Killer Is Dead

 Xbox 360
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 38
  3. Negative: 4 out of 38
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  1. Eurogamer Germany
    Aug 8, 2013
    90
    At this point, though, you already know, if Killer is Dead is for you. It's shrill, chaotic, stupid and quite simply all sorts of genius. Finally, Suda did that one final step to grow as a game designer, no longer banking solely on the weird.
  2. IGN Italia
    Aug 27, 2013
    85
    The "usual" Suda51 game: you can love it or hate it. This time, though, there's a lot of substance under the great style and the not-so-great tech. Killer is Dead is a solid and rewarding action game, especially if you dare trying the harder difficulty levels.
  3. GameOver.gr
    Oct 3, 2013
    80
    A classic Suda 51 game, with a unique art direction and a well written story. If you are a fan of Suda you know what to expect here.
  5. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Sep 17, 2013
    80
    We won't deny that Killer Is Dead has some issues, but what it gets right it does so with gusto and originality, and in today's world they are valuable attributes indeed. [Issue#102, p.74]
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  6. 4P.de
    Sep 6, 2013
    80
    This is as surreal as stylish, as uncompromising as relentless, as odd as any other game from Suda 51. But is also more mainstream than ever before, which is admirable.
  7. Eurogamer Spain
    Sep 2, 2013
    80
    With Killer is Dead Goichi Suda finally nails his own personal formula, that one that never seemed to fully work with Killer 7 or No More Heroes.
  8. MondoXbox
    Aug 27, 2013
    80
    A very effective combat system and distinctive narrative and artistic style get balanced by an unimpressive story and quite annoying screen tearing. If you're looking for a genuine Suda51 experience, it's nevertheless a recommended game.
  9. Multiplayer.it
    Aug 26, 2013
    80
    Killer is Dead confirms the talent of Suda 51 on producing titles full of personality, who will delight enthusiasts of Japanese madness. A cauldron full of flavor, but where not everything works as it should.
  10. Meristation
    Aug 26, 2013
    80
    Pure Suda, Killer is Dead is a really good action game with lots of flavor and many of the elements that have made special this director.
  11. Eurogamer Italy
    Aug 26, 2013
    80
    Killer is Dead is a crazy action game with a touch of Tarantino's movies, a little bit of Cowboy Bebop and a bit of Devil May Cry. Suda and Grasshopper have done a great job creating a memorable experience.
  12. XGN
    Sep 4, 2013
    75
    Suda51 managed to deliver a weird game again. The game may be weird and flawed here and there, but also unique in its style and incredibly entertaining.
  13. SpazioGames
    Aug 27, 2013
    75
    Killer is Dead is not a bad title, especially if you loved No More Heroes, but it also doesn't overtake its charisma. Despite its absurdity, the game is struggling to become as unforgettable as the other works from Suda.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2013
48
#48 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 150 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 150
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 150
  3. Negative: 30 out of 150
  1. Compozer
    Aug 27, 2013
    9
    Don't let the white knight reviewers fool you into thinking Killer Is Dead is a bad game due to the sexualisation of women in it. It's notDon't let the white knight reviewers fool you into thinking Killer Is Dead is a bad game due to the sexualisation of women in it. It's not perfect, that's true. The combat isn't as deep as Devil May Cry or flashy as Bayonetta, but it's incredible over the top Suda51 fun. Fighting enemies is fast paced and enjoyable, and on higher difficulties, requires serious skill. I don't use the word often, but Killer is Dead is just awesome. The art style looks amazing, genuinely artistic. Colors are vibrant and flashy, and make Mondo Zappa and co. really come to life. The characters aren't necessarily fleshed out, but it feels like a Tarantino movie in the sense that they don't have to say a lot to know their life story.
    As for Gigolo Missions, they're great too. Before everyone starts screaming MISOGYNIST, get off your high horse and enjoy Killer is Dead for what it is: a flashy, over the top game that's about fighting robots/monsters, and banging buxom babes.
    Killer is Dead is my favorite Suda51 title yet, and I highly recommend it.    … Full Review »
  2. gurochu
    Aug 27, 2013
    9
    I have been blown away once again by Suda 51. As some of the other positive reviews have stated, there are many elements of the game such asI have been blown away once again by Suda 51. As some of the other positive reviews have stated, there are many elements of the game such as sexualization of women that many are calling out as poor content, but there's a reason why no one can understand it. This game is Art.

    Suda 51's career has been focused solely in the production of pieces, rather than games. This, like Killer 7, is not a game as much as it is a presentation of visuals, audio, writing, and overall mastery of the craft that is involved in any art based game. While I do agree that the sexualization is sometimes not necessary, it's not put in the game so fans can touch themselves, it's to present the main character as a smooth womanizer who rather than talking, woos women tactically with gifts instead of speech. As he doesn't actively care about these women, he doesn't care enough to talk to them. If there's anything to walk away from this game with is, it's that Suda 51 games are all about context and about artistic value. Do a little research about the Japanese audience, play his previous games, and let the game feel more like a representation, rather than a basic beat'em'up.    … Full Review »
  3. makemenuconfig
    Aug 27, 2013
    10
    This game is fun. I don't care about the silly plot.The action is great and I'm loving it. The graphic design is a welcoming fresh change. TheThis game is fun. I don't care about the silly plot.The action is great and I'm loving it. The graphic design is a welcoming fresh change. The sound effects and voice acting are very good. The gameplay is varied and at times it is challenging, but not because of an 'artificial difficulty'. This game needs some skill to get through some levels. I don't have the slightness clue why this got low reviews. 10/10… Full Review »
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