Dead Nation

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 49
  3. Negative: 1 out of 49
  1. Gamereactor Denmark
    Jan 6, 2011
    70
    Yes, it's yet another game with zombies. That might be a bit old, but luckily Dead Nation is less about killing undead and more about racking up a high score. It's old school arcade action, and the online ranking system that pits countries against each other only adds to the addictiveness.
  2. GamePro
    Dec 21, 2010
    70
    Dead Nation may not be perfect -- the imbalance towards co-op keeps it from becoming a truly great solo experience -- but compared to its competition, this is one corpse that still has some fight in it.
  3. VideoGamer
    Dec 19, 2010
    70
    Dead Nation adds a lot to the standard twin-stick shooting affair, with welcome dungeon crawler mechanics, co-op play and social features that are likely to attract a solid little community. For anybody whose patience hasn't been gnawed to pieces by zombies this past year or so, Dead Nation is easy to recommend.
  5. Eurogamer Italy
    Dec 19, 2010
    70
    Although it's clear that it doesn't express its full potential, Dead Nation proves to be a well crafted product that will probably appeal to both fans of the genre and potential newcomers.
  6. GamingXP
    Jan 8, 2011
    62
    Dead Nation is fun for a short while, but only if you're playing it online or in co-op. The shooting stages are not exactly epic and it makes absolutely no difference which character you're playing. What a pity.
  7. Video Game Talk
    Jan 5, 2011
    60
    In an industry that pumps out tons of zombie games each year, there's nothing incredibly distinctive about Dead Nation.
  8. Eurogamer Spain
    Jan 4, 2011
    60
    We get the impression that Housemarque just made the minimal effort to avoid producing a repetitive game. And they've not succeeded.
  9. GamerNode
    Dec 21, 2010
    60
    It may not bring anything new or exciting to the table, but the game packs a solid amount of content in a competent package. At the end of the day, though, Dead Nation is not quite a must-play experience, just a satisfying and enjoyable one.
  10. Metro GameCentral
    Dec 19, 2010
    60
    A fairly cynical attempt to mix Left 4 Dead with a twin stick shooter, but there are still some interesting ideas in amongst the far too familiar ones.
  11. Destructoid
    Dec 19, 2010
    60
    It's not an exceptional entry into the genre but a decent play. Fans of arcade-style top-down shooters will likely have fun, particularly if they have an itching to prove themselves on the leaderboards, but most others can probably find better ways to slate their lust for undead slaughter.
  12. Eurogamer
    Dec 19, 2010
    60
    It's just a pity that a developer with the unmistakable talent of Housemarque hasn't seized the opportunity to tweak, twist or otherwise refresh an overused formula.
  13. Edge Magazine
    Dec 23, 2010
    50
    Housemarque has certainly put in the effort, but the twin-stick shooter might simply be more rewarding when you're skidding over the smooth-scrolling surface of one of Super Stardust's wraparound arenas than stumbling through darkened alleyways with a tangle of undead shambling after you. [Jan 2011, p.100]
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Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best PS3 Game of 2010
27
#27 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010
75
#75 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 266 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 148 out of 266
  2. Mixed: 79 out of 266
  3. Negative: 39 out of 266
  1. camparitunes
    Dec 2, 2010
    10
    It's the best zombie game on any downloadable games market. The whole package is perfect in so many levels (for the price!). Really hookingIt's the best zombie game on any downloadable games market. The whole package is perfect in so many levels (for the price!). Really hooking gameplay and overall atmosphere. The game gets very interesting when you are aiming for the scores - you really have to avoid dying and getting hit if you are aiming to get the best high score. This also adds tension and survivability. A game for a real gamers!… Full Review »
  2. alln2themusic
    Dec 1, 2010
    9
    Intense Zombie Shooter. It definitely stands well on its two feet as far as zombie shooters go. Graphics are great!! Lots of detail in theIntense Zombie Shooter. It definitely stands well on its two feet as far as zombie shooters go. Graphics are great!! Lots of detail in the environments really add to the gameplay and feel of a devoid city. I'm enjoying the progression of levels so far. A couple niggling things like the view being to far away for some may be a problem or the difficulty level the game can bring, but its certainly not impossible by any stretch and every level can easily be gotten through with a little strategy and knowing all your weapons and what each weapon does. Overall, an extremely enjoyable game that I'm having a lot of fun with. Oh yeah and its extremely gory (which is most excellent for a zombie shooter). They did an excellent job with the sound also, especially if you have a surround sound setup (hearing the bones and organs crunching and smooshing under your feet as your walk over the dead bodies is priceless!!!).… Full Review »
  3. VenemoX
    Dec 3, 2010
    10
    This game is awesome all the way through. This is without a doubt the best downloadable game I've ever played and also one of the best PSNThis game is awesome all the way through. This is without a doubt the best downloadable game I've ever played and also one of the best PSN titles to date. with 10 chapters all lasting around 20 minutes each. Plus an awesome leader board where you can see which country in the world has killed the most zombies along with how many people from your country (or a different country) has Dead Nation, and also who's the best player. + There is an Online mode that I can't wait to check out, and I have never experienced such satisfaction as when you mow down a massive horde of zombies with your SMG or decapitate them with the Blade gun, or why not blow em up. Don't listen to the average critics. Especially IGN's. This is a 10/10 no doubt about it.… Full Review »
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