Killer is Dead Reaches 1 Million Sales Milestone After A Decade

Cult classic action game "Killer is Dead" has finally reached over one million copies sold worldwide, nearly twelve years after its original release. Publisher Dragami Games shared this achievement in a recent announcement.

The game, created by famous game designer Goichi "Suda51" Suda and developed by Grasshopper Manufacture, first came out on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in August 2013. It later arrived on PC through Steam in May 2014.

"Killer is Dead" puts players in control of Mondo Zappa, a stylish executioner with a cybernetic left arm that can transform into different weapons. As an employee of the Bryan Execution Firm, Mondo hunts down dangerous criminals in a strange, futuristic world where mechanical body enhancements are common.

The game features fast-paced "hack-and-slash" combat where players use Mondo's sword alongside special abilities from his high-tech arm. Players can transform this arm into weapons like guns, drills, and laser cannons to take down enemies.

What makes "Killer is Dead" stand out is its unique visual style. The game uses cel-shaded graphics that look like a moving comic book, with bold shadows and bright colors creating a noir-like atmosphere.

The story unfolds across 12 missions that take players to various locations, eventually leading to a showdown on the Moon. The narrative is surreal and fragmented, typical of Suda51's unusual storytelling style, which is often described as a “Dark Side 007”.

Despite this, "Killer is Dead" received mixed reviews when it launched. Critics praised its visual flair and unique style but criticized certain elements, especially the controversial "Gigolo Missions" side content, which many found objectifying to women.

The game also faced technical issues, particularly in its PC version, which suffered from crashes and frame rate limitations. Nevertheless, it has maintained a dedicated fanbase over the years.

"Killer is Dead" continues to be remembered as part of Suda51's collection of cult classics, joining titles like "Killer7" and "No More Heroes." Its blend of stylish action, bizarre narrative, and distinctive visuals has cemented its place as a unique, if flawed, entry in gaming history.