Dead Pixels (XBLIG): "An 8-Bit Tribute To All Things Zombie"

CantStrafeRight released their 8-bit zombie title 'Dead Pixels' on the Xbox Live Marketplace today. I had watched trailers of this game a little while back on youtube, and I was really impressed with what I saw. They also uploaded the launch trailer which showcased even more of this impressive action rpg zombie title for those who may be interested in learning more about the game. After watching the launch trailer I was very anxious to get my review started. As a horror fan this game definitely appealed to me. When I was through downlading 'Dead Pixels' (which took less than a minute ^.^) I ended up spending a couple of hours doing a playthrough of it. During my playthrough I was amazed at how many easter eggs (hidden references) related to zombie movies, and video games CantStrafeRight had included. I recognized all of the names assigned to stores, and guns throughout the game's entire length. I absolutely loved it. It was like a horror fan's dream game. The fact that the game was done in 8-bit graphics with a grindhouse look made it even more awesome. CantStrafeRight added grindhouse intermissions, and an intro that you'll likely recognize from Quentin Tarantino movies. This game was covered with eye candy galore from beginning to end, and it featured solid gameplay as well.

Dead Pixel's story follows the aftermath of a toxic spill that happened in New Hexington, NY in 1983. The event caused the dead to come to life. The military tried to intervene, but failed. It is a classic zombie tale that pays homage to the horror, and the zombie stories of various movies and games in the genre. In 'Dead Pixels' you (the gamer) take on the role of a man on a mission. That mission is to make it through 10 streets infested with 22 kinds of flesh eating zombies, and escape from the city via a rendezvous with fellow survivors. You start off with a loaded shotgun, but as you make your way through the streets you can visit stores (named after zombie flicks & video games) and purchase supplies (ammo, weapons, health kits, upgrades) that will help you survive the constant onslaught of the undead. You can play 'Dead Pixels' alone, or even with a friend locally in co-op. Either way it's one heck of a good time!

If you have ever played the XBLA game 'Scott Pilgrim' then you'll probably recognize some of the features in this game. Aside from the 8-bit similarity going on between the two games you also gain coins when you defeat enemies. The coins come in copper, silver, and gold depending on the type of zombie you have killed. The monetary value of the coins differ, but are higher in value according to which coin/s you get. You can use the money you collect to visit stores throughout the streets. There is one catch though, each store contains a limited supply of merchandise so moving forward is the best choice you can make. I found that for the most part backtracking can lead to some bad confrontations with the undead denizens that wander the streets. Certain circumstances may require you to backtrack for supplies though. You can also find unmarked doors/garages along the streets that lead to places where you can loot free items, and weapons. There is a limit to what you can carry in this game, so selling the items/weapons at the stores is a very beneficial thing to do.

Dead Pixels is an action rpg, so it does feature some stat leveling. The way you acheive this is by buying upgrades from the stores that you enter. You'll find that the upgrades aren't cheap, but are quite necessary in making it to the end of the game. The upgrades include enhancements for your life/health, weapon damage, strength for carrying more items, melee, luck, bargaining (getting cheaper prices from stores), and speed. I actually made it to the end without leveling everything up, but I was playing on easy.

At the beginning of Dead Pixels you are given instructions on how the controls work as you walk through the first few blocks of the street. I have never actually played a video game with a control scheme like this one, but it worked out well. To shoot your guns to the right you use the (Right Trigger). The (Right Bumper) is used to throw grenades, flares, and other throwing weapons to the right. You can use the (Left Trigger), and the (Left Bumper) in the same manner the only difference is that you will shoot and throw to the left. For movement you will use the (Left Thumbstick). To use health items you will press the (X) button. Selecting which item you will use is decided by pressing either up, or down on the (D.Pad). Switching weapons in the game also uses the (D.Pad), but left and right is used instead of up/down. You can open up your inventory menu by pressing the (Y) button. For melee the (B) button is required. I think that covers all of the controls, but if it doesn't the game does an excellent job of explaining it in the first level.

Dead Pixels covers everything about zombies, and does it in a really cool retro style. It includes hidden tidbits from several different zombie flicks, and even survival-horror video games. If you've ever enjoyed a movie such as 'Dawn of the Dead', watched a Quentin Tarantino movie or played a game from the 'Resident Evil' series then you'll likely recognize the many name references scattered throughout Dead Pixel. The gameplay is easy to pick up on, and the features like the grindhouse screen filter (which can be turned on & off) makes this game stand out from any other title in the action rpg/horror-survival genre. I seriously think this game is worth the 80 msp ($1). You definitely get a lot more for your money with this XBLIG title. If enough people buy it CantStrafeRight even said that there will be free DLC. In fact the more people that buy it, the more new DLC will be released. I myself cannot wait to get some new content. Maybe CantStrafeRight will even add new playable characters? That would definitely be Awesome!

*NOTE* "Like my fellow reviewer @IndieGamerChick, I also found some serious lag during the last level/street in the game. I assume it was due to the immense zombie traffic that was constantly wandering the street".