
Sounds ace - nice review. I'll be picking this up when I have money, which should hopefully be soon!
Many will have only a vague memory of the 'Capcom 5', a set of games that were meant to be the lifeblood of the GameCube, helping it close the gap on the PS2 and stay ahead of the XBOX. P.N.03 (terrible), Viewtiful Joe (ported to the PS2), Dead Phoenix (cancelled) and Resident Evil 4 (superb, but delayed too much and announced for the PS2 just before the GC version's launch) were the first four. The last, and most delayed, was killer7. After all this time, was the wait worth it?
The world of killer7 is one at peace, with no terrorism or threats of any kind to be found. Airports and other such network terminals are rapidly being replaced by intercontinental expressways in the hope of reducing the possibility of a recurring menace. However, despite the US Government's hopes, a group by the name of Heaven Smile is intent on bringing down the United Nations World Security Treaty and causing the complete downfall of worldwide serenity. Therefore, in an attempt to combat this, the USA contacts the killer7

Background music really does just that in killer7, basically fades away and becomes quite unnoticeable as you wander the sparse corridors of large buildings. But rather than being a negative point, the creepy-nature of the sound effects covers matters perfectly and actually adds to the spooky atmosphere. There is nothing more spine chilling than running through passageways fast as lightning only to hear a high-pitched shriek or cackle of a Heaven Smile suicidal member. It really does make you jump at times as you quickly scramble to get out your firearm and blast them away. Added to this, the voice acting proves both highly effective (when people are talking properly) or out-and-out unnatural (you will know what I mean when playing...). Overall this area is yet another aspect of the presentation that is pulled off in a very pleasing way.

As has been mentioned previously, this game focuses mainly on the presentation side. In fact, it does this to such a degree that it has been reported that at one stage in the game's production, the creator stated that whilst the audio and visual styling side had been locked down to show the world one of the most curious titles in the best light, the final game engine and play mechanic had yet to be decided! That definitely left the hanging question of just how could a game work when it was built around the graphics / soundtrack? Surely this was a disaster in the making?
Well, surprisingly killer7 is somewhat of a triumph

Using each character's different powers will help you through various parts of the game, either by solving something or killing specific enemies. But something that is also of vital importance is you and your brain. An example early on in the game is when you wander into a room with unlit candles and an air conditioner. The aim is to eventually get your hands on a Fire Ring to solve the problem. However, you must first turn off the air conditioner, or else the candles simply blow out straight away. The game's design is very intriguing and whilst the controls may seem rather backwards for such a new title, everything fits in with the weird style of the game anyway

Whilst this might seem like a step backwards, the actual mechanic works extremely well, with an overall feel of the 'point and click' genre from PC games. A nice take on what could have been an identikit action game.
The dark, morbid cel-shaded style used throughout should win this game many fans right from the off. Characters and environments are extremely well constructed and the word 'kooky' just does not do it all justice!
The actual soundtrack to the game tends to fade into the background, but this does not matter as the gruesome sound effects and impressive voice work create the perfect atmosphere.
Some may think that the game is too short, but an average gamer will take minimum of fifteen hours to get through the reams of obscure puzzles and challenges. More than sufficient for this genre...

killer7 is one of those strange games where you either love it or hate it. Personally I find that the style is pretty damn amazing and the whole package just oozes quality. This is definitely one of the most outstanding games of this generation and something that nobody (under 18s excluded, obviously) should miss out on, even if just by renting.
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Sounds ace - nice review. I'll be picking this up when I have money, which should hopefully be soon!

Thanks Mason - an excellent game that has me coming back time and time again, just for the sheer freaky factor!

It's a great game and well worth it's score!

A very good review for what is a very good game.
I'd like to add that we're really lucky to be playing this titles in light of the recent shocking events in London. A game all about terrorism and suicide bombers, let's just be thankfull this wasn't buried and can now become the sure fire cult classic it's destined to be :![]()

Thanks nin10do :-D Good point as well, never thought it might have been delayed for that fact...glad it wasn't!


Oh dear, really? Well, I suppose that did also go to No.1 on the GC Top 20 as well at the time of release, but it didn't crack the Top 40 in general...

I didn't even think about the terrorism aspects either. It probably would have been, but they'd likely pressed all the copies already so couldn't exactly let them go to waste...

Well I guess in these dark ages of unoriginal games, style is the new substance.
I wish. Games are going to continue to lack both style AND substance in general for a long long time, I fear. Hats off to Capcom for trying something so cool - really wish I could rent it somewhere, but unlikely down here. I think I'm going to manipulate my friend into buying it so I can try his copy.

Interestingly enough this game gets an MA 15+ (strongly recommended to 15 years or over) rating in Australia. We don't actually have an R18 (restricted to 18 and over) rating for games. Usually games like this (including some of the GTA series and the recent Leisure Suite Larry) get banned straight out!

That's very interesting, since the UK has it as 18-rated! Hopefully it won't just be banned in Aus then...

I think the cel-shading in this game is amazing! :-D

It's so damn impressive, I agree Galv - if this wasn't as graphically intensive as it is, then I reckon it'd lose some of its appeal in all honesty...
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