You probably didn’t know this unless you were following Yoshimi Yasuda or the game’s official account on X but Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP, a remake of the cult classic hack-and-slash game, is finally released, and fans are loving it (even if critics aren’t).
Released on September 12, more than a decade after its original debut, the game has drawn plenty of praise from fans, including players who bought it despite its imperfections. The game’s protagonist, Juliet Starling, returns in all her chainsaw-wielding, zombie-slaying glory, complete with the same over-the-top action and irreverent humor that made the original a cult hit.
At its core, Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP remains remarkably faithful to the original, down to a certain cheeky achievement that certainly won’t fly in this day and age, particularly “I Swear! I Did It By Mistake!” This achievement, which requires players to manipulate the camera to peek under Juliet’s skirt, has remained unchanged in the remake—much to the amusement of fans who applaud the developers and their commitment to preserving the original game’s spirit, refusing to bow to the modern censorship pressures. They view Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP as a refreshing throwback to an era before what they perceive as an overly sensitive approach to game development took hold.
However, the remake isn’t without its fair share of issues. The early reviews on Steam have highlighted several technical problems, including failing quick-time events and suboptimal PC optimization. The lack of any advanced graphics options beyond the basic resolution settings also stands out, especially for PC gamers who are used to having more control over their visual experience.
Another contentious point is the game’s pricing. At $40, many feel that the remake is overpriced, considering it’s a relatively short game that originally released over a decade ago.
Nevertheless, many are supporting Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP based on the fact that it’s retaining the qualities that it originally hand, contrasting recent releases such as Stellar Blade, for example, which heavily sexualized its lead ahead of its launch only to end up censoring much of the content. Although Shift Up later made up for this, it still left a bitter taste among fans expecting to see the same product they had been sold.
Despite these criticisms, Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP does bring some improvements to the table. The visuals have received a significant upgrade, breathing new life into the colorful and chaotic world of zombie-slaying cheerleaders. The gameplay is a lot smoother, offering a more refined experience compared to the original. Additionally, the in-game shop is less grindy, thanks to the new reworks, with new customization options added, including chainsaws and hair dye for Juliet.
Unfortunately, the developers couldn’t retain the original soundtrack. Many of the iconic tracks that perfectly captured the game’s zany atmosphere are gone, replaced by what some describe as bland alternatives. The remake also sees the removal of certain collaborative costumes, which some players miss. The user interface has also been criticized for its poor optimization for keyboard and mouse controls, forcing PC players to rely solely on keyboard inputs for menu navigation.
With that said, many players are finding joy in revisiting or experiencing for the first time the unapologetically over-the-top world of Lollipop Chainsaw. The game, with its blend of hack-and-slash action, quirky humor, and unabashed fan service, offers a unique experience quite unlike any other.
It’s pretty clear that fans of the original are enjoying the opportunity to once again step into Juliet Starling’s shoes and take on the zombie hordes with style, sass, and a whole lot of sparkle.
If you liked Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP or the original game, you might want to check out our round-up of gaming’s weirdest video game sidekicks, including Juliet and her beau.
