PlayStation 5 Critic Reviews

The love of Rick and Morty, Gundam, and old school cartoons/comics is evident, and Romeo is a Dead Man is proof that you can be inspired by a variety of mediums and your creativity can still show it in an all-new way. From DeadMan’s design to the wild supporting cast, there is so much to love about the game and all I want next is for DeadMan to meet up with Travis to save the world and time together. I’m all in.

If, for some reason, ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN isn't one of your new favorite Suda51 games, you at least can't deny that it's greatly benefitted from Grasshopper Manufacture's decades of experience in producing the Kill the Past universe. In some ways, ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN feels like a sort of culmination of it all, bringing in the best bits from other titles and improving upon the rest. ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN is as easy to recommend to Suda51 newcomers as Lollipop Chainsaw while providing a plethora of KTP easter eggs for long-time fans to discover. ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN is to Grasshopper Manufacture as The Great Wave off Kanagawa is to Hokusai -- the game is only this good (and believe me, it is GOOD) because of all the incredible experiences that built it. Play ROMEO IS A DEAD MAN on whichever platform you must (PS5 felt fantastic), but to be clear: PLAY IT.

Without the perks of modern AAA powerhouses at its disposal, Romeo is a Dead Man is a true masterclass in how to create a video game, embracing modernity without abandoning the DNA that makes Grasshopper Manufacture's work so unique in its own strangeness. It is, easily, the studio's best production in at least 15 years and certainly a worthy contender for the pantheon that includes names like Killer7, No More Heroes, and The Silver Case.

Romeo Is a Dead Man is yet another strong action game from Grasshopper that’s sure to be divisive. It may not be the best game of the year when all is said and done, but it’s hard to imagine anything else feeling quite as unique.

Do you appreciate fast-paced, challenging if — occasionally rather frustrating — combat? Are you a fan of what would be, in other, entirely more cowardly games, unreasonably delicious anime katsu curry scenes, assuming you’re not me and don’t undercook or burn most of them? Do you like love stories? I’m serious. This second to last question is the most difficult part, considering current financial situations throughout the world at the time of this writing: does this sound like it’s worth $50? Finally, does any of this game seem interesting to you? Then absolutely buy it, it’s completely worth it.

Romeo Is a Dead Man is yet another belter from a director who marches to the beat of his own drum. It's unapologetically weird, well-conceived and just downright fun to play, and that's all I could really ask for. Every small detail forms a tapestry that can't really be described, only experienced with your own eyes. Where every design idiosyncracy might not land, it doesn't apologise for that. Why should it?

I’d be lying if I said that this is a game for everyone. By its nature, the absurdism and surrealism of Romeo is a Dead Man is only going to resonate with people who can appreciate that quality about it. The game itself point-blank refuses to be entertaining to play on a passive level. But given that video games around us are becoming more and more generic, “best practice” driven, and in general, everything that Romeo is a Dead Man pokes fun at, it’s nice to have the occasional game that’s willing to put some people off in pursuit of its creative vision.

Romeo is a Deadman is destined to be a cult classic. It’s a stylish and quirky action-horror adventure that is as funny as it is downright disturbing at times. The combat is solid and strategic, while the level design is smart yet straightforward, and it was clearly a labour of love for everyone involved. But what I really love about Romeo is Dead is that it’s not afraid to throw ideas at the wall and keep what sticks, and there’s a certain attitude that runs through the entire thing that is utterly captivating. It doesn’t care if you like it. It doesn’t care if you don’t get it. It does its own thing, it does it well, and that makes it Punk as Fuck.

Romeo is a Dead Man has just arrived and already deserves cult classic status, thanks to its characters, its story, and its overwhelming creativity. A game as singular as its creator, Suda51, and a bold act of rebellion against the industry’s growing homogenization.

Though its level design and technical performance can be frustrating, I can’t help but love Romeo is a Dead Man. While it may not be their best, it is in many ways the ultimate Grasshopper Manufacture game, paying homage to the studio’s legacy with an unbridled level of creativity and style, and incorporating everything great from its past work into something fresh.