Romeo is a Dead Man Review: A Wild, Weird, and Wonderfully Chaotic Ride

When Grasshopper Manufacture and the mad genius Goichi “Suda51” Suda team up, you know you’re in for something utterly bizarre. Their latest action game, Romeo is a Dead Man, is no exception—delivering a mind-bending narrative, over-the-top combat, and a level of absurdity that only Suda51 could dream up. But does this time-traveling, face-ripping, cyborg-filled adventure hold up? Let’s dive in.

A Story That Defies Logic (In the Best Way Possible)

From the very first five minutes, Romeo is a Dead Man sets the tone for its chaotic narrative. You play as Romeo Stargazer, a guy whose face gets ripped off by a demonic creature—only to be saved by his time-traveling scientist grandfather and reborn as a cyborg known as DeadMan. Oh, and he’s now part of the FBI’s Space-Time Police division. Yeah, it’s that kind of game.

The story is a whirlwind of time travel, extraterrestrial duplicates, and bizarre characters that somehow all fit together in Grasshopper’s signature style. While it’s not as immediately digestible as No More Heroes or Lollipop Chainsaw, it’s still a wild ride that’s hard to forget. The game’s art direction shifts between 2D pixel art, comic book-style cutscenes, and 3D action, creating a visual feast that’s as unpredictable as its plot.

Combat: Simple Yet Surprisingly Deep

Romeo is a Dead Man doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to combat, but it’s far from shallow. The game blends melee and ranged weapons, with four of each type to choose from. At first glance, the ranged weapons might seem secondary, but they’re actually crucial for taking down specialized enemies with weak points. Meanwhile, melee weapons are perfect for dealing with the game’s zombie-like “Rotters.”

The combat system is easy to pick up but deceptively tricky to master, especially on higher difficulties. You’ll need to juggle enemy types, prioritize targets, and make use of Romeo’s “Bloody Summer” attack, which charges up as you land hits. Boss fights are a highlight, with grotesque designs and mechanics that’ll test your skills.

The Bastards: The Game’s Quirkiest Mechanic

If there’s one thing that truly sets Romeo is a Dead Man apart, it’s the “Bastards” system. These zombie-like creatures (reminiscent of killer7’s Heaven Smiles) can be grown, cultivated, and summoned during battles. Each Bastard has unique stats and abilities, from drawing enemy attention to freezing foes or creating energy beams. You can even fuse Bastards together to create more powerful versions.

While the system isn’t immediately intuitive, it adds a layer of strategy and customization that’s incredibly rewarding. Plus, with everything carrying over to New Game Plus, there’s plenty of replay value.

A Few Rough Edges

For all its charm, Romeo is a Dead Man isn’t without flaws. The final two levels heavily reuse assets, and the procedurally-generated Palace Athene dungeons suffer from performance issues, especially at higher difficulties. The horror-themed stealth section is also a low point, stripping you of your weapons for a frustrating experience.

Additionally, the Subspace sections—while offering a break from combat—can drag on with maze-like designs and simple puzzles. These issues don’t ruin the game, but they’re noticeable blemishes on an otherwise unique experience.

Should You Play It?

If you’re a fan of Grasshopper Manufacture’s previous works or just looking for something wildly different, Romeo is a Dead Man is worth your time. It’s not a full-price title, and its relatively short runtime (around 12 hours) makes it a great pick for those who want a quick, chaotic adventure. The game’s eclectic art styles, amazing soundtrack, and unpredictable storytelling make it a standout in the action genre.

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Viral Sentences:

• “Romeo is a Dead Man is the weirdest, wildest ride of 2026!”
• “Grasshopper Manufacture does it again—chaos, cyborgs, and comedy collide!”
• “The Bastards system is so bizarre, it’s brilliant!”
• “This game is a must-play for fans of Suda51’s madness!”
• “Romeo is a Dead Man proves that sometimes, the craziest stories are the best ones.”
• “If you love action games with a side of absurdity, this is your jam!”
• “Palace Athene dungeons? More like Performance Nightmare!”
• “The final act might reuse assets, but the journey is unforgettable!”
• “Romeo is a Dead Man is short, sweet, and utterly unforgettable!”
• “This game is a love letter to fans of weird, wild, and wonderful gaming!”

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