THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2: Remake

 
The neon-soaked arcade classic is back, meaner and sharper than memory. THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2: Remake drags the rail shooter into the present with modern visuals, fresh audio, and tighter input options. You’re still clearing Venice-style streets with split‑second shots and reckless reloads. Only now the undead sprint, civilians scream, and the score counter begs to be broken. Miss the cabinet days? Here’s that energy, bottled.
Gameplay, setting, and flow
You play as AMS agents James and Gary on a nightmare run through an Italian city in the year 2000. On‑rails action keeps momentum high, while branching paths turn every save or whiff into a new route. Civilians can be saved for bonuses. Fail them, and the level can shift under your feet. It’s classic cause and effect, loud and immediate.
Combat stays fast. Precision matters more than patience. Enemies lunge from blind spots, soak limbs, and punish sloppy aim. Bosses telegraph patterns, then flip tempo mid‑fight. Short levels encourage perfect runs and risk‑heavy routing. Want the S‑rank? Take the dangerous alley, hit the quick headshots, and keep that combo alive. Easier said than done.
Mechanics and standout features
The remake honors the cabinet feel without fossilizing it. Remastered music pumps alongside an optional classic soundtrack. Visuals are modernized, with cleaner silhouettes and better readability at speed. Co‑op remains the soul of the game; two players double the chaos and halve the fear. Extra modes stretch mastery: Boss Rush condenses the pain, while Training drills timing, snap targets, and reload discipline. Multiple endings return, tied to performance and survival choices.

Branching routes: different paths, encounters, and pickups based on moment‑to‑moment decisions.
Local co‑op: tuned for couch chaos with smart enemy pacing and shared pressure.
Score‑chasing depth: accuracy, civilian saves, and route risk feed leaderboard runs.
Replay power: fast restarts, short stages, and modes that reward clean execution.

Quick facts and specs

Release Date: August 7, 2025
Developer: MegaPixel Studio (publisher: Forever Entertainment; physical edition by Microids)
Genre: Rail shooter, arcade shooter
Setting: Venice‑inspired European city, year 2000; AMS agents vs. bio‑engineered undead
Features: Story campaign; local co‑op; branching paths; multiple endings; remastered and classic soundtrack; Boss Rush; Training Mode
Special Features: Modern graphics and audio overhaul; score and rank systems tuned for speedruns; performance‑friendly visuals for clear target reads