Killer7 | DJcube

Step into the mind of an assassin…

JP release: 9th June 2005
NA release: 5th July 2005
EU release: 15th July 2005
Developer: Grasshopper, Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
NGC Magazine Score: 84%
Mods Used: Widescreen Code

The last of the Capcom Five, and this one ended up releasing on the PS2 on the same day as the GameCube.That said, people seem to associate it more with the GameCube despite poorer sales, likely linked to the PS2 version being a poor port. Killer7 comes from the brain of Suda51 and is probably one of the most unique games you’ll ever play. Provided you can get used to it.

The gameplay is quite difficult to explain. Essentially, you can only move forwards by pressing A, with your character turning on their own in some areas like an on-rails game. When you reach an object or junction, you’ll stop and will be able to pick which option you want, before continuing on your path. You can press B to turn around and you’ll have to explore 3D levels with these controls. It’s really disorientating at first, and you’ll get lost extremely easily.

You’ll also have a lot of enemies to contend with. These enemies are mostly invisible and you’ll need to hold R to stop and aim, which switches to a third person view. You can swivel on the spot and take aim. The enemies are shadowy creatures called Heaven Smiles and there are a ton of different forms of them, and you’ll have to figure out the unique way of dispatching each type. As with the main controls, the game doesn’t explain what to do all so easily, just some cryptic hints.

Another part that is difficult to explain is the plot. Even after finishing the game, I really don’t have a clue about what’s going on. That’s not to say that I understood nothing – there are plenty of good story beats within levels and a few impactful twists that you can understand. The basic version of it: you play as a group called the Smith syndicate. These are a group of 7 assassins that are all personas controlled by one person. There’s also an old man, Harman Smith, who is linked to the group.

For the most part, you play as six of these personas, swapping between them as you like. They all have different stats and abilities: Dan can perform a charged shot, KAEDE has a scope and can remove barriers, Coyote can break locks and jump up high, Kevin can turn invisible, Con can run fast and see sound and MASK de Smith is very strong and has dual grenade launchers. They all have their uses and you’ll need to transform into specific personalities to solve the various puzzles.

Because the game doesn’t really tell you how it works, or introduce its concepts, it’s very tough to get used to it. I hated the game to begin with due to this, despite the strangeness and stunning visuals. I was lost, confused and baffled. I then followed a guide for a level and a bit until I realised something: I was starting to understand how the game works and I used the guide less and less, and I was really enjoying the experience.

It’s such a strange and unique experience that it’s definitely worth checking out. You’ll be lost and confused throughout most of it, but that’s a good thing. Even the strange movement limitations end up adding to the vibe of the game. It’s something that has to be played to properly experienced. Oh, and I do have to bring up one especially amazing part of the soundtrack: a really funky track that only appears in a few specific corridors.

Fun

Chances are that some of you won’t get it at all, you might even hate it, but that’s not to say that you don’t owe it to yourself to at least try it. If you’re anything like us, then it will almost certainly burn itself into your memory as one of this generations’ most unusual and unforgettable adventures.
Geraint Evans, NGC Magazine #109

Remake or remaster?

There was a remaster on Steam. It was released in poor condition but seems to have had improvements.

Official Ways to get the game

Killer7 is available on Steam.