Multiplayer however is where the real fun lies with the game supporting up to four players at any one time. This is certainly a very welcome addition and undoubtedly this will offer a great deal of enjoyment for a group of mates looking for an evening of beer and gaming.

 

 

 

As you load up 'House of the Dead: Overkill you are presented with a game which has opted for a grindhouse look and feel. For those unfamiliar with the term ‘grindhouse’ this refers to the B-Movie style of movies which one would often find in sleazy cinemas in run down areas. Recently Quentin Tarantino has revisited this style of movies which have breathed new life into the grindhouse genre so it was inevitable that a video game would be quickly released to cash in on the popularity of such movies.

 

As the previous games in the series have been so successful questions have to be asked as to whether the changes to the games overall look is a risky move. Personally I feel that it gives the game a more grown up look to it and certainly adds a more immersive feel to the overall presentation.

 

In addition to the presentation changes is the change in dialogue. Previous games in the series have been released with the arcade market in mind and therefore the character dialogue had been restricted to the usual cheesy one liners which have been instantly recognisable. However with Overkill being a console exclusive the developers have totally changed this and to fit in with the new look is the constant use of bad language which is present from the opening sequence to the end of the game. Whilst I appreciate that this is specifically designed to fit in with the theme I have to question whether the amount of obscenities is really necessary, although I have to say it does not detract too much from the fun and frantic gore filled gameplay.

 

 

Graphically the game is a significant improvement over previous H.O.T.D games and despite the Wii’s graphical capabilities the game looks rather nice and certainly on a par with the majority of the better Wii games currently available

 

 

Unquestionably the Nintendo Wii is the perfect console to support light gun blasters thanks to the Wiimote perfectly substituting a light gun. Add to this the vast array of light gun peripherals currently available including the Hand Cannon purposely released for this game and you know a game such as this will not fail.

 

From the start you have the option to calibrate the controls to suit your set up and I can honestly say that the game works very well although you will encounter the odd occasion where the aim will be slightly off. This however can be overlooked particularly when you consider the game is being played on a relatively inexpensive home system rather than a very expensive arcade cabinet.

 

 

It was a bold move from the developers to totally change the look of the House of the dead franchise and one has to say that they have just about pulled it off.

 

What the game offers is a fun and frantic old fashioned gameplay experience which has been converted to the home console market pretty well.

 

By no means perfect "House Of The Dead: OVERKILL" is well worth checking out particularly if you aim to play with friends. As a single player game it will not take too long to complete although the fun factor is sure to entice you back to the game on a regular basis.

 

 

 

 

+ Fun and frantic gameplay
+ Excellent multiplayer game
+ Nicely presented
+ Perfectly suited to the Wii controls