The Grand Return of THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2.
SEGA continues its long-standing effort to revive its classic arcade IPs. Just like the first iconic installment, developed by Megapixel Studio, the remake of THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 aims to be a faithful reproduction of the original game, featuring updated graphics and all the classic modes, including Arcade Mode and Classic Mode. Additionally, new features such as Boss Mode and Training Mode will be introduced. This second installment is widely regarded as an excellent sequel that elevated the saga’s popularity to new heights. Notably, it holds the highest rating in the entire series.
The First Playable Demo
During the Steam Next Fest, the development team gave PC players the opportunity to experience THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2: Remake firsthand through a playable demo. Although brief, the demo includes the entire first stage and delivers a strong visual impact. The graphics have been meticulously designed to capture the same atmosphere as the original arcade game. The audio design also stands out: every environmental sound, every gunshot, and every enemy growl has been recreated with remarkable fidelity. Additionally, players can choose between the original soundtrack and a newly rearranged version, allowing for a customizable experience.
The Gunplay
The gameplay of THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD revolves around precision, quick dismemberment, and the rapid elimination of zombies and other dangerous creatures. Each enemy follows a specific attack pattern, and the game’s difficulty level directly affects the reaction speed required to survive. While the arcade versions had a preset difficulty, the console editions will allow players to adjust it, tailoring the experience to their skill level.
Mastering the gunplay depends on training and the player’s ability to handle the signature weapon of each installment. As in the Dreamcast version, this remake includes various collectibles that significantly alter the gameplay experience, such as larger magazines, increased firepower, and extra credits. These upgrades can be obtained by destroying objects in the environment.
Compared to the original, the remake’s gunplay feels more precise and lethal. However, the most beloved element of the saga—the ability to dismember enemies shot by shot—has been toned down: most opponents fall with a single headshot, except for the more resilient ones. Despite this, the overall feel is satisfying, making the experience enjoyable for both veteran arcade players and newcomers discovering this classic title.
At the end of the first stage, the demo features a showdown against The Iron Giant, one of House of the Dead 2’s most iconic bosses. The soundtrack and direction enhance the battle’s epic feel, faithfully recreating the tension of the original. Moreover, the fight is more challenging due to the increased mobility of the boss’s weak spot and the reduced effectiveness of shots that miss the vulnerable areas.
For precise aiming and fast reloading, using a mouse is recommended, as the controls remain simple, limited to shooting and reloading. Just like in the original, multiplayer mode will support up to two players.
Technical Aspects
Graphically, the remake offers an impressive visual presentation with a high level of detail. However, the choice of a dark red color palette deviates from the original style, which favored a progressively darker and more realistic ambiance. The work on human character models is excellent, as their expressions and details faithfully resemble the aesthetics of the original chapter. The same cannot be said for the creatures, which appear overly refined and less unsettling compared to the arcade version. Fortunately, the boss has been redesigned to be even more menacing, with its advance creating moments of intense tension.
The most critical issue in the current build involves menu and cutscene responsiveness, with occasional delays. Thankfully, these issues do not persist during gameplay, which runs smoothly without any bugs or technical errors.
The Arcade Experience at Home
THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2: Remake successfully recreates the arcade experience, thanks to its nostalgic credit system. Depending on the difficulty level, players will have more or fewer credits, while the health bar can range from 3 to 6 points. The option to purchase credits mid-game reduces frustration, especially against particularly challenging bosses such as The Water Boss and The Final Boss, the toughest in the game. Currently, official support for light guns has not been confirmed, but their potential inclusion could offer the ultimate arcade experience.
When Will THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2: Remake Be Released?
THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2: Remake is scheduled for release on PC and consoles in Spring 2025. While a specific release date has not yet been confirmed, the launch is fast approaching. With its impressive quality, it has all the potential to capture the attention of both longtime fans and newcomers. If it achieves the expected success, it will be exciting to see whether the third and fourth installments will also receive similar remakes. Stay tuned for more updates!
