Wanted: Dead
Released: February 14, 2023
Developer(s): Soleil Ltd.
Publisher(s): 110 Industries SA
Platform(s):
Played on Xbox Series X, restarted and completed on Steam on Normal.
HowLongToBeat Time: 8 Hours | My Clear Time: 4h 2m 56s
Background
Wanted: Dead was showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2021, promoting itself as ‘a new hybrid slasher/shooter from the makers of Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive‘ (Steam, 2022). The game chronicles a week in the life of the Zombie Unit, an elite Hong Kong police squad tasked with unraveling a major corporate conspiracy. Released on February 14, 2023, it is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series platforms.
The game was directed by Hiroaki Matsui, known for his work on Dead or Alive 4, Ninja Gaiden Black, and Ninja Gaiden II (MobyGames). Additionally, Tatsuhiro Tanaka, who worked on Devil’s Third and Valkyrie Elysium, served as the technical programmer.
Experience
Prior to Wanted: Dead, I have extensive experience with Team Ninja games. I have played various entries in the Dead or Alive series, explored some of the Ninja Gaiden games, and completed both Nioh titles. Additionally, I have enjoyed Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, loved Final Fantasy Origin: Stranger of Paradise along with its follow-up DLCs, and played through Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.
Impressions
From the start, Wanted: Dead strikes a balance between goofy and serious, much like a B-movie, with voice acting to match. If you enjoyed the classic Resident Evil dubs, the dialogue in Shadows Of The Damned, or anything similar, you’ll appreciate the writing here. Even the loading screens contribute to the humor, with their own take on Supa Hot Fiya, turning what could be a negative experience into something amusing.
The combat system has a Suda51-like jankiness, reminiscent of No More Heroes, making it feel familiar to fans of that style. The mechanics are intriguing, with guns serving as tools to support the melee combat, which includes parries, blocks, and various combos and abilities. Initially, the combat system might seem shallow, but as you progress and become more familiar with it, you’ll discover its depth. The mechanics grow on you, transitioning from stiff to fluid.
The boss fights are enjoyable, and the skill tree system complements player experimentation well. The game offers various modes and mini-games to keep things fresh and bizarre. There’s a claw crane mini-game similar to Yakuza’s UFO Catcher, a shooting range where you can challenge Gunsmith to unlock her weapon, and a training course that teaches game mechanics while rewarding high scores.
While Wanted: Dead doesn’t quite reach the difficulty of Ninja Gaiden, it feels fairer, offering a balanced challenge that enhances the overall experience. There are many memes and references littered throughout the game that cultured players will or should be able to pick up on as well.
Verdict
Out of the gate, Wanted: Dead strikes a delicate balance between quirky humor and serious undertones, reminiscent of classic B-movie charm with dialogue that echoes the likes of Resident Evil and Shadows Of The Damned. Even the loading screens add to the humor, injecting a dose of levity into what could otherwise be a mundane experience.
The combat system initially feels rough around the edges, akin to Suda51’s trademark style seen in No More Heroes. Guns serve as tools to complement melee combat, involving parries, blocks, and a range of combos and abilities. While it may seem shallow at first, diving deeper uncovers a surprising depth that makes combat feel more fluid and rewarding over time.
Boss encounters are a highlight, blending seamlessly with the game’s emphasis on player experimentation through a well-crafted skill tree system. Mini-games like the claw crane and shooting range add to the game’s eccentric charm, offering diversions that feel both familiar yet uniquely integrated into Wanted: Dead‘s universe.
While not reaching the punishing difficulty of Ninja Gaiden, the game strikes a fair balance that challenges without frustrating. Its numerous memes and references cater to seasoned players, rewarding a keen eye for detail.
Ultimately, Wanted: Dead leaves players with more than just an experience—it delivers a powerful message that resonates long after the credits roll. It’s a testament to the game’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments, making it a memorable journey worth undertaking.
TLDR
Rating: 8/10
In Summary: Wanted: Dead strikes a balance between goofy charm and serious storytelling, reminiscent of classic B-movie dialogue styles. Its unique combat mechanics blend melee and gunplay, offering depth beyond initial impressions. The game shines with fun boss fights, diverse gameplay modes like mini-games, and an accessible difficulty catering to a wide range of players. While the combat system may feel shallow at first, patience reveals its nuanced depth.
Overall, Wanted: Dead is an overlooked gem of 2023, a love letter to late sixth and seventh-generation action games, potentially the most misunderstood AA gem of the year, akin to how Stranger of Paradise was perceived in 2022.
References
- Trailer Reference: Wanted: Dead TGS 2021 Trailer, YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtfVGXljizg
- Steam Store Page: Wanted: Dead, Steam. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1981610/Wanted_Dead/
- MobyGames. (n.d.). Hiroaki Matsui. https://www.mobygames.com/person/40762/hiroaki-matsui/
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