Killer7

"All Killer - No Filler"

Killer 7 was always going to garner discussion - it was one of the much hyped (or should that be doomed?) 'Capcom 5'. It was one of the few dark games released on the Gamecube - a system with a chronic shortage of disturbing games. It was, although originally intended to be Gamecube-exclusive, later released on the Playstation 2 - opening it up to an even bigger audience. So with so many beady eyes watching, and with a reputation to uphold Capcom had better make it good - they did.

Starting from the opening credits, Killer 7 is in-your-face strangeness of the highest order. If anyone claims to know exactly what's going on throughout this game then they're a liar. Multiple playthroughs give your brain a better chance of getting to grips with the basic storyline, but there's so much weirdness on the side that'll never be clear - and that's the beauty. It makes you think, it makes you interpret for yourself. And the characters are so intriguing that you'll want to make the effort to think, instead of just mashing through.

The graphics are cell shaded, and with the minimalistic, highly stylised environments it's hard to imagine any other style having had worked. The controls are also refreshingly simple for a game involving guns. You attack with a simple combination of button presses - using one weapon with unlimited ammo, per character. This means no scrolling through your 20-piece weapon inventory to find the right gun while a hell demon bites at your head.

Movement it via an 'on rails' system which means no poking about in dark corners in the far reaches of a room, and little danger of ever getting very lost. Both of these are refreshing and help boost the fun factor. Killer 7 is a fun game. It doesn't ever tax you - and not because it's easy, but because it's easy-going. Because the on rails system will result in you being on the right track 90% of the time (there is some room for error), it's hard to go very far wide of the mark when hunting for a collectable. And that's a massive relief for anyone who's ever developed a headache whilst backtracking through half a game because they missed something. This game is meant to be a thrill ride, and even the more involved puzzles aren't too tedious and don't slow the pace down for long. Some of the puzzles are so simple to decipher you might wonder why they're even in there. But they're so stylishly done you're glad they are. Flushing a toilet to get a collectable from the bowl for example - it's a pleasure just to look at that stylishly rendered toilet before you hit the flush!

The characters are enigmatic and original. Although there are a few minor flaws - Dan's lines aren't the best. They sound a bit cliched compared to the other's. And the character of Kevin may as well not exist. Yes he's supposed to be silent, but that along with the fact he doesn't have any involvement in the storyline and you only need to use him at one single point in the game, it feels like they forgot about him when developing the game - and it's easy to forget about him while playing it.

The music in the game is pretty masterful, especially the Harman's Room theme. It'll stick in your head like a bad dream. The entire soundtrack is spot on brilliant throughout. It's unique, cool, and makes the game flow beautifully.

The voice acting and dialogue is generally superb, no over-dramatics by the actors. The seven personalities sound as cool as they look. They each have a signature line for when they get a critical hit, and they are all amusing. When you begin each new section each of the seven (except mute Kevin) has a new line on the selection screen, and a slight modification to their costume (for example Dan will have a different tie). Another nice touch.

The bosses are probably the most varied in any game of recent times. There's no formula to the boss fights, they are all unique (although most do rely on skillful aiming) and some far from traditional. Some seem to be finished in a flash, making you wonder "what the heck was that all about?" but who wants a thirty minute long epic of a boss battle every level anyway? The battles fit in with the snappy K7 pacing.

The game is technically fairly short but feels like it ends at the right time. It just makes you savour it more. Because it's a simplistic game (gameplay wise) there isn't much replay value unless you liked the game the first time round. But if you did, you'll want to replay it for the experience. Don't expect any traditional replay hooks like collectables, score or run time bonuses because not that sort of game. There is an unlockable character though once you complete the game. Another incentive to replay might be the hope of working out what the heck happened the first time round.

If you don't have a copy of Killer 7, then you need one. The most unique big release this generation. Many weird games seem to be developed with the knowledge that they're only ever going to appeal to a niche market, and so many end up like more of a mini game. But Capcom really went for the jugular with Killer 7, and put everything into it. It's big, it's bad, it's an insane masterpiece!

Gameplay: 10/10

Graphics/aesthetics: 10/10

Audio: 10/10

Story: 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/28/07