Wanted: Dead | A Grindhouse Experience

Our Wanted: Dead review explores a game that mixes goofy charm with serious storytelling, channeling classic B-movie energy.

Its hybrid combat of melee and gunplay grows deeper with time, supported by fun boss fights and mini-games. As a love letter to sixth and seventh-generation action titles, it stands as one of 2023’s most misunderstood AA gems.

Wanted: Dead At a Glance

Wanted: Dead 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. Tatsuhiro Tanaka, who worked on Devil’s Third and Valkyrie Elysium, served as the technical programmer.

Wanted: Dead Experience

Before Wanted: Dead, I had plenty of experience with Team Ninja games. I’ve played several entries in the Dead or Alive series, spent time with parts of Ninja Gaiden, and finished both Nioh titles. I also enjoyed Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, really liked Final Fantasy Origin: Stranger of Paradise and its DLC, and played through Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.

Wanted: Dead 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 has a Suda51-style of jank to it, similar to No More Heroes, which will feel familiar to fans of that. Guns act as support for the melee system, which includes parries, blocks, combos, and combos. It can seem shallow at first, but it opens up as you get used to it, shifting from stiff to more fluid over time.

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.

Wanted: Dead Review Verdict

From the start, Wanted: Dead balances quirky humor with darker undertones, channeling a B-movie vibe with dialogue that recalls Resident Evil and Shadows of the Damned. Even the loading screens lean into the joke, adding a bit of levity to an otherwise routine moment.

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.

Wanted: Dead delivers a message that lingers after the credits roll, blending humor with heartfelt moments to create a journey that sticks with you.

Wanted: Dead TLDR

Wanted: Dead Review References

1. Trailer Reference: Wanted: Dead TGS 2021 Trailer, YouTube.
2. Steam Store Page: Wanted: Dead, Steam.
3. MobyGames. (n.d.). Hiroaki Matsui.