BootHammer Video Game Reviews is excited to reveal our review for NeverDead. The brainchild of Shinta Nojiri, who previously directed the Metal Gear Acid series, and co-developed with Rebellion Software, brings a radically new gameplay experience to consoles in NeverDead. It introduces an immortal super action hero who has a unique decapitation ability not yet seen in games. In NeverDead, players become the immortal Bryce Boltzmann, a tragic hero who has endured a suffering existence due to the murder of his wife at the hands of Astaroth, the Demon King. Moving through life without aspirations other than where he will find his next drink, he fights alongside his partner Arcadia for the National Anti-Demon Agency (NADA), exterminating modern day demonic forces.

Players make use of the hero’s immortality to tackle obstacles featuring the new and often gruesome decapitation and regeneration mechanic. Rip off your arm to explode a detonation device against an enemy, tear off your head to scout the level, shoot electric bullets by getting electrocuted and brutalize your hero in every way to discover what abilities he possesses.

NeverDead also includes online co-operative and competitive “challenges” where teams of up to four players can compete against each other or the enemy. The destruction of entire buildings, pillars, floors and interior wall sections adds elements of strategy and various abilities needed to destroy players’ foe. Gamers seeking more NeverDead thrills will be able to expand their online experience with exciting downloadable content, including new characters and additional missions within the multiplayer mode. Expansion Pack Volume 1 will be available for download on February 21, 2012. Fans will be able to expand their online experience with a new playable character, three new challenges within the expanded Asylum level and two new online costumes for the main character, Bryce Boltzmann.

The combat and action found in NeverDead is quite fun. Bryce is a wise cracking immortal with a itchy trigger finger. Blaze down your enemies with dual weapons or slice them up with your blade. Fans of Devil May Cry will notice some similarities in gameplay, though NeverDead leans much more towards the comical side. The controls are pretty solid and it doesn’t take long to get the game’s mechanics down. Guns seem a bit underwhelming but as long as you keep your distance from enemies and stay active, Bryce can deal out some real damage while taking minimum punishment. Environmental damage is satisfying and well done. The extra destruction adds to chaotic atmosphere. Bryce is capable of literally losing everything but his head. To put yourself back together, simply roll over your detached body parts. They glow in order to help you locate them in the midst of mayhem. Severed arms can still fire your guns, which is pretty boss.

Graphically, NeverDead looks and runs fantastic. The animations and cut-scenes are impressive as well. Elements that degrade the experience involve repetitive fights and respawning enemies. This is the biggest crutch in the game and it will more than likely cause frustration for everyone at some point. More variety and less respawning would be ideal for a sequel.

It’s refreshing to play new IP’s and Konami has made a really unique game with NeverDead. I feel the game has been overly criticized in a scene with so many rehashes and remakes. While I obviously enjoy both, it’s also nice to experience a new hero, world and story. There are a few bumps in NeverDead’s structure but don’t let that stop you from checking out this new entry in the demon hunter genre.

Review Rating: 7.5/10