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Review of Wanted: Dead (Xbox Series X)
Wanted: Dead on Xbox Series X is a fast-paced hybrid of hack-and-slash melee combat and third-person shooting, developed by members of the team behind Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive. The result is a brutal, stylish, and unapologetically old-school action game that thrives on challenge, chaos, and flair.
Players step into the role of Lt. Hannah Stone, leader of the Zombie Unit, an elite Hong Kong police squad tasked with taking down violent gangs and cybernetic enemies. The gameplay blends intense gunfights with close-quarters swordplay, forcing players to switch seamlessly between ranged and melee combat.
Combat is the heart of Wanted: Dead, and its both satisfying and punishing. The swordplay is weighty and deliberate, relying on precise timing for parries, dodges, and brutal executions. Melee combos can be chained with gunfire for stylish transitionsslicing through enemies before pulling out your rifle for a quick headshot.
Enemies are relentless, and mistakes are costly. This isnt a button-masherlearning enemy patterns, managing stamina, and mastering parry timing are essential for survival. The limb-severing mechanic adds visceral flair, letting you dismember foes in cinematic slow motion.
Gunplay is less refined than melee combat but still serviceable. You can use pistols, rifles, and heavy weapons, though aiming can feel slightly stiff compared to modern shooters. The emphasis remains on melee rhythm rather than cover-based tactics.
Boss fights are highlightseach requiring patience, skill, and adaptability. However, the difficulty spikes can be extreme, making the game feel unfair at times. The checkpoint system is old-fashioned, and health items are limited, reinforcing the games hardcore identity.
Set in a cyberpunk-inspired version of Hong Kong, Wanted: Dead blends noir detective tropes with futuristic dystopia. The narrative follows Hannah Stone and her quirky squad as they investigate a corporate conspiracy involving androids and military corruption.
The story is deliberately strange, mixing deadpan humor, melodrama, and odd tonal shifts. Cutscenes alternate between anime-style sequences, live-action cooking segments, and gritty in-engine storytellingcreating a bizarre but memorable presentation style.
Hannah Stone is a stoic yet compelling protagonist, scarred by her past but determined to complete her mission. Her squadmates add personality, with moments of comic relief amid the chaos. The story doesnt always make perfect sense, but its eccentric tone fits the games 90s-inspired attitude.
Visually, Wanted: Dead looks decent on Xbox Series X but not cutting-edge. Character models and environments show mixed qualitysome textures and animations are sharp, while others feel dated. However, the art direction carries the game. The neon-soaked cityscapes, rain-slick streets, and gritty interiors capture a distinctive cyberpunk atmosphere.
The frame rate is generally stable at 60fps during combat but can dip slightly in larger firefights. Animations, particularly melee executions, are brutal and stylish, adding flair to the otherwise modest visuals. Lighting effects and reflections are well implemented, giving the world a cinematic tone that enhances immersion.
Menus and HUD design take cues from retro Japanese action games, which suits the aesthetic perfectly. Despite technical impe
