Lollipop Chainsaw, the colorful, zany hack-and-slash zombie game that garnered a cult following since its 2012 debut, is getting a shiny new coat of paint. But for those eagerly waiting to see Juliet Starling, the bubbly chainsaw-wielding cheerleader, back in action, there’s a twist in the tale: the release date has been pushed back.
Renamed “Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP”, the remake by Dragami Games isn’t coming out as intended. Initially slated for a release later this year, the game’s launch has been postponed to Summer 2024, as announced by the developer. What’s the reason, you may ask? According to Dragami Games, it’s leaving no gravestone unturned to ensure the best possible gaming experience.
President of Dragami Games, Yoshimi Yasuda, an executive producer on the original title, candidly expressed on Twitter, “We will do our best to create a game that you will love, so we ask for your continued support.” He even shared an image of Juliet Starling, perhaps as a teaser of what’s to come.
正式タイトル名は”Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP”
ゲーム開発に全力で取り組んでいますが,もうすこし時間が必要になりました。
皆様に愛されるゲームをめざし尽力してまいりますので,変わらぬご支援をお願い申し上げます…!!!
Apologies for the inconvenience.
Please see attached message in English. pic.twitter.com/zTRbIffe3X— 安田善巳 Yoshimi Yasuda (@yasudaD5) August 11, 2023
Though the essence of Lollipop Chainsaw’s gameplay, marked by its over-the-top antics, exaggerated gore, and humor, is its key selling point, it’s a title that emerged in a different era of gaming. The current video game landscape has gone through an evolution over the past decade. Cinematic storytelling, online experiences, and polished graphics often take precedence over traditional gameplay styles. It’s a world where even series like God of War, once lauded for its intense hack-and-slash sequences, have matured into more narrative-driven sagas.
Yet, Dragami’s decision to revisit and rejuvenate a title like Lollipop Chainsaw in such an era speaks volumes about their confidence. It either hints at a market hungering for nostalgia, or it signals a genuine attempt to bridge the divide between older, more straightforward gaming formats and the current, sophisticated tastes.
However, fans might notice some changes, especially with James Gunn, the original writer, and Suda51, not being a part of the remake’s creative helm. Furthermore, Yasuda mentioned that licensing woes will affect the game’s iconic original soundtrack. Here’s hoping the new tunes maintain the delightful juxtaposition of bubblegum pop and heavy metal that fans loved.
It’s also worth noting the platform’s ambiguity. The original Lollipop Chainsaw was exclusive to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Its absence on other platforms since then has been a source of dismay for many. But with the new remake, there’s a possibility it might cater to a broader audience, perhaps even introducing Juliet Starling and her headless boyfriend Nick to PC gamers.
The delay, while undoubtedly a letdown for many, isn’t necessarily a bad sign. If anything, it underlines Dragami Games’ commitment to delivering a product that doesn’t just bank on nostalgia but genuinely upgrades the experience. It’s a task rife with challenges, especially when attempting to recreate a game that didn’t “blow anyone away critically or commercially”, but found a unique spot in many players’ hearts.
And for those rolling their eyes, murmuring “not another delayed remake” – remember, perfection takes time. So, while the wait might be a tad longer, if Dragami Games gets the blend right, fans old and new will be in for a treat.
