PGC NEWS

The resurgence of the “Boomer Shooter” genre has brought a welcome wave of nostalgia to the gaming world. These games offer a refreshing alternative to the complexities of modern shooters, eschewing intricate loot systems and endless upgrade paths for pure, unadulterated action. Unfortunately, while KINGDOM of the DEAD boasts a visually captivating experience, its gameplay falls short of the mark, leaving it a beautiful but ultimately flawed entry in the genre.

KINGDOM of the DEAD immediately grabs attention with its striking visual style. The stark black and white palette, combined with detailed ink work and evocative lighting effects, creates a unique and compelling atmosphere. This artistic choice perfectly captures the gothic horror aesthetic, reminiscent of classic black and white films and intricately illustrated novels.

The game’s environments are equally impressive, drawing players into familiar gothic horror settings: haunted castles, dark crypts, and gloomy cemeteries. While these locations offer a visually stunning backdrop, they lack narrative depth and memorable environmental storytelling elements.

Kingdom of the Dead Cemetery

A Feast for the Eyes and Ears

The clever use of contrasting ink, lighting, and the monochromatic color scheme ensures clarity and readability. Enemies are easily discernible against the backdrop, thanks to their glowing eyes and a natural-looking glow surrounding them. Similarly, upgrades and new equipment are clearly marked with distinct colors and symbols.

Kingdom of the Dead Gameplay

The sound design further enhances the immersive experience. Enemy sounds, while unsettling and disturbing, are not overly jarring. Each enemy type has its own distinct sound, with more dangerous foes emitting increasingly distressing and haunting cries. The meticulous attention to both visuals and audio creates a truly captivating experience, drawing players deep into the game’s world.

Kingdom of the Dead Enemy Encounter

Gameplay Missteps

Despite the impressive audiovisual presentation, the gameplay of KINGDOM of the DEAD is where the game falters. The game offers eight levels with distinct environments, over 20 enemy types, and eight weapons. Players start with a sword and a revolver, gradually acquiring more powerful weapons like shotguns, rifles, and automatic six-shooters throughout the game. Each level features three difficulty settings with varying objectives, resulting in a total of 24 potential playthroughs.

Kingdom of the Dead Initial Weapons

However, the execution of these elements feels disjointed and lacking in focus. KINGDOM of the DEAD seems unsure of its identity, attempting to blend the speed and diverse weaponry of Quake and Doom with the expansive arenas of Serious Sam and the complex level design of Half-Life. This mishmash of ideas results in a confused and unfocused experience.

Kingdom of the Dead In-Game Scene

The character movement is swift, but the jump height feels inadequate, especially considering the abundance of bottomless pits scattered throughout the levels. The cumbersome aim-down-sight mechanic, coupled with a dedicated sprint button that must be held constantly, further disrupts the flow of gameplay. These conflicting mechanics create an inconsistent and jarring experience.

Kingdom of the Dead Weapon Variety

Conclusion

KINGDOM of the DEAD presents a visually stunning and aurally engaging experience. However, its gameplay suffers from a lack of focus and inconsistent mechanics. While the game’s artistic direction is commendable, its gameplay fails to live up to the promise of its presentation. The result is a game that is beautiful to look at and listen to, but ultimately frustrating to play.