The build at the event was an early beta build, so it didn't have all of the features in the game, such as the ability to skip certain scenes or access any of the mini-games, like the intriguing Featherdome, where you take a mutant rooster and engage in cockfights for money and prizes. It did, however, feature two stages: Castle Steiner and a redesigned Zombietown. Castle Steiner was interesting because it was the tutorial for the game, where Fred learned what happened to him as well as how to use his various abilities within the game.
One thing that we noticed is that Fred's initial Jarhead came with a special ability that could be triggered with the circle button. By holding it down, players could turn themselves invisible and go into stealth mode. Launching an attack from this mode would cause twice the amount of damage on an enemy, which was a great way to weaken strong opponents. However, even if Fred needed to go toe to toe with a zombie or other creature, he appeared to be fast enough with his punches and kicks. If a monster managed to get through his offense, he also managed to be skilled enough to potentially counter an incoming attack.
Counters were interesting because they essentially triggered a quick mini-game where players would have to pound on the attack button to fill a gauge while your opponent struggled to get free of Fred's grasp. If players could quickly fill it in time, they could then perform a finishing blow that would fill up Fred's rage meter. This could be used in either a radial attack to disperse a group of enemies, or in a concentrated blast that would inflict serious damage on one opponent.
We also managed to find out a little more about how Fred will acquire the various heads in the game. A character by the name of Sam Spade (who also happens to be the town gravedigger) will open up shops across the whole city of Hope Falls. If Fred manages to decapitate a certain number of enemies, he can trade them in for a new head with new abilities. It was unsure if he'd be able to take any bonus heads and trade them in for upgrades or other items that he could use on his quest, which should last up to twenty hours across 12 large environments.
We'll have more on Dead Head Fred as soon as possible.