I'll assume they change nothing but the language for the US release of this, so my impressions should carry over.
I was sold from the "Loading" screen of this game - you can slash the remote like a sword in any direction and the appropriate slash appears on the screen until the whole thing crumbles. Yes, there is a lot of "waggle" (how I hate that term and all the negative connotations it now carries) all the way through the game. No, it is not 1:1 swordplay (if you want it that so badly go take up fencing). As long as you can handle those two things, it is extremely fun.
The basic gameplay has you moving through limited environments (hallways, garden pathways, parking garages) with occasional branching pathways or secret areas. In certain areas, a bony fence erupts from the ground and traps you until you kill all the zombies in the area. Beyond that, the game is a lot of zombie killing. You don't need as much strategy as something like Dynasty Warriors, but there are certain zombies you'll want to target first because they are faster or stronger or have long-range attacks (like the zombie cops and their guns). The enemies are more plentiful than in something like Samurai Western or God Hand but not as numerous as DW. The closest thing I can really think of in terms of gameplay is Seven Samurai 20XX for PS2.
There are four characters (I think), two of which are initially available. You have the option of switching between one of two stances for each character. For example, the default Slayer has two swords but her default stance is to use one sword (remote) and kick (nunchuk) and keep the other sword in reserve to throw. Switching stances gives you both swords to use but takes away the throw ability. Each character feels different and I really like taking turns playing levels between someone with swords and someone with just metal gloves. The punching/grabbing is very visceral and responsive and changes the whole feel of the game because you have to get much closer to the zombies.
The characters offer distinctly different story paths as well as play styles. There are a few levels where I thought I was just going to be playing the same level I had with another character, but for the most part these "replay" levels cover another part of the area not explored with the other character.
There are a few extra modes, but honestly I have not played them. I enjoy the level structure enough that I'd rather replay a favorite level (you can jump to any you've beaten) than see how long I can stay alive in an endless horde or something. I also have not tried a co-op mode, so I cannot comment on that.
Graphically, the game looks like one of the better (not the best) PS2 games. The art direction is primarily realistic and it's a nice change to play a Wii game without smiling, bobbling, giant-headed freaks. Instead you get bobbling breasts and shuffling freaks. Actually, the game is not nearly as gratuitous as you would expect; while playing you are generally treated to a back view of your character and she's usually in motion slashing zombies. You do unlock new outfits for the Slayers, but it's not a substantial part of the game. There is a nice range of zombie types, and even within the "classes" of zombie there is a lot of variety. Some zombies have weapons based on their type, but some can randomly have a chainsaw or other weapon.
I do really enjoy this game and couldn't recommend it more highly to someone who likes these any combination of two of these three things:
- Hack-and-slash gameplay. Not a lot of depth here, just chopping up zombies over and over again.
- "Waggle" attacks. Yes, you have to move your arms a lot, but it works.
- Zombies. (Actually, everyone likes zombies)
I approve
and it's using Web 0.9 where everything gets reloaded despite looking like it has a slick ajax interface. Not to mention the pop-under ads.
