Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse

"Delicious"

So someone finally made a Zombie game in which YOU are the zombie, but how did it turn out? Let's break it down:

Graphics - 8
The graphics are nothing short of good, but they aren't great, as far as the regular graphics go they're nothing special, they're good, not great. But there are some really cool effects, the over the top gore is well done, and looks good, when Stubbs detaches his hand/head the screen goes black and white and has a cool tunnel effect. The environments are all good-looking and pretty realistic. The 1950's grainy camera is a nice touch, being evident enough to notice, but not so much as to effect gameplay. The effects are very well done, however there isn't really anything that hasn't been done as far as graphics go.

Sound - 8.5
The sound is great. The moans of your zombie horde make you think you're really there. The soundtrack is very well done, and pretty awesome, and is even available by itself (as a CD, bought separately). The guns sound perfect, just as they should for a game based in the 1950s, and the voices, are quite well done.

Gameplay - 10
Here's where it's at, as Stubbs your job is to feast on those delicious human brains by any means necessary. Of course you won't be doing this alone, because any human you kill, unless they are blown to bits, becomes a member of your horde. Unfortunately your horde "dies" much faster than you, and you lose them a lot, as they are slower than you. You can have about 15 or so, which is more than enough. Of course Stubbs has plenty of abilities, he can hit his enemies with his arms, a basic, but effective, strategy. He also has his zombie powers, which consist of his Unholy Flatulence, in which Stubbs let's one rip, stunning any humans unlucky enough to be within it's radius. Stubbs can throw gut grenades, which can stick to targets and have a remote detonation. You can posses human targets by removing Stubbs' hand and throwing it, which you then take control of until you find a human host, until it gets "killed" (which sometimes can happen fairly easily), or until you recall it. This allows you to use their guns, as Stubbs can't use them himself. Stubbs' final weapon is his head, which he can remove and throw like a bowling ball at enemies, until detonating it. You recover these abilities by eating more of those brains. Stubbs health works much like that of Halo, in which if you're hurt and stand still, you regain health. You also get a small boost from those tasty tasty brains. The co-op adds another level of fun for two people. The other player plays as Grubbs, who suffered the same fate as Stubbs. The gameplay is quite good, and very different.

Story - 6
Ok, so there isn't a very strong story, it mostly consists of Stubbs wanting brains, and getting into some sticky situations in the process. And even though it isn't very strong, there are many cut-scenes, and the game has a great sense of humor.

Overall - 8 out of 10
Well, the game is very fun, and a breathe of fresh air. It's a bit repetitive, but if you come into the game looking for zombie carnage and humor, then this is definitely your game. The load times are a wee bit on the long side, nothing terrible, but it is a little wait. There are some extras, when you go for a second play through; you can pick-up hippo heads that give you commentary from the makers. And there's a medal and difficulty system like that of the first Halo. It does feel like there could have been an interesting multi-player, but the co-op does meet the quota. I'd say if your a zombie fan, this is a must buy.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 10/21/05