Video Game Vintage Title: NeverDead

NeverDead

NeverDead is a video game developed by Rebellion Developments and published by Konami for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It was released on January 31, 2012 in North America, February 2, 2012 in Japan and South Korea, February 3, 2012 in Europe and February 16, 2012 in Australia.

NeverDead Plot

The player controls a wisecracking human demon hunter named Bryce, who was cursed with immortality five hundred years ago by the demon king Astaroth. Now in modern times, he hunts demons for money and revenge with a female private investigator in order to stop a demonic invasion that has nearly destroyed the city.

NeverDead Gameplay

The protagonist is an immortal and will be able to survive severe injuries. Over time, the player will lose body parts and will have to collect the removed limbs by rolling into them. Players can cause large objects to crush nearby enemies, harming them but not the player. Gameplay will also feature puzzle elements. A female partner will assist the player, however she will not be immortal and the player will have to take damage to protect her.

Reception
NeverDead received mixed reviews, with an average Metascore of 52 out of 100.

IGN gave the game 3/10, commenting on the poor control scheme and the repetitive gameplay. They also commented on the characters, calling them "unlikeable" and calling the game "not fun."

G4 TV's X-Play review noted the poor game mechanics and lackluster environmental design, and, despite noting the game's concept as having great potential, was disappointed in the execution, rating it a 2 out of 5.

Xbox 360 Gamer was more positive about the game, due to the "intriguing concept and solid third-person gun-and-swordplay." However, they did note that the gameplay can become frustrating, which hinders the game's otherwise good intentions. They scored it a 7/10.

UK based magazine GamesMaster rated it 80%

Eurogamer commented on the game's juxtaposition of originality and old game mechanics, saying "Despite second-rate combat and a repetitive campaign, however, there's still something fiercely likeable about NeverDead... hasn't been given room to get the most out of its strange ideas, but it's still plucky, warm-hearted and genuinely idiosyncratic."