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Featuring visual artistry and dark imagery with striking cel-shaded graphics, Killer 7 chronicles the connection between two men whose intertwined paths develop into a compelling tale of revenge and altering personas. Killer 7 propels players into the consciousness of one man and his seven different personalities. The player's challenge is to stop a wave of indiscriminate violence that is plaguing the world. In Killer 7, players take on the role of Harman Smith an unlikely assassin who leads a life as the intermediary link between seven alter egos. Switching between his seven different personalities, Harman employs each character's abilities to terminate targets he deems "deserving to die." Now a powerful underworld kingpin has unleashed violent creatures called "Heaven's Smile." These crazed soldiers, affixed with horrific smiles, have started to wreak havoc on city streets destroying anything unlucky enough to cross its path and overtaking the minds of the populace. It is up to the player to interchange Harman's seven partners; and utilize the special powers that dwell within them in order to assassinate Kun Lan, the notorious criminal overlord behind all the madness. [Capcom]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 91
VGPub
One of the most unique titles ever to hit a console, as well as one of the Gamecube’s best. It uses an original art style with simplistic gameplay to create a unique and addictive experience.
 91
Into Liquid Sky
If your looking for a good mature action/ adventure game that makes you think in more ways then one, do yourself a favor and pick up Killer 7.
90
games(TM)
Between gamers’ potential lack of patience and the people needlessly dismissing the title after half an hour simply because it’s ‘trying too hard’, many are going to miss out on one of the most unique and rewarding gaming experiences of the last few years. [Aug 2005, p.120]
90
NTSC-uk
The title's incredible atmospheric power is derived from how the presentation is conveyed through gameplay, and how the resulting simplicity helps strip the pacing down to a fine line.
90
Gamer's Hell
Ultimately, Killer7 is both an interesting and creative game. The controversial control method needs some getting used to and may turn off certain gamers, but if you give it a chance, you’ll find yourself intrigued with the game and its amazing story.
90
Play Magazine
Vile and bizarre, refreshing and absorbing, Killer7 is an aggressive blessing to cleanse us from the masses. [July 2005, p.70]
90
NintendoWorldReport
The plot has so many subtle nuances of political and social commentary; you could dissect it for days on end and still not completely understand it. The ending alone will leave you thinking for hours, pondering the different story twists and turns.
90
AceGamez
It's eye-candy from start to finish - sometimes you forget you're playing a game and feel like you're controlling the outcome of a blockbuster film instead. The boss battles are some of the best I've experienced, the graphics are some of the best I've seen, the musical score will make every game I review after this one pale in comparison and the unique gameplay will be something that I miss when I finally have to put this gem down.
90
Gaming Nexus
But for us mature gamers out there a game like this is akin to seeing a great rated R flick. Don’t miss Killer 7, with all the critical reviews putting it down as a waste of time, it would really be a shame if you miss out on this.
88
N-Insanity
Laced between the confusing story, unique gameplay, and interesting sounds is SUDA 51’s dream of a game that breaks all boundaries and really tries something new and innovative.
87
Worth Playing
A great start for what will hopefully become a style of console gaming that will grow, meet many improvements, and finally show the world that art and videogames can, indeed, be one.
86
BonusStage
If you consider yourself a true gamer (and one who‘s able to buy Mature games legally), you absolutely must play Killer 7, period.
85
Kombo
The overall package of the game is excellent and should be considered in any hardcore gamer's collection.
85
Nintendo Power
The pacing and movement restrictions (particularly in areas where the paths take needlessly circuitous routes) will frustrate players who are looking for more conventional play, but for those who stick with it, the experience will be highly rewarding. [July 2005, p.96]
85
Nintendojo
While it's certainly too violent and heavy for kids under 18 (as the appropriate ESRB rating states), and perhaps too ramblingly intellectual for every taste, Killer 7 is a brilliant piece of work when taken as a whole.
85
WHAM! Gaming
Just like a Lynch movie, debate over the merits and meaning of Killer7 will no doubt rage for months to come, if not years. But just as some dismiss surrealism as trivial waffle, others will find great delight and much scope within the fixed parameters of what is presented here.
83
Gaming Target
A stylish visual panache grabs your attention early and a straightforward control scheme makes the game accessible to everyone.
83
GameSpot
Greater than the sum of its parts. It's pretentious and can be frustrating or tedious at times. And it's also one of the most unusual, politically charged, and thought-provoking video games since "Metal Gear Solid."
83
Nintendophiles
With Killer 7, Mr. Suda has taken the classic adventure genre, injected it with an incredible amount of hallucinogens, and put his own stamp on Capcom's classic design philosophy. It's a mad world in there; are you mad enough to enter?
82
Inside Gamer Online
Recommending Killer 7 is frightening, much like recommending A Clockwork Orange, or Pulp Fiction, or Eraserhead. The art we love is not always universally enjoyable, but we all want to share that favorite special vision with others, while still worrying about what they will think. We offer our sincere but guarded blessing to Killer 7.
81
IGN
Players who can look beyond the control mechanics will find a truly bold and intriguing adventure game lurking within Killer 7's beautiful cel-shaded visuals. This is a game that oozes style from beginning to end and also one with a story so brutally off-the-wall that it practically demands your attention.
80
Siliconera
Gamers eager for something different and darker will eat Killer 7 up. Whereas some gamers will absolutely loathe the game because it takes time to get into and time to relearn controls. [JPN Import]
80
PALGN
An experience first and a game second. Players going into it with that in mind should enjoy this immensely, those looking for a deep gameplay experience may want to try before they buy.
80
Edge Magazine
It’s difficult to shake the sensation that Killer 7 is an important production, as paving for future creative leeway if nothing else. But its likely love/hate status is testament to just how adamant it has attempted to be in its flair for extraordinary presentation. [Aug 2005, p.84]
80
GamerFeed
If you stick with it you'll be generously rewarded with a twisted tale that'll leave you guessing until the very end. It also doesn't hurt that the game is quite easy on the eyes, featuring slick cel shading that is liquid cool.
80
Total Video Games
It represents a welcoming step away from the masses of clones, while its serious tone, portrayed in equal doses of graphic brutality and absurd comedy will keep those willing to persevere hooked on the edge of the seat awaiting the sounds of cackled laughter.
80
GameCube Europe
Twisted, deep, engrossing and genuinely different. It’s a very grown-up experience, stretching what games can be and making set-piece based scare-em-ups like the recent "Doom 3" look horribly crude and simplistic in comparison.
80
Sydney Morning Herald
The brilliantly stylised comic-book visuals are extraordinary. However, many will tire of the lengthy loading times and protracted dialogue but the script includes clever pop culture references and political commentary.
80
Da Gameboyz
The dark stylish action is a perfect backdrop to a rather good story and the beautiful cel-shaded look to the entire game is a refreshing and an effective way to engage any gamer.
80
Computer Games Magazine
It's brilliant and obscure and like all the best satire, you probably don't even know that it's laughing at you. [Oct 2005, p.88]
80
GameBiz
The movement system of the game is extremely commendable although I can imagine some people finding it terribly annoying.
80
Games Radar
A game whose characters and storylines are far more engaging and confrontational than any number of big-balled third-person grit-'em-ups, presenting subjects like domestic abuse, politics and grisly execution without getting bogged down in them.
79
GameZone
It's a strange collection of weird imagery, gorgeous graphics, impressive music, and a crazy story that'll hold your curiosity. Note that in that list I didn't say anything about the gameplay.
78
eToychest
It is different - no doubt about that - but rest assured months from now people will still be talking about that game that turned convention on its ear and showed that there are still some ideas left untapped. It's just too bad there isn't more of a game here of which to speak.
78
Jolt Online Gaming UK
No game can claim to be as visually and aurally stunning as Killer7. There has been no video game as heavily and expressively stylised before, with the beautiful, cel-shaded visuals forming an integral part of the game, rather than a back of the box bullet point.
78
My Gamer
Originality in the storyline and art design boost Killer 7 from being one of the bunch to a game worth taking a look at, and maybe one that will set a precedent for others to come in the same line.
75
Gaming Age
What will keep you playing isn't the gameplay, or even the story, exactly, but just wanting to figure out what the hell is going on. Let it take you with it and you won't be sorry.
75
Game Informer
At the end of the day, I walked away with a handful of great memories and the satisfaction that I had experienced something so innovative and insane. Unfortunately, I also left Killer7 with an insatiable hunger for answers and clarity. [July 2005, p.115]
73
IC-Games
On first inspection Killer 7 appears to be a confused, disjointed mismatch of ideas, but on closer examination some of its inner beauty will slowly begin to shine through. Before you knock it, appreciate the fact that it really couldn’t have been done any other way. The upshot is that Killer7 shouldn’t be played so much as actually ‘experienced’.
70
Gamestyle
By being different and daring and altogether difficult, it has alienated many. But by sticking to their (un-)fashionable guns, their purist vision and actually getting the game out there (with a Mature rating, no less), Capcom have created something of worth - and something worth remembering for years to come.
70
Thunderbolt
It just feels like an incomplete work that got too much artistic style and far too little gaming substance.
70
Pelaaja (Finland)
It’s difficult to score killer7. Its unique atmosphere and unique style almost manage to bury the faults evident in the game mechanics and the fact that the game is very simple. For those who aren’t that much into style, killer7 doesn’t offer much more than a straightforward shoot ’em up with lacking puzzles. [July 2005, p.57]
70
Yahoo! Games
If its creepiness, truckload of style, and inventive concepts sound appealing, then by all means give it a shot. On the other hand, if you think the repetitive shooting, ho-hum puzzles, and inability to actively control your characters' movements will flip your smile upside down, then it might be best to avoid this in favor of another play through "Resident Evil 4" or "God of War."
70
1UP
For every artistic triumph the game unveils, it also bundles an equal number of peculiar design choices that make for a largely confusing whole.
70
EuroGamer
It's absolutely fantastic to see something like this given a worldwide release on PS2 and GameCube in such a risk-averse climate, and Capcom deserves kudos for giving the game its support.
65
The New York Times
If you want to see a game push beyond the conventions of game narrative, then Killer7 is worth renting. But prepare yourself to be consecutively thrilled, confused, provoked, annoyed and bored senseless.
60
G4 TV
If this one had gameplay to match its story and visuals, we'd be looking at a Game of the Year candidate.
60
Deeko
A rail shooter at best, Killer 7 oozes all kinds of artistic flair. It's just too bad nothing was left for gameplay.
55
Electronic Gaming Monthly
It's hard to recommend picking up Killer7, even as a curious experiment or artistic statement, when so much of the actual gameplay screams to put it down. [Aug 2005, p.108]
50
GameSpy
If you have a choice, between getting the GameCube and PS2 version of the game, go for the GameCube. The semi-frequent load times are significantly shorter on Nintendo's system, and the graphics look slightly better.
50
Cheat Code Central
Killer 7 is the kind of videogame that will give parents' nightmares. This is the videogame that every parent thinks their kids are playing. It's the culmination of everything naughty and taboo. It's only meant for adults. If kids are playing this game then their parents are not doing their job.
50
Detroit Free Press
Were it not for the bizarre control scheme, the whole game could be artwork.
45
Armchair Empire
Because like all art, it’s subjective – I may not know art, but I know what I like. And I don’t like this. For something truly "art wothy" try "Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem."
42
Game Revolution
We admire the effort and love the style, but we expect our video games to be first and foremost good games, not good art. That’s a bonus, not a foundation. Despite our appreciation for those that push the boundaries of game design, Killer 7’s lofty ideas come crashing down in a flurry of bad gameplay decisions, proving that sometimes weird isn’t quite enough.
40
Maxim Online
While it has an amazing cell-shaded, anime-influenced look that’s both stylish and striking, it also has totally unnatural and unnecessarily complicated controls that make it impossible to play.
35
netjak
Yeah, the art direction is incredible. While the story isn’t particularly mind-blowing, it is serviceable and entertaining. But the control scheme is so awful and frustrating, clearing the game is more a matter of patience with poor layout than any skill or talent.
0
Stuff
At best, playing the game is like having someone shout in your ear for 15 hours straight. At worst, it's like getting a high colonic with balsamic vinegar.
Keeton J. gave it a9: Benjamin B. gave it a7: Syc gave it a9: JP K. gave it a10: I. Lynch gave it an8: Brandon gave it a9: Will F. gave it a9: |
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