House of the Dead: Overkill - Extended Cut Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

House of the Dead: Overkill - Extended Cut Box Art

System: PS3
Dev: Headstrong Games
Pub: Sega
Release: October 25, 2011
Players: 1-2
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language

Co-op is almost enough to make this a game worth keeping in your selection, if only to pull it out and blow the minds of those who might still look at video games as a child's hobby. But it's the hidden items, unlockable modes, and bonus features that help carry the game and almost make up for the painfully brief campaign. Sure, it's the longest game in the series, but that's not saying much when the second game only took about 30 minutes to beat and the House of the Dead games in general have been notoriously short. It's unfortunate that no time was invested into adding online co-op to a game that could thrive on such an addition, especially for those of us who have trouble getting our non-gamer friends to join in on the sloppy, foul-mouthed fun.

House of the Dead: Overkill - Extended Cut Screenshot

The Extended Cut version has a handful of exclusive features that make it superior to its Wii sibling. First off are the game's visuals, which have been upgraded somewhat to support HD and 3D. On top of that is full support of the PlayStation Move, so you can play the game as it was designed only with more responsive controls. And the Extended Cut also has two PS3-exclusive levels that might even make it worthwhile to those who played the original version.

This is definitely the better version of Overkill, and the slew of upgrades and extra features it offers for a budget price ($40) are enough to make this a game worth checking out. This is easily one of the stronger Move titles, though that's not saying much with the peripheral's current line-up. As it is, Overkill is a foul, brutal, and loveably twisted game that's surprisingly varied, has a good amount of content, and, most importantly, is fun to play with a friend.

By Adam Dodd
CCC Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.4

Graphics
It won't turn any heads, but the Grindhouse style works well with the game's over-the-top personality.

3.8

Control
The PlayStation Move offers a noticeable upgrade over the Wii.

3.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The soundtrack and voice work is in your face, but the excessive language might turn some people off.

4.2

Play Value
Drop-in/drop-out local co-op makes this a game you can keep coming back to.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Use a vast arsenal of weapons to dispatch the hordes of undead.

Work with a friend in drop-in/drop-out local co-op.

Enjoy a slew of new goodies, including full trophy support, new game modes, and Move support.