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House of the dead was a massive hit in the arcades, and what a fantastic game it proved to be. So, does the saturn version do the arcade game justice?

Graphics The general look of the game is still there, and every single item/monster are represented very well, which is good. However, the visuals are of low resolution, and the textures are just awful. While certain areas look okay from a distance, other areas are really atrocious. At least the game runs at a smooth 20fps, and one can see the monsters clearly. So, the good news is that the gameplay is unnaffected by the scrappy textured graphics. But that's really not good enough, and to be honest I think that this was just laziness on Tantalus' part. - 78%

Sound The music in HoTD is very tense and atmospheric, creating a spooky atmosphere. Every sound effect has been replicated perfectly, from the gunshots to the cheesy voices of the characters. So, basically, you can't complain here, unless you get scared easily by scary music!! - 91%

Playability This is where the game really shines. It's good to know that the gameplay remains intact, as the arcade game was, some might say, incredibly addictive. The game does not play like Virtua Cop, not really. This is simply because it takes more than one shot to take out a zombie. The zombies, although may move rather sluggishly, are very reluctant to die!! Shooting doesn't require aim, just balst away at them until they die, and don't hesitate, otherwise you may well be losing those valuable life torches. You can, if you wish, pick off the limbs one by one to prevent the zombies from scratching you, and just to have a bit of fun, but you get more points going for a head shot. Shoot them in the head twice and their eyballs come out. COOL!!! Then again, a shot to the chest usually sees them off, and ifnot, shoot them in the head and watch that upper torso fly off.

But it's not just about killing zombies. You also have to rescue the scientists, whose lives are endangered, for they are unarmed. Just try not to shoot them, though and you should do fine. Oh,and try not to get injured yourself. That may well prove to be difficult, as evern on easy level the game is rock hard, with the end of level bosses being exeptionally difficult. Each boss has its own weak spot, but are no doubt protected by coats of armour. Aiming is still not essential though, because if you take too long they will launch an attack on you. - 93%

Lastability Hmmm, quite a problem here. You see, although the game already featured the multiple route system depending on whether you shot something or not, or saved the hostages etc. the saturn mode has no significant extra features. There is an exclusive saturn mode, by which you can choose between 4 characters, each with different size guns, power, lives etc. This makes the saturn mode even harder, because you cannot change the amount of lives they have via the options. Thus Rowgan is only equipped with 3, G with 2 etc. There are also some cosmetic extras appearing later, but really nothing affecting the gameplay. A shame that, I was hoping for a saturn-only level. - 84%

OVERALL - 89% A disapointing conversion, of that there is no doubt. But with the gameplay remaining the same, this does not make HoTD a disatser, far from it. What we have here is an enjoyable blaster, worthy in your collection beside Virtua Cop 1/2, if you can see past the scrappy graphics.