After seeing its impressive work on Panzer Dragoon Remake, I admit I was a bit excited to see what Forever Entertainment would do with its next Sega property. The House of the Dead is an arcade (and Sega Saturn!) classic that continues to stand the test of time. So, naturally, with The House of the Dead Remake here finally among us, we can’t help but lock and load against Curien’s creations yet again.
Like Panzer Dragoon, there’s a lot to like here. Forever and its team has done a smashing job touching up the visuals and sound for the game. Not to mention that, on the Nintendo Switch, there are gameplay options galore, including full gyro support. It’s not a perfect endeavor, and since it is an arcade shooter, it’s over way too soon. Still, the ride is worth it, especially if you’re down to “suffer as G did.” (Oh, wait, that’s the sequel. Ah well, still fits!)
Shoot, Shoot and Shoot Some More
With development help from MegaPixel Studio, Forever Entertainment has done a serviceable job with this remake. The House of the Dead Remake looks better than it ever has before. Its frame rate occasionally gets jittery, especially with bigger enemies. However, it’s got more than enough bloody goodness to soak in.
For instance, you can keep shooting an enemy until they become a bloody little pile of goo, eventually melting away. (They must have Mr. Clean in their bloodstream because it practically vanishes.) It’s a fun little thing that piles on the violence, which is a step up from the original.
There are different control types as well. Your best bet is using a JoyCon, which doubles as a little light gun. It’s the most accurate option available and, with the help of an update, you’ll soon be able to use two guns at once, John Woo style! The Switch Pro Controller also works well, whether you prefer gyro or just using the thumbstick.
It’s not entirely accurate, but it works well enough to line up opponents. Not to mention there’s a fun new challenge with Horde mode, which brings even more of the undead for you to splatter. Outside of that, however, there’s very little to return to. The Gallery mode is cool for nostalgic gamers, and the Photo mode definitely has some interest. Otherwise, however, this package would’ve benefitted from the original HOTD. For that matter, maybe even House of the Dead 2 for good measure.
Don’t let that fool you, though. What remains is a fun light gun shooter with oodles of bloodshed and some fun boss encounters.
A Bloody Good Presentation
Along with exciting gameplay, The House of the Dead Remake also scores with great visuals and sound. The graphics, despite some slowdown (as stated above), still look remarkable. The new environments look cool, and the animations are spot-on. That said, I do wish innocent scientists would stay out of the way of my gunsight. Even if you do score points shooting them. (How’d that happen?)
The boss battles are taken a nice level above as well, especially when you face off with the giant man-bat outside and, eventually, the Magician protecting Curien’s secrets. They look remarkable, though you’re better off watching the action on a big-screen TV if you can.
As for sound, it’s good. The remixed music is definitely fitting with the material, and the sound effects will bring back memories. Voice acting is good, too, but, honestly, how many times do I have to hear “reload” even after I did? Sigh.
Check-In To The House of the Dead Remake!
Even though it’s light on replay value and any extra games to enjoy, The House of the Dead Remake is very well done. The visuals ignite on the screen (with blood); the sound is spot-on; and the gameplay, no matter which option you choose, holds up nicely. Grab a friend and a JoyCon and you’ll have a field day with this one.
That said, Forever Entertainment, please consider including the original games with the remakes. For old times’ sake, yeah?
VIBE Rating: 8 out of 10
Need another classic game that’s back from the dead? Check out our review of Gynoug (Wings of Wor)!
