Reviews// Lollipop Chainsaw

You'll want to protect each character in order not to face them, something I've not experienced in a zombie game before. But at times you'll feel as though the game is against you and that some VIPs were always meant to die. I suppose that's the way a zombie apocalypse would be. It's more actually just a way to make you play the game over more than once.

This would also explain the poor length of the game. Running at around six hours the main campaign feels a little short. Although there's no doubt that you'll want to play it over, your first play-though won't offer enough.

When the game does deviate from its core gameplay it can offer some wonderful moments. The boss battles are fantastic and offer unique experiences.

But some deviations seem a little half baked: Chainsaw Dashing has you sprinting along courses hitting zombies and jumping obstacles, making you feel twinges of Sonic, but it just isn't explored enough to feel substantial.

There are a few mini-games to get to grips with too. Some work, like lobbing zombie heads toward a basketball net in order to win the match within the time limit. Others just feel unpolished, like shooting zombies off of your runner in a game of baseball. When they work, they're fun but when they don't, you feel as though they really should have been cut altogether.

Undead Funny
The one thing Lollipop Chainsaw nails, is its writing. If you get into the spirit of the game, it'll make you laugh out loud throughout. It's not the most intelligent of comedies but the clear disdain the two lead characters have for each other shines throughout.

They got the idea of puppy love across to me in such a special way that it made each slushy note - coupled with a snipe at each - other all the more hilarious.

It's low brow to say the least and at times touches on the distasteful, what with Juliet being called a “Slut” and “Whore” a few too many times for my liking. That said, each character you come across does have something to offer the rather shallow plot.

Even the soundtrack will raise a smile. When “Hey Micky” kicks in for the first time you'll realise that given the correct setting, even this sickly shit-pop of a song can have you tapping along and even singing out loud.

Falling Shy
My main frustration with Lollipop Chainsaw is that it could be so much more. It just falls short of being a really excellent game, and it feels as though that accolade is there for the taking.

The combat is fun but has enough flaws for it not to compete with the big boys. For example, it is hard to actually see when a zombie is about to attack. This means that the decisions you make rely on a little too much luck. The camera needs constant adjusting too, which is something that really should have been sorted.

Visually it can be stunning at times but repeated characters are noticeable and some assets stick out from the rest of the art style. There are also a hell of a lot of invisible walls stopping you from jumping to places that seem accessible.

Having said all this, my time with the game was an enjoyable one. This is a funny game that has enough about it to make you want to play it more than once. Not only are there the usual stage grades to improve on, there are also plenty of unlockables and enemies that you'll want to battle again.

The opening stages offer fun moments as you ease into the art style and comedic punches while the later stages are challenging enough to satisfy.

It has its flaws but Lollipop Chainsaw has enough going for it to make you overlook them.

SPOnG Score: 6/10

Pros
+ Decent comedic writing
+ A wonderful soundtrack
+ Visually stunning in places

Cons
- Shallow combat
- Inconsistent quality
- Low brow and sometimes offensive