Wii version, it’s textures are lacking when compared to other PS3 titles. Things just look flat and generic. Though don’t worry even with the graphic short-comings shooting off mutant limbs is a lot of fun. For those with a 3D tv the 3D effects are pretty solid, they aren’t over powering and actually add a little something to the game, plus really amps that old grind house movie feel. House of the Dead: overkill is perfect for a PS Move and Sharpshooter, and I think that is the best part as it really feels like you are in your local arcade, if those still exist in your area.
The House of the Dead: overkill Extended Cut gives gamers a good taste of arcade shooter gaming without the need to spend quarters. While the game isn’t groundbreaking and is a re-work of an older title, it is a welcome addition to those looking for a new PS Move title. While it looks better than the Wii version it falls a bit short of other PS3 native games. The mini-games are addicting and the addition of leaderboards and multiplayer make it a great party game. It’s also priced just right at $39.99 The House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut is a decent buy.
A copy of House of the Dead Overkill Extended Cut for PS3 was provided to us for this review by SEGA.
- key specs
- reviews • 8
- prices
- TypeController / gamepad
- ConnectionWireless
- Console compatibilitySony (PlayStation 3)
- Weight5.11 oz
- ReleasedSeptember 19, 2010
