Romeo is a Deadman review: Find the pulse

Published: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 5:45 pm

Romeo is a Deadman: A Bizarre Blend of Ideas

"Romeo is a Deadman" presents a chaotic mix of gameplay elements and narrative concepts, ultimately failing to coalesce into a cohesive experience. The game, which features a cop named Romeo who dies and is resurrected by his scientist grandfather, throws players into a time-traveling adventure. Romeo, now known as Deadman, joins a special FBI task force to pursue "Juliet" variants across space and time.

The gameplay is a blend of styles, including hack-and-slash combat, exploration, and resource management. Players engage in sword-based combat against zombie-like creatures, utilizing a variety of weapons and special abilities. The game also incorporates elements of resource gathering, with players collecting ingredients to cook food and grow specialized zombies. The game features an episodic format, with each chapter beginning with a philosophical voiceover and concluding with credits.

The review highlights the game's strengths, such as the unique boss fights and the creative ideas behind the zombie-growing system. However, the review also points out significant weaknesses. The combat is described as clunky, and the game's pacing is inconsistent, with frequent cutscenes and slow-paced sections. The various timelines and realities blur together, and the protagonist's lack of agency further detracts from the experience. The game's visual style is also criticized for its lack of cohesion, with a mix of pop art, realistic environments, and 8-bit overworlds.

The reviewer notes that the game attempts to be weird and wacky, but ultimately falls short due to a lack of polish and refinement. The review suggests that the game may appeal to fans of Suda51's work, but it is unlikely to resonate with a wider audience.

BNN's Perspective: "Romeo is a Deadman" seems to be a case of ambition exceeding execution. While the game boasts some intriguing ideas and a unique premise, the lack of polish and cohesive design ultimately hinders the overall experience. It's a shame, as the core concepts have potential.

Keywords: Romeo is a Deadman, video game review, action game, hack and slash, time travel, Suda51, combat, boss fights, episodic, gameplay, review, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

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