Kane & Lynch: Dead Men

 Xbox 360
User Score
3.3

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 350 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 350
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 350
  3. Negative: 223 out of 350
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  1. JediMasterLex
    Aug 16, 2023
    3
    This game is stil just as bad, actually even worse going back and playing again just this last week, finally beat it and I want my time back. Nevermind all the Jeff Gerstmann and Eidos crap they pulled, thankfully they aren't a company that exists anymore.
  2. Miguelbpaes
    Apr 25, 2023
    3
    Kane & Lynch poderia ser um ótimo filme, ou até mesmo série. Mas como game, é completamente péssimo, e peca em tudo que se presta a fazer.

    A história é confusa, curta e convoluta, os gráficos são péssimos com uma taxa de quadros abismal e a jogabilidade é travada e extremamente imprecisa. Isso faz KL1 ser um game difícil de recomendar, e fácil de passar longe. Kane como protagonista    Kane & Lynch poderia ser um ótimo filme, ou até mesmo série. Mas como game, é completamente péssimo, e peca em tudo que se presta a fazer.

    A história é confusa, curta e convoluta, os gráficos são péssimos com uma taxa de quadros abismal e a jogabilidade é travada e extremamente imprecisa.

    Isso faz KL1 ser um game difícil de recomendar, e fácil de passar longe. Kane como protagonista não convence, e Lynch como suporte também não.    … Expand
  3. eva3si0n
    Nov 14, 2021
    8
    Kane & Lynch: Dead Men is a controversial project from IO Interactive. On the one hand, there is a cycling duel of characters, on the other hand, a dumb AI of opponents, a terrible gun-play and a primitive plot. In the first Kane & Lynch: Dead Men is currently morally outdated, it came out in the era of the first Gears of War copycat games, only the shelters here work terribly crooked. TheKane & Lynch: Dead Men is a controversial project from IO Interactive. On the one hand, there is a cycling duel of characters, on the other hand, a dumb AI of opponents, a terrible gun-play and a primitive plot. In the first Kane & Lynch: Dead Men is currently morally outdated, it came out in the era of the first Gears of War copycat games, only the shelters here work terribly crooked. The story is divided into 2 parts: the first part is Kane & Lynch, but the second part is a procession to Havana and the jungle. So I really can't understand, IO Interactive always needs to send the hero to the jungle in the first part of the series? In general, for 2007, the game is not bad, but it rests only on a charismatic duet of characters.… Expand
  4. CloudStrife05
    Aug 21, 2021
    6
    Played it, beat it, don't remember much about it, LOL. Its a quick shooter.
  5. Kx1
    Dec 4, 2020
    10
    Great game. Shoting is not precise as in real life. Story is easly one of the best in video-game history. There are some minor issues with the game but in comparison to overall vibe it is not a dealbreaker. Give this game a chance.
  6. storygamer
    Oct 16, 2020
    5
    I was so hyped to hear that the creators of the magnificent Hitman series are working on a story based crime thriller called Kane & Lynch: Dead Men. And the storyline of this game is well made and thrilling. And the two main characters convey a dark and dirty atmosphere. But that´s about the only good things about this Third-Person Shooter. The graphics are outdated, the controls areI was so hyped to hear that the creators of the magnificent Hitman series are working on a story based crime thriller called Kane & Lynch: Dead Men. And the storyline of this game is well made and thrilling. And the two main characters convey a dark and dirty atmosphere. But that´s about the only good things about this Third-Person Shooter. The graphics are outdated, the controls are clumsy and the gameplay is repetitive shooter action. This entire game feels unfinished and could have been much better with a little more effort. Absolutely forgettable!… Expand
  7. gamingisgreat
    Mar 6, 2018
    6
    Kane & Lynch Dead Men is a decent story-driven 3rd person shooter.

    The gameplay isn't particularly unique,and the cover system is very clunky. But except for a few certain levels, functions relatively decently.There are a multitude of interesting levels like the bank heist and the skyscraper shootout.The game uses squad commands for you to command your allies around the levels,though    Kane & Lynch Dead Men is a decent story-driven 3rd person shooter.

    The gameplay isn't particularly unique,and the cover system is very clunky. But except for a few certain levels, functions relatively decently.There are a multitude of interesting levels like the bank heist and the skyscraper shootout.The game uses squad commands for you to command your allies around the levels,though the AI is beyond stupid for both your allies and enemies. But the game's biggest problem is the insane level of recoil on the guns.It makes some gunfights horribly frustrating.

    The graphics are average,but the game does run well and has no notable performance issues on the 360

    The story and characters are the game's strong point.The idea of pairing a flawed mercenary up with a medicated psychopath leads to pure comedy gold as you can imagine.The actual plot starts strong,but fizzles a bit towards the end,though the game has 2 endings.

    The sound design and soundtrack are decent.

    Overall,Kane & Lynch Dead Men gets a lot of unfair hate and is a decent game in my opinion,it is very cheap as of when I write this review so I recommend giving it a try.    … Expand
  8. Barnes1987
    Mar 28, 2017
    4
    This game is terrible, One of the worst games on the system. How it managed to spawn a sequel is amazing in itself. Avoid at all costs, even for free it's still a gamble.
  9. Chocolate42
    Oct 4, 2016
    10
    Easily the best game of all time! Do not listen to all the negative comments. Best gameplay, story, world design, characters, sound, air, grass and sun in any video-game ever created.
  10. Matty888
    Jan 2, 2014
    1
    Playing this game made me cry. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. Why was this game even made. I having nothing to say about this game. I give it a 1 because some of its story was alright, and if the game was remade with normal controls, mechanics, physics, gameplay, online and this wasnt the most cliched thing ever, it would be sort-of playable.
  11. Compi24
    Jun 25, 2013
    8
    The multiplayer is undoubtedly a failure and some of the gameplay is a little bit predictable, but "Kane And Lynch: Dead Men"s delightful co-op, engaging narrative, and interesting characters leave it at a fairly worthwhile level.
  12. dangerclose
    Jan 18, 2012
    7
    Yes this game does have it's share of issues. The aiming can be off at times. There were a few occasions where I had to restart a section because of a glitch. And lastly the cover system really does not work very well. Actually I found myself hoping I could turn off the cover system all together. However, this game is so gritty and stylish, I would play this over the commercializedYes this game does have it's share of issues. The aiming can be off at times. There were a few occasions where I had to restart a section because of a glitch. And lastly the cover system really does not work very well. Actually I found myself hoping I could turn off the cover system all together. However, this game is so gritty and stylish, I would play this over the commercialized games like Modern Warfare 3 any day. Yes, I said it.… Expand
  13. MikeS.
    Aug 11, 2009
    9
    Aside from the ridiculously hard level in Hawana (I guess), the game is almost perfect in terms of delivering the brurtal, sad story in a satysfying form. It's something that had been lost in gamemaking years ago: a shooter about men doing thing for their own, not because some military jackasses ordered them to. It a crime movie on X360, and there hasn't been any in gaming since Aside from the ridiculously hard level in Hawana (I guess), the game is almost perfect in terms of delivering the brurtal, sad story in a satysfying form. It's something that had been lost in gamemaking years ago: a shooter about men doing thing for their own, not because some military jackasses ordered them to. It a crime movie on X360, and there hasn't been any in gaming since Max Payne 2. Now there's always military, great wars, world saving... And I'm tired of it. I loved K&L because it's FRESH. And it has those incredibly awesome levels on L.A. and Tokyo Streets - one of "the bestest" levels in history of modern entertainment. I'd give it 10, but the level in Hawana during the revolution made me grind my teeth.… Expand
  14. FrankP.
    Aug 10, 2009
    9
    Dude, it seems like only nerds are panning this game. It was a blast, graphics were good, the cinematic dialouge blended in perfectley with the story. fun online.....great game.
  15. JohnP
    Feb 22, 2009
    5
    This game is so fun. But oh my god, the glitches and difficulty is can be atrocious. The story line makes up for the glitches. Would love to see a sequel with everything worked through.
  16. whizzm
    Nov 3, 2008
    8
    People who give this game 0 are clearly idiots. just bought this game and it is brilliant. great cinematic feel to it, graohics ARE good, great storyline, all out action. you can get this game very cheap now so dont mind the idiots who gave this 0. not the best game ever, but a very very good game.
  17. DanielM
    Oct 16, 2008
    8
    I quite enjoyed the game, the first half being excellent in characterization and plot feeling like a Micheal Mann film which is no bad thing. On the other hand the cover system is terrible, the online mode is glitchy to say the least, the difficulty suddenly increases for no particular reason halfway though (at which point the plot and nice environments takes a dip)and there is no online I quite enjoyed the game, the first half being excellent in characterization and plot feeling like a Micheal Mann film which is no bad thing. On the other hand the cover system is terrible, the online mode is glitchy to say the least, the difficulty suddenly increases for no particular reason halfway though (at which point the plot and nice environments takes a dip)and there is no online coop. All though there are many design flaws i still really enjoyed it and think others would too, dont risk the full price get it at a big discount or rent it as there's not much replayability.… Expand
  18. LewisH
    Jun 1, 2008
    8
    Kane and Lynch is far from a perfect game. However, it was a breath of fresh air for me from all the recent games falsely touting moral questions. BioShock, Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, these games all left me with a sour taste in my mouth after realizing that the supposed moral ambiguity was nothing more than black and white good and evil, usually as cut and dry as the two buttons Kane and Lynch is far from a perfect game. However, it was a breath of fresh air for me from all the recent games falsely touting moral questions. BioShock, Mass Effect, Assassin's Creed, these games all left me with a sour taste in my mouth after realizing that the supposed moral ambiguity was nothing more than black and white good and evil, usually as cut and dry as the two buttons used to make your ethical "decisions". So with that in mind, I was very pleased with K&L's unapologetic or judgemental portrayal of two lead characters who are flawed. Not good, not evil, but men with somewhat good intentions who manage to cock everything up multiple times throughout the game. In K&L, IO Interactive has painted two sympathetic characters who in all honesty shouldn't deserve your sympathy. From there, I was able to play through the entire story without the game ever pressing its judgements of good and bad on me, free to participate in an objective tale. You've already heard everything about the sub-par graphics, buggy gameplay/A.I. and every other problem that plagued this game, but in the end, it's worth your time. If only for a rental, the surprisingly satisfying gunplay and engrossing storyline may very well become the unsung hero of video game writing.… Expand
  19. Sam
    Mar 23, 2008
    4
    With the badass trailers and the very appealing character concept, I was expecting this game to be IOI's finest since Hitman: Silent Assassin. They proved me wrong. While this game isn't as bad as the Gerstmann sympathizers say, it's still pretty bad. Which is a shame, because IO had everything they needed, every tool to make this game great. They just didn't use them. With the badass trailers and the very appealing character concept, I was expecting this game to be IOI's finest since Hitman: Silent Assassin. They proved me wrong. While this game isn't as bad as the Gerstmann sympathizers say, it's still pretty bad. Which is a shame, because IO had everything they needed, every tool to make this game great. They just didn't use them. First of all, the gameplay is trial-and-error based, and is overly frustrating. There's no open-endedness to the game at all, which was what IOI made their name from: letting you decide what you want to do. There's none of that here. You just go around shooting, escorting, and doing what the game tells you to. You don't get to plan out the heists, or any of that. The poorly written script plans it out for you. But the game does its best to keep you from sticking to that. It is a very buggy game. The controls don't do anything to help it, either. The aiming is horrible. You will never hit who you're trying to the first few tries. This applies for every time you attempt to shoot someone. And beyond firing and team commands, they're very hard to use, often involving drawn-out button combinations just to perform a simple action. What's worse is that after you've put in that sequence, the action you're supposed to perform has a high chance of not working. The biggest example of this is taking cover. Now, unlike the rest of the game's controls, the input for taking cover is pretty simple. Unconventional, but simple. You just run up to a wall and slap the analog stick to press up against it. The problem is, 9 times out of 10, it doesn't work, and even when it does, the horrible collision detection this game sports will get you killed anyway. Your character often just runs up to the wall, rather than sticking to it, often leaving you open to enemy fire. And speaking of enemy fire, you'll get it a lot. The enemies in this game have decent AI, but they are often crack shots, which is more than what can be said for the ally AI. These are by far the worst teammates you'll ever see in a video game. They pretty much do nothing but get shot, and when they aren't getting shot, they're either missing their targets or shooting you. Yes, it is just that bad where your friends kill you twice as much as the bad guys do. In actuality, you're better off just sending them to draw fire, as that's all they'll succeed at. Just make sure you're close to them, because they don't revive each other, and if they die, it's game over. The story doesn't do the game any favors, either. It's never particularly well written at any time, and what's worse is that it doesn't explain everything that it should. It also doesn't quite hold its own against several games that came before it, which is a total shame, but isn't totally unexpected. Strong plots and interesting stories have never really been a part of IOI's traits. But at least you'd think it has decent dialogue. Unfortunately, it fails there, too. First off, it's not cleverly-written, and it uses the F-word more than any single piece of media you'll ever find. There are very few sentences said in this game that don't have it. It was an obvious attempt to make the game seem grittier than it is, but all it did was just take away the drama and strong feeling that the word evokes. Most of all, it really just feels like they hired an angst-filled teenager to write out the dialogue. It's just that poor. However, the game has one good point: Its multiplayer concept. Fragile Alliance is a very well-thought out concept that follows the game's themes of trust and betrayal very well, in that the outcome of a match is entirely in the players' hands. You can stick to the plan and be a team player, or you can pull a Kane and leave everyone of your partners for dead. Unfortunately, the very same flaws that the Campaign mode has are carried over to this mode, save for the ally AI. You'll still have the same control problems, the same poor collision detection, and the same horrible aiming. It doesn't flat out ruin it, but it doesn't do anything good for it. All in all, this game could have been so many things, but achieves none of it, not even its main selling point: Its own story. The only way I can really recommend this game is if you have absolutely nothing else to play at all. It is a rental at best.… Expand
  20. JoseF.
    Mar 9, 2008
    9
    I really had fun with the game, the ending pretty sucks but the story is very good the multiplayer may be repetitive but its good and unique, the controls may be tweaked but you can hang on to it, the co-op is a blast. recomended
  21. Itsnotthatbad
    Mar 5, 2008
    8
    Overall its fun but unpolished. The cover and inventory systems definately need more work and the AI is mediocre. The redeeming features here are the story and voicework. Its problems disapoint but don't completely ruin it.
    People saying that this is the worst game of all time are just overreacting to the Gerstman-gate fiasco. There are plenty of worse games out there.
  22. SeniorS.
    Feb 25, 2008
    9
    This game is awesome! Who cares about the crappy graphics, stop being so damn shallow and appreciate the awesome plot and good gameplay.
  23. IntruderG.
    Feb 8, 2008
    4
    This game is not the worst game ever nor is it the best game ever. If anything it is terminally mediocre. Whie it has some fun scenarios, there are entirely too many technical flaws that make the experience below average. The graphics, especially in game animations, are are below average. The vertical split screen on co-op seriously hampers your peripheral vision. The controls are a This game is not the worst game ever nor is it the best game ever. If anything it is terminally mediocre. Whie it has some fun scenarios, there are entirely too many technical flaws that make the experience below average. The graphics, especially in game animations, are are below average. The vertical split screen on co-op seriously hampers your peripheral vision. The controls are a little loose. The music and story are the highlights of the experience and the unique multiplayer is a nice diversion from Team Slayer and the like. Unfortunately, the few fun parts are outweighed by the bad. Kane and Lynch is worth playing, but only as a rental. It is definitely not worth $60.… Expand
  24. AshR
    Jan 29, 2008
    10
    Despite all the gaming nerds out there calling this the worst game of all time. I fully enjoyed the story of this game and the controls really arn't as bad as people are making out and after 10 minutes of playing, you're used to them and already taking advantage. The Music is great, then again anything Jesper Kyd does is like gold. The voice-acting is a lot better than most Despite all the gaming nerds out there calling this the worst game of all time. I fully enjoyed the story of this game and the controls really arn't as bad as people are making out and after 10 minutes of playing, you're used to them and already taking advantage. The Music is great, then again anything Jesper Kyd does is like gold. The voice-acting is a lot better than most games out there and the story certainly takes some twists. If you're looking for a game that has action, then this is damn close to being in Michael Mann's "Heat", especially on the Tokoyo levels.… Expand
  25. CodenameONE:SIX
    Jan 18, 2008
    7
    Well, I'm going to start off by saying this was a game I played almost entirely in split screen Co-Op mode on 50" HDmi. So with that in account, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed this game, regardless of completing it in a few hours, my friend and I found ourselves in love with the film-like dialogue. Being a bit weird ourselves it was nice to see some (bad)good-guys for once, not Well, I'm going to start off by saying this was a game I played almost entirely in split screen Co-Op mode on 50" HDmi. So with that in account, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed this game, regardless of completing it in a few hours, my friend and I found ourselves in love with the film-like dialogue. Being a bit weird ourselves it was nice to see some (bad)good-guys for once, not entirely fighting for the right cause, and it is exactly that reason why GTA was so popular - because of its moral bending ways. Aside from the story and dialogue, everything else was pretty standard, graphically it was hit and miss, with some levels looking amazing in HD (a mention to the Ratamoto bulding) and others seem out of place and very outdated. The aiming had been slated a lot by people before we'd played this but our immediate reaction was "they arnt good at shooting thats why" with this mental note, we found the aiming a breeze, dont take the crosshair for granted and use the tracers to guide you to headshot heaven (47 headshots is an achievement by the way). The other thing was the cover system, but with a few twiddles of the stick and guess work, we had understood its principle, and that is it is camera relative. So many people think the cover system doesnt work, but they dont realise, there is no need lock to a wall unless they are going to submit blind fire. In this you just need to make sure the camera stick is facing the enemy and the character (kane or lynch) will go onto the wall infront, and from there you can do as you please, fire or not. Simple. Finally, online is a bit of fun but it's fragile alliance mode is only good on paper, unfortunatly to idiots who just become traitors from the beginning, so with recommendation to a game on that with people you know from your friends list. To conclude this game has its ups and downs but its ups are good enough to forgive the downs, especially in Co-Op mode. Oh, and dont forget the secret ending!… Expand
  26. Shatananshnasha
    Jan 14, 2008
    7
    You can run, crouch, throw some rubberballgrenades, aim and shoot. That's pretty much all. I'm not sure why I liked the demo. Maybe because Kane&Lynch is so damn simple! It's nice to have a game like this, when you just want to relax and shoot some people :P
  27. M.B.
    Jan 13, 2008
    7
    X0 version - Game has few exellent maps, some mediocre maps and rest are just plain horrible. Storyline is something you really don't even think of, so it really doesn't play that big of a part, more just an excuse for next set of enviroment. If IO interactive would just had kept the quality from those exellent urban city maps and continued from there we'd have a X0 version - Game has few exellent maps, some mediocre maps and rest are just plain horrible. Storyline is something you really don't even think of, so it really doesn't play that big of a part, more just an excuse for next set of enviroment. If IO interactive would just had kept the quality from those exellent urban city maps and continued from there we'd have a masterpiece in our hands. Controls aren't all that bad, apart the "cornering" seems to be working only in some walls and obstacles. What they should have done is to have it under a button and that it work to everything. Also the group controls and the aiming weren't as bad as some reviews out there are indicating, few minor tweaks here and there, they could a lot better thou. That said, this game is between 7-8. Is few exellent maps enough to justify the price tag of a full game?… Expand
  28. LeeB.
    Jan 9, 2008
    7
    A solid, fun shooter. The aiming mechanics are fine, and although occasionally frustrating, the cover system is ok too. The only thing that is bad is the AI, and that accounts for enemy and friendly AI. The online play is quite fun, especially if you find a good group of people to play with. I really don't understand the bad user scores that this game receives, because it isn't A solid, fun shooter. The aiming mechanics are fine, and although occasionally frustrating, the cover system is ok too. The only thing that is bad is the AI, and that accounts for enemy and friendly AI. The online play is quite fun, especially if you find a good group of people to play with. I really don't understand the bad user scores that this game receives, because it isn't THAT bad.… Expand
  29. Zaggy
    Jan 9, 2008
    0
    Worst game ever! The graphic is like a bad PS2 game and the sound/music suck big time..and the control is to be ashamed over....Big disapointment
  30. NikM.
    Jan 3, 2008
    8
    The single player is a let down and the AI is ussually terrible, but the multi player is this games saving grace. The Co-op turns a mediocre game into a fun shooter with a friend, and the online is so great and unique. The game wont appeal to everyone, but its worth a look.
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2007
23
#23 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 57
  3. Negative: 6 out of 57
  1. Official Xbox Magazine
    80
    Part thug brutality, part capers and hijinks, the latest wild ride from the developer of "Hitman" has its fair share of rough edges--maybe even more than its fair share--but its epic missions are so thrilling that they'll sear away the nuggets of disappointment you'll ocasionally feel. [Dec 2007, p.68]
    Read full review
  2. GamePro
    60
    Sure, the gritty atmosphere and balls out gunplay offers up some thrills, and yes the multiplayer options hold some potential but the hard-boiled noir tone and interesting amalgam of varied ideas never truly comes together to form the cohesive action thriller that the game aspires to be. [Dec 2007, p.121]
    Read full review
  3. 1UP
    75
    We rarely see scenarios and story structure this good in a game, and that makes it easier to forgive some of the more hardcore technical game-design issues. It's definitely more of a popcorn game for the action-movie crowd than a hardcore shooter, but there's nothing wrong with that.
    Read full review
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