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Wanted: Dead, a cyberpunk action game developed by Soleil and published by 110 Industries, launched on February 14th for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and PC. With a pedigree boasting former Team Ninja members, known for their work on Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, expectations were high. Could Wanted: Dead fill the void left by the dormant Ninja Gaiden franchise? Unfortunately, as this review will explore, it falls short of the mark.

A Cyberpunk Hong Kong Setting

altWanted: Dead paints a compelling picture of a futuristic Hong Kong where advanced technology has blurred the lines between man and machine. Cybernetic limbs and android workers are commonplace, but this seemingly utopian society hides a darker truth. Powerful corporations exert significant control, and the police force appears to serve their interests above all else. Players step into the boots of Lieutenant Hannah Stone, a member of the “Zombie Unit,” an elite squad of ex-military personnel seeking redemption for their past sins. The narrative follows the unit as they tackle various missions, confronting gangs, mercenaries, and rogue robots while uncovering the sinister secrets of the Hauer Corporation, the very entity funding the Hong Kong police department.

Satisfying Swordplay, Flawed Gunplay

altOne of the few bright spots in Wanted: Dead is its visceral melee combat. The blend of swordplay and close-range gun combat creates stylish and satisfying encounters. The sharp, precise sword attacks, capable of dismembering enemies, provide a tangible sense of power and impact. The finisher moves, reminiscent of John Wick’s brutal efficiency, are equally impressive. Occasionally, the game throws in a chainsaw for good measure, adding a touch of dark humor with its over-the-top censoring effects.

altHowever, the gunplay is a significant letdown. Despite being marketed as a game emphasizing both gun and sword combat, Wanted: Dead’s ranged combat feels underdeveloped and underwhelming. The primary long-range weapon, the assault rifle, suffers from low damage, poor accuracy, and limited ammunition. Each magazine barely holds enough rounds to take down a single enemy. The shooting mechanics themselves are clunky, with stiff character movement when firing from cover, and enemies seemingly unaffected by bullets until they abruptly collapse. A light weapon modification system exists, allowing for some stat adjustments through part swapping, but it fails to elevate the gunplay to a satisfying level.

Unfulfilled Potential and Technical Issues

altThe melee combat, while enjoyable, also has its shortcomings. The limited combo variety and disjointed design restrict player freedom and creativity. The absence of a parry or deflection mechanic, especially considering the game’s emphasis on fast-paced close-quarters combat, feels like a missed opportunity. The adrenaline-fueled “bullet time” ability offers little tactical advantage and lacks alternatives. The weapon selection is surprisingly limited, consisting of only two assault rifles, a pistol, and a sword. While players can temporarily utilize enemy weapons, the core arsenal feels restrictive.

altThe upgrade system lacks depth, requiring players to unlock basic functionalities like grenade throwing. The squad mechanics are also underdeveloped. While accompanied by three other squad members, only Doc, the team medic, plays a memorable role. The other two members offer negligible support and feel largely superfluous. A particularly glaring missed opportunity is the lack of integration of Hannah Stone’s cybernetic arm into the combat system. Given the cyberpunk setting, the potential for customizable arm attachments or unique combat abilities feels squandered.

altBeyond the gameplay issues, Wanted: Dead suffers from a poorly paced and confusing narrative. Random flashbacks are inserted without proper context, leaving the player disoriented and struggling to follow the plot. The factions and their motivations remain unclear, leading to a pervasive sense of disconnect from the story. The voice acting is subpar, with stiff delivery, awkward dialogue, and occasional lip-sync issues. Furthermore, the game is plagued by frequent crashes, further diminishing the overall experience.

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Conclusion

Wanted: Dead had the potential to be a thrilling cyberpunk action experience, but ultimately falls short due to a multitude of shortcomings. While the swordplay offers moments of visceral satisfaction, the flawed gunplay, underdeveloped mechanics, and technical issues hold it back. The confusing narrative and lackluster presentation further detract from the overall experience. Unfortunately, Wanted: Dead remains a missed opportunity, failing to capitalize on its promising premise.