Play as Hannah Stone, a badass police officer, as you power through mercenaries, gang members and private security forces in a spectacular cyberpunk adventure. Steel your resolve and get to the bottom of the world's secrets. The team is made of: Lt. Hannah Stone, a no nonsense hard boiled Hong Kong cop with phenomenal sword moves and catlike reflexes. Sgt. Arnold Herzog, a loudmouth marksman with dirty jokes for days. Sgt. Manolo Cortez, a mute brute that always has everyone’s back. Doc, a field surgeon with zero tolerance for humor and common sense. Gunsmith, a retired Olympic champion, a retired singer, a retired celebrity chef, currently engineering weapons for the Hong Kong police force. Cap. Albert Simmons, the founder of the Manu Military program aimed at recruiting former war criminals in the ranks of the Hong Kong police force...

A combination of melee and pistol action comes in incredibly useful

Wanted: Dead is a hybrid slasher and third-person shooter from Team NINJA, the makers of Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive. The game follows a week in the life of the Zombie Unit, an elite Hong Kong police squad on a mission to uncover a major corporate conspiracy.

While Wanted: Dead might not bring much new to the table, it takes well worn and trusted gameplay mechanics and delivers a compelling story, fiendishly punishing gameplay and weapon customization to suit all playing styles. Having said that, I didn't really see much change to the gameplay when changing the weapon load out, but it was a fun addition.

While you can go in all guns blazing, it's highly recommended that you spend at least a little time in the tutorial section before you venture into the game proper. And if you find the gameplay too challenging you can always pop back into the tutorial section to help you brush up on those moves.

The game follows a week in the life of the Zombie Unit

You're equipped with your main firearm, which you can chose to fire on semi or automatic, as well as a melee weapon and sidearm pistol. Taking out enemies at a distance is no problem, simply aim down the sights of your main weapon, but life's not always that simple. You'll soon find that your foes will charge you, in which case a combination of melee and pistol action comes in incredibly useful.

The game is challenging and fun, but at times I couldn't help feeling I was just going through the motions as there's very little in the way of original material here. I also found the RRP a little on the steep side. Personally I'd wait until it goes on sale. £30 is a much more realistic price point. Fans of third-person shooters will feel right at home.

7

Nick Smithson