When you see the name Suda 51 attached to a video game, you should always know the following things: it's crazy, doesn't make any sense, and has some sort of sex appeal/portrays women in a sexual matter. That's exactly what you get in his latest game Killer Is Dead.
Killer is Dead is a 3rd person action game in which you play as the suave Mondo Zappa who is hired for an executioner firm shortly after discovering he has a cybernetic arm attached to him. You proceed through the game clearing the main story missions discovering the mystery surrounding Mondo. The distinct art style of Suda 51's games is seen here and I must say it was very pretty to look at. Alongside Mondo you are joined by his fellow co-workers Vivian; the attractive assistant to the head boss who's distinct feature is unleashing 16 arms with a pistol in each hand, Bryan; the retired executioner who runs the business (who's also a cyborg) and your odd personal assistant Mika.
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| Protagonist Mondo Zappa |
The game is set up with 3 different types of missions. The main story missions have you proceed through the story. Here you fight off various types of beings called wires. You have your standard attack button plus one designated to using your mechanized arm to stun your enemies. Your arm also functions as a gun plus other different forms like a drill and a laser cannon using the shoulder buttons. These are fueled by "BLOOD" which can be obtained by defeating enemies. You also have a dodge roll. The game also features the ability to level up and enhance Mondo's stats such as damage reduction, improvements to his arm, and new combo abilities with his katana.
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| What the screen looks like during a mission. |
The 2nd type of missions are the side missions which are unlocked as the story progresses. These can be repeated as many times as you like to increase your rank or earn money which comes into play with the final mission type.
These are known as "Mondo Girls" and yes this is where the sex appeal comes into play. These involve you sitting next to a very attractive girl and you basically oogle them while they're not looking. When your meter fills up you are then given the opportunity to present the "beauty" with a gift. There is also this item known as the Gigolo Glasses which you can use during these missions once you obtain them. What do they do? X-Ray vision the girls down to their lingerie. Once you seduce them, you're treated to an erotic scene which is hilarious. These missions are also the only way to get the other 3 arm weapons. Plus you can also purchase lingerie for the beauties to wear as you progress through the game.
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| One of the Mondo Girls Scarlett a very odd nurse who provides you with challenges. |
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| This is what the Gigolo Glasses reveal during the Mondo Girl missions |
You face very odd enemies from a space giant, a Yakuza boss with a Tiger tattoo that can come to life, and a very weird man dressed in nothing but metal chains who claims himself as "king of the moon". The music is also interesting to listen to for each level. If any of these features interest you then I definitely recommend you play this game. The only complaint I have has to deal with a specific boss that took various tries to beat due to extreme button mashing.
Should you play this game? Yes if you enjoy the past games of Suda 51 or if any of the above mentioned features sound hilarious. It's quirky, sexy, hilarious and action packed!
