LOLLIPOP CHAINSAW RePOP

Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP attempts to bring the fantastically charming and tongue-in-cheek zombie slasher to modern platforms. Unfortunately, the result is only just passable. The RePOP mode feels undercooked, the visuals are inconsistent and there are some notable effects missing from the original. While the improved framerate and gameplay changes are welcome, they're unfortunately not worth everything else that has been lost in translation.

71%Game Brain Score

music, graphics

optimization, stability

87% User Score Based on 2,222 reviews

Critic Score 65%Based on 6 reviews

Platforms

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About

In "LOLLIPOP CHAINSAW RePOP," return as the zombie-hunting cheerleader Juliet, now with improved gameplay featuring speedier chainsaw action and auto-fire. Upgraded visuals and soundtrack accompany you in this high-energy, thrilling adventure that takes place in San Romero High School, where Juliet and her chainsaw defend against hordes of the undead. Immerse yourself in this revamped version of the game that originally sold 1.24 million copies worldwide.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

87%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,228 reviews

music82 positive mentions

optimization44 negative mentions

music
579 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
80%
6%
The music in the remastered version of *Lollipop Chainsaw* has received mixed reviews, primarily due to the absence of many beloved licensed tracks from the original game, which were replaced with a new soundtrack that some players find lacking. While some appreciate the new music, many fans express disappointment, feeling it doesn't capture the same energy or charm as the original. Fortunately, modding options are available to restore the original soundtrack, which many recommend for an authentic experience.
- “The soundtrack is utterly infectious, and every battle feels exhilarating, combining brutal simplicity with flashes of humor that keep you smiling, even when the undead swarm you.”
- “Soundtrack: it’s packed with catchy tunes that complement the action and quirky mood.”
- “This zombie game has character; it's so much fun, it doesn't take itself too seriously and is so funny. The music is perfect for this type of game.”
- “Music cuts out to no music playing and they've removed a lot of its charm by not bringing back the original soundtrack.”
- “Real bummer that the devs behind this remake still haven't added back the original songs to the game (and yet released a separate soundtrack with said songs!).”
- “The loss of the licensed music really is a big hit on the game!!”
graphics
489 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
77%
9%
The graphics of the remastered game have received mixed reviews, with some players praising the improved visuals and vibrant art style, while others criticize the lack of significant enhancements and the absence of customizable graphics settings. Many noted that while certain environments look beautiful, there are also instances of poor textures and performance issues that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the remaster feels like a missed opportunity to fully modernize the graphics, leaving players wanting more in terms of visual fidelity and customization options.
- “The graphics are beautiful, gameplay is so new and fun but at the same time not too different from the original.”
- “The game has some really beautiful environments and the graphics are really well designed and laid out, although it has some horrendous textures here and there, but nice all the same.”
- “The updated graphics and improved feel make it worthwhile.”
- “The remastered graphics and lighting still feel a bit clunky.”
- “On top of the performance issues, there are currently no graphics options beyond setting your resolution, the lighting has been made blindingly bright, the comic-style shading of the original has been removed in favor of a more realistic and cheap-looking visual style.”
- “The graphics are not 2024 graphics...they're from 2012, just a bit cleaner.”
humor
273 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its over-the-top, campy style, featuring crude jokes, absurd scenarios, and a playful tone that resonates with fans of 2000s pop culture. Players appreciate the engaging dialogue and character interactions, often finding themselves laughing at the silly and juvenile humor, though some note that it may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the game's unique blend of humor and action contributes significantly to its charm and replay value, making it a standout experience for those who enjoy a light-hearted, irreverent take on the zombie genre.
- “This game is ridiculous and hilarious.”
- “The voice acting is excellent and the humor and dialogues are so over the top, it's a breath of fresh air in a time where every piece of media has to further someone's agenda.”
- “Juliet will have you laughing, cheering, and coming back for more carnage!”
gameplay
259 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
58%
6%
The gameplay of "Lollipop Chainsaw" is characterized by its fun, hack-and-slash mechanics that blend humor and action, providing an engaging experience for players. While many appreciate the nostalgic elements and vibrant aesthetics, some criticize the controls as clunky and outdated, with issues like input lag and repetitive gameplay detracting from the overall enjoyment. Despite these drawbacks, the game remains entertaining, especially for fans of the original, though it may not appeal to those seeking modern gameplay standards.
- “The gameplay may take some time to click—early fights can feel a bit chaotic and clunky, but once you get into the rhythm, it becomes a blast.”
- “This game perfectly marries a quirky aesthetic with over-the-top gameplay, making it a vibrant spectacle that pulls you right into its colourful, zombie-infested world.”
- “At the heart of its appeal is a meticulously crafted gameplay loop that never ceases to entertain.”
- “But slogging through the clumsy gameplay slowly because control is yanked out of my hands every 10-15 zombies makes it hard to justify taking the time to play through the levels even once.”
- “The combat controls are clunky and unresponsive, which is frustrating for a hack and slash game and the lack of a dodge mechanic leaves combat feeling stiff and outdated.”
- “The gameplay is entirely unchanged from the 2012 release, without any of the quality of life improvements that are now taken for granted in modern games.”
optimization
161 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
61%
27%
The game's optimization has received widespread criticism, with many players reporting poor performance across various hardware setups, including high-end PCs and older systems. While some users have managed to achieve stable frame rates with specific tweaks, the overall lack of granular graphics settings and persistent bugs detract from the experience. Many reviewers recommend waiting for performance patches before purchasing, as the current state is deemed unacceptable for a remaster in 2024.
- “In terms of performance, I did not have any issue running this at 120fps, but it will heavily depend on your hardware.”
- “Performance is pretty good; played through the entire game (original mode) on my Steam Deck at a nearby locked 60.”
- “Not only is this remaster extremely well optimized, but it also looks really pretty, due to the upgrade from Unreal Engine 3 to the latest version of Unreal Engine 5.”
- “The performance is atrocious for a PS3 upscaled game and minor touches here and there, fix it.”
- “On top of the performance issues, there are currently no graphics options beyond setting your resolution, the lighting has been made blindingly bright, the comic-style shading of the original has been removed in favor of a more realistic and cheap-looking visual style, most of the original soundtrack has been axed in favor of a far more generic one, the combat balance is strikingly off, and various destructible objects don't behave properly.”
- “I'm very disappointed to have to report that the PC port is in a terrible state 4 hours after launch, the frame rate sometimes reaches 30 with most of the time staying in the mid to high 20s with occasional drops to the 10s at 1440p on a RTX 2060 Super, and the DualSense support is a lie too, there's no native support wired or wireless, Steam input must be used and the controls feel extremely clunky and delayed, no doubt partially due to the terrible performance.”
story
157 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
57%
2%
The game's story is characterized by its humorous and absurd tone, featuring quirky characters and a lighthearted narrative that embraces over-the-top elements typical of zombie-themed games. While many players appreciate the fun and engaging dialogue, some feel the story is too short and lacks depth, with a completion time of around 6 to 8 hours. Overall, it is recommended for those who enjoy a silly, campy experience rather than a serious narrative.
- “The story and characters are where the game shines for me.”
- “The story gets drip-fed to you throughout gameplay and I think it's just great.”
- “The story and how everything was told was amazing. I'm usually not a fan of zombie games; they usually terrify me, but this game is an exception. It made me laugh and actually like some of the zombies.”
- “If you do play the game, do so with lowered expectations as neither the exploration of the characters, story, or gameplay are going to impress.”
- “The story is kinda lackluster due to the genres it's trying to imitate, but the humor and overall charm of the game more than makes up for the fact.”
- “Overall, if you're thinking about giving this a try, I would say it's worth it, but just be warned it is a short story that can be completed in less than 10 hours.”
stability
141 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
97%
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting a plethora of bugs and glitches that significantly hinder gameplay, including game-breaking issues and performance problems. While some users find the bugs to be part of the game's charm, many others express frustration over the unpolished experience, deeming it unworthy of its price. Despite hopes for future patches to address these issues, the current state is described as a "buggy mess," making it difficult for players to fully enjoy the game.
- “Runs great on the Steam Deck, but you need to copy and paste some settings into a configuration file.”
- “On a more powerful PC, it runs great out of the box with no changes needed.”
- “The game is a massive buggy mess, do not play it.”
- “Unfortunately it is a buggy mess right now and needs to be fixed before I can truly recommend the game to others.”
- “Lags and glitches; I can't even beat the game because of how bad the glitching is.”
replayability
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
72%
12%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while it offers engaging gameplay, humor, and collectibles, many players feel it lacks depth beyond the initial playthrough. With only five main stages, replaying at higher difficulties and unlocking outfits can enhance the experience, but some reviewers note that it remains relatively short and may not justify multiple playthroughs for everyone. Overall, it garners a range of scores, with some appreciating its replay value while others consider it the weakest aspect of the game.
- “However, its replay value lies in its style, humor, and the sheer absurdity of its world.”
- “Overall 8/10... it's not perfect, it's pretty short, but it has plenty of hilarious moments and engaging gameplay that gets you hooked, and the replayability is done well.”
- “Replayability is amazing as you unlock more combos/outfits throughout your endeavors.”
- “In terms of replayability, the game doesn't offer much beyond the first playthrough, but I still think it’s worth the experience.”
- “Since it's short to go through the story, and not a lot of replay value, I would recommend you get it while it's on sale for $20-$30 USD.”
- “Replay value: this is the weakest part of this game, in my opinion.”
grinding
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
88%
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be significantly less tedious compared to previous iterations, with easier unlocks for costumes and items like chainsaws and hair dye. The main story can be completed in about six hours without excessive grinding, though some players still feel frustrated by repetitive cutscenes and the need to collect silver coins. Despite these issues, the game is perceived as more generous and less grind-heavy, enhancing the overall experience.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “This is annoying because the game has to stop and show me the same 5-second cutscene for every 3 seconds of gameplay. I'm not interested in grinding silver coins; I just want to play, thank you.”
- “The main story without grinding for collection will take around 6 hours on default difficulty.”
character development
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
20%
20%
The character development in the game is highlighted by its stunning and innovative character design, which is praised as a refreshing change in the current gaming landscape. While the gameplay remains similar to earlier versions, the improved animations and physics contribute positively to the overall experience, making it both visually appealing and enjoyable.
- “The character designs are a breath of fresh air in today's gaming climate.”
- “No censorship, no Denuvo, super fun game, extremely gorgeous character design.”
- “Epic character design.”
- “It basically feels like the same game that came out in the early 2010s, with only small quality of life improvements. The character designs are a breath of fresh air in today's gaming climate.”
- “Character design and physics are definitely a plus, but the game itself lacks depth in character development.”
monetization
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
20%
60%
The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized as a "half-assed cash grab," with reviewers expressing disappointment in its execution and overall quality. While there are no microtransactions, the game's design choices, such as the re-pop mode aimed at stream friendliness, have been seen as detrimental, particularly regarding excessive blood content that could lead to monetization issues. Overall, players feel the game lacks depth and is primarily focused on profit rather than delivering a polished experience.
- “No microtransactions.”
- “No microtransactions.”
- “Half-assed cash grab.”
- “Yasuda and this studio should be ashamed for releasing this messy cash grab.”
- “I pity mid and low rigs, horrible controlling camera and Juliet... another quick cash grab!”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
13%
13%
The game's atmosphere is described as both fun and story-rich, appealing to fans of unique and humorous experiences. However, some players feel that excessive brightness detracts from the intended eeriness of certain stages. Overall, the atmosphere is celebrated for its authenticity and the main character's vibrant personality.
- “It's just as fun as when I played it on my PS3; if you like story-rich, atmospheric games, this is 100% a game to check out!”
- “It's fun, and I enjoy the hell out of the atmosphere and the main character's bubbly toxic positivity.”
- “This decision not only preserves the original spirit of the game but also amplifies its outlandishly humorous atmosphere, providing a more authentic experience to fans who appreciate the game’s unique style.”
- “The brightness takes away the atmosphere and eeriness of the stages.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a nostalgic emotional connection to the game, highlighting its ability to evoke feelings of youthful joy and carefree fun. The blend of crude humor and a strong female protagonist further enhances this emotional experience, making it a memorable throwback to simpler gaming times.
- “This game is a time capsule, a reminder of how games used to be, just straight fun right out of the box. It brought back feelings of nostalgia and made me feel like I was a teenager again!”