Wanted: Dead

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 31
  3. Negative: 8 out of 31
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  1. Hardcore Gamer
    Feb 15, 2023
    80
    Wanted: Dead is a punishingly-difficult bloodbath that’s a joy to play. The stages are a brutal mix of swordplay and gun battles with a combat system that’s rewarding once the timing is mastered. In between stages there are several minigames that offer a sense of levity to help break up the violence against the corrupt corporate overlords, whether it be through karaoke, an eating contest or a good old fashioned arcade game. The style of gameplay feels like a modern take on third-person action games from the early 2000s which isn’t a bad thing at all. Wanted: Dead pulls no punches when it comes to challenging the player, but that’s what makes finally completing it feel so satisfying.
  2. Gaming Nexus
    Feb 14, 2023
    80
    It’s without a doubt that Wanted: Dead is oozing with style and glamor thanks to its immaculate art direction and addictive hybrid combat system. The cherries on top are the included shmup, claw machine, and karaoke minigames that simply add more drip to the overall experience.We don’t get enough games like these nowadays and I’m all for it. Unfortunately, there's just a ton of technical performance issues at launch that need to be addressed immediately.
  3. COGconnected
    Feb 15, 2023
    79
    Wanted: Dead successfully captures what made action games incredible in the sixth and seventh generations of consoles. Its combat options are deep and due to this, cutting up enemies never gets old. While the narrative shifts into beautiful hand-drawn anime, the voice acting and dialogue halt interest in the unremarkable narrative. However, fans of third-person action games who want a gameplay-focused experience should take stab at this one.
  5. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Feb 14, 2023
    75
    Wanted: Dead is going to annoy a lot of players. It’s also going to please plenty more. Soleil has made a game that leans heavily into its PS2-era inspirations, and that includes an unforgiving difficulty level. Without any real way to make things easier, some players may never see the ending of an otherwise enjoyable campaign, outside of watching a streamer perhaps. For those who can manage to hone their skills, however, the time put into Wanted: Dead will be worth it because this slasher-shooter offers so much visceral joy when things go your way that it makes all the painful death worth it.
  6. Destructoid
    Feb 14, 2023
    75
    A hangover of abandoned game design, dressed up in unruly aesthetics and powered by cyberpunk Pat Benatar. The unforgiving gameplay and changeless, repetitious action will leave some appalled, but the radiant cast of reprobates, silly mini-games, baffling dialogue, and shameless commitment to the bit results in one of the most bewildering, hypnotic releases in some time. Simply put: Wanted: Dead is a fucking train wreck, and you better get your ticket punched.
  7. Noisy Pixel
    Feb 14, 2023
    75
    Wanted: Dead is a commendable effort from this team and a sign of much better things to come. It is unapologetic in what it wants to be, and so despite all of its quirks and faults, it offers a charming and memorable action game experience that is backed by a captivating presentation. Come for the brutally effective combat but stay for the utterly surreal game world filled with fun distractions and addictive carnage. With this debut title, 110 Industries takes us back to a time when a standout vibe made up for a lack of polish.
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  1. Eurogamer
    Feb 14, 2023
    All the confusing yet irresistible energy of early-noughties double-A gaming, marred by awful writing and a core gimmick that doesn't ignite.

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2023

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 70 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 70
  3. Negative: 22 out of 70
  1. thissiteisaj0ke
    Feb 18, 2023
    0
    Practically every positive user review for this game is fake. Metacritic clearly has a problem with astroturfing and instead of trying to fixPractically every positive user review for this game is fake. Metacritic clearly has a problem with astroturfing and instead of trying to fix it they hide it by now making it impossible to see users' review history. Otherwise you'd see all the 10's here have only reviewed this game across multiple platforms.

    The game is far from a 10. Something like a 4/10 would be generous. Lots of poor game design, but playable if you're a diehard action fan and have literally nothing else to do with your free time. When I heard some former Team Ninja devs were onboard I assumed it would be nobodies, but they actually have a couple big names from the early days of TN, so it makes it all the more disappointing that this is the best they can do now.

    If I were to sum up this game in a few words it'd be this: vanilla NG3 but even less fun and everyone is ugly.    … Full Review »
  2. d4ntes
    Aug 18, 2023
    7
    I had so much fun with this one. Sure, story and characters are somewhat weird, and game is little bit too short and sometimes repetitive, butI had so much fun with this one. Sure, story and characters are somewhat weird, and game is little bit too short and sometimes repetitive, but it packed with action, good combat system, awesome finishers and some cool minigames. Overall, great package, especially if you can buy this after discount.… Full Review »
  3. Jord96223
    Mar 11, 2023
    0
    This game is complete and utter garbage. Production values, AI, control, balancing, everything misses the mark. I really felt scammed.
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