Summary
- Updated visuals and classic gameplay make The House of the Dead 2: Remake appealing for fans of zombie shooters.
- The option to switch between modern and classic versions could attract new and old players alike to the game.
- If executed well, the remake has the potential to become one of the best in The House of the Dead franchise.
The House of the Dead 2: Remake is a title that aims to provide a classic zombie shooting experience in today's modern video game setting. Given that what's being reworked is one of the best Sega games, it would be interesting to see how the company behind its development, MegaPixel Studio, will handle all the changes intended to improve it upon its final release. Regardless of what happens, the existence of the remake alone should be compelling enough for every zombie shooting fan to at least try it, as there is the likelihood that it will be a fun and enjoyable time, possibly even more than people would expect.
On the 20th of November 1998, the sequel to The House of the Dead was released to the public. The horror-themed rail shooting game became a critical and commercial success, and is considered the franchise's most iconic entry. Now, a remake of it is set to arrive sometime around Spring 2025. Although there's no specific date for when it will be released, the many veterans who enjoyed the original iteration are anticipating the chance to play its modernized version. With all that it had to offer in the past and what it could still provide now, it might become a must-have for everyone who is a fan of the zombie shooter genre.
The Biggest Upcoming Zombie Games
New zombie games are always on the horizon, and 2026 will not be an exception, as a few major titles have already been announced.
Why People Should Look Forward to the House of the Dead 2 Remake
Even with The House of the Dead being considered one of the horror franchises with the most games, it can be said that among its many entries for remake candidacy, the second is the most deserving. Still, there is the question of why people should look forward to it now that it's actually happening, and there are a few good answers:
- The updated visuals mean that enemies, level design, and bosses will look far more gruesome and detailed than they originally did, which could make it more appealing and provide a better playthrough feeling
- The game intends to update every important aspect while remaining faithful to the original's gameplay, allowing people to enjoy the quality content it once offered, but with modern improvements that make it not feel dated
- The original The House of the Dead 2 was one of those amazing zombie arcade games that was easily accessible even to people who never touched the genre, and the remake will likely be the same, but with changes that will make it even better to play
The remake had a demo that shared a glimpse of what people could look forward to, and while it seems to be lacking in some aspects, it's clear that it still looks to provide the same experience the original did, but better. Hopefully, MegaPixel Studio will make a few more adjustments before the final release, ensuring that the game is of a quality that everyone can be satisfied with.
What the House of the Dead 2 Remake Can Do to Help Ensure That It’s a Must-Have for Zombie Game Fans
If there is one thing that the remake can do to attract the attention and interest of zombie game lovers, it's by allowing people to switch between playing it in modern and classic versions. The original The House of the Dead 2 is considered one of the best light gun shooter horror games even today because of the charm its outdated qualities possess, and letting modern gamers experience what they missed out on could generate more fans for the game and the franchise. It also provides the benefit of longtime veterans being tempted enough to purchase the game, as it means they can enjoy the classic gameplay they're used to while having the option to switch to the remake whenever. Since there is still no specific release date, perhaps MegaPixel Studio could implement the mode into its project, helping ensure it gains some popularity and success.
The House of the Dead 2: Remake will certainly be a blast from the past, and it seems to be shaping up to become something both veterans and newcomers can enjoy. If MegaPixel Studio manages to execute it well, it could join its original version in the ranks as one of the best The House of the Dead games to exist and become another icon in the zombie shooter genre.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 56 /100 Critics Rec: 19%
- Released
- August 7, 2025
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
- MegaPixel Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Forever Entertainment
WHERE TO PLAY
THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2: Remake is a remake of the second entry in the well-known and popular rail-shooter series. Take on the lone role of a secret agent as James or Gary, or team up in co-op mode to neutralize the dangerous undead monsters standing in your way.
Story
In February 2000, a small city was suddenly overrun by hostile creatures. Two AMS agents, James Taylor and Gary Stewart, were sent to investigate. Upon arrival, they noticed that the situation resembled the Curien Mansion incident from 1998. Determined to uncover the source of the infestation, they began shooting their way through hordes of creatures.
Game Features
• Remastered music (with the classic soundtrack also available in the game)
• Modern graphics
• Gameplay faithful to the original game
• Co-op mode
• Multiple endings and branching levels
Various Game Modes
• Classic Campaign: Almost two years after the events of the first installment, AMS agents James Taylor and Gary Stewart are deployed to investigate a city seized by undead creatures.
• Boss Mode: Take on the challenge of defeating the game’s bosses as fast as you can.
• Training Mode: Polish your skills in several available training scenarios to improve your abilities before deploying on a mission.
