"Killer7 aims to refresh an industry dominated by sequel after sequel...and it succeeds."

Back in 2002, when Capcom announced the Capcom 5, everyone was undoubtedly intrigued by the unique game they displayed called Killer 7. The graphics were a cross between cel-shading and manga, and the storyline was so different from anything else out there that many people in the gaming world wanted to get their hands on it. However, in the coming years as details of the gameplay were revealed, many people were turned off, feeling that Killer 7 was trying too hard to be offbeat and that it was alienating gamers from enjoying the experience. However, I am here to tell you that not only Killer 7 deliver gameplay wise and graphically, but it also redefines what it means to be "original" in this industry.

Visuals 10/10
The visuals in this game are what probably drew people's attention to the game in the first place. It's a beautiful combination of cel-shading and manga that brings the characters, particularly the Heaven Smiles, truly to life.

Sound FX 8/10
The sound effects in this game are decent. Some of the gun sounds in the game are well done, like Dan's revolver and Con's dual automatics. Others, however, sound like they were added on at the last minute, like Kaede's gun. It sounds like the pistol from Doom. The Heaven Smiles' laughs are awesome and give the game the added atmosphere of being in a desperate situation, always having to defend yourself.

Music 9/10
The music in the game is very well done. The great part about the music is that each track fits the mood of the stage. Whether you're in a luxurious mansion or in the middle of the Texan wilderness, the music will make you feel like you're in the actual environment. The track I favor the most is the Gatekeeper song. You go from being in a gloomy building with melancholy music to club hopping techno in less than a second. Only game like this could pull that off.

Voice Acting 9/10
The voice acting in the game is awesome. The voices fit each personality perfectly, whether it be Dan's low, badass tone or Con's high, cocky tone. The voices help the player identify with each personality and perhaps form a bond with said personality.

Story 10/10
The story in the game is another aspect of it that will jump out at you. It starts simple enough: The Killer7 is hired by the US government to destroy the Heaven Smiles and their source, but it quickly, and I mean QUICKLY, takes a turn for the extremely weird. The story has so many things going on at the same time that you'll probably have to play it several times just to understand ONE aspect of the story.

Gameplay 9/10
The gameplay has been the "make it or break it" point in most other reviews and more often not, it has caused Killer 7 to get a lower score. However, I feel that the gameplay mechanics were a genuine attempt to give gamers a fresh, new experience and considering that it wasn't considered a major part of the game, the gameplay is still able to be fun and unique at the same time. You control seven personalities at the same time, each having his or her own specialities to them. Each one is needed to solve a puzzle at one time or another, whether you need Kaede to break down a barrier or Coyote to use super jump to get on to a roof, each personality is useful and none will go to waste. Your movement is on rails, meaning that you are on a predetermined path throughout the entire game and you use the A button to move forward and the B button to turn 180 degrees. However, there are many branching paths called junctions that you use to choose which way you will go next. You are constantly being attacked by the Heaven Smile, who are invisible due to their urban camouflage. You are able to detect their presence because they always cackle to announce that they're in the area. At that instant, you must draw your weapon the R button to go into first person view and use the L button the scan the area to make the Heaven Smile visible. Once you can see them, you can fire at will, but each Heaven Smile has a weak spot that you should aim for that will kill them in one hit if shot.

Hitting the weak spots brings to light one of the more interesting aspects of Killer7. Throughout the game, you will collect the blood of fallen enemies. There are two diffferent types of blood in the game: thick and thin. Thick blood is used to level up the skills of each character, from 0 to 5. Each level gained will unlock a new ability for each character, whether it be the abiility to lock on to weak spots automatically or the ability to slow the movement of the enemy. Thick blood is collected by hitting the weak spots of enemies, which is much easier said than done. Thin blood is used to heal to your character during the game and also allow your characters to use their special abilities. It is collected in viles and sometimes you can collect two viles of thin blood at a time by hitting the weak spots of enemies.

There is a healthy variation of Heaven Smiles that attack you during the game, with harder smiles to kill as the game progresses. Some Smiles can be attacked head on, while others must be in a certain spot or else they will teleport in front of you and have a free chance to attack. The enemy variation is another way in which each personality can be used strategically.

The boss fights in the game are awesome. They aren't like normal boss fights that only require you to hack and slash your way to victory. They are fights that seriously require to use your mind. Like in one boss fight, you must shoot one of the enemy's ties so that the other enemy will be drawn to straighten it, exposing his weak point. It is ideas like this that make Killer7 a game like no other.

Overall 9/10
The bottom line is that Killer7 is a "love it or hate it" game. If the aspect of the gameplay seems too offbeat for you, then you probably shouldn't rent or buy it for that matter. However, for those of you who are willing to recognize its artistic as well as gameplay merits, then you will not be disappointed in what will prove to be a gaming experience long remembered in the history of gaming.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/11/05