Anime vs Evil Apocalypse Review
Anime vs. Evil: Apocalypse is a third-person shooter that blends zombie-slaying action with anime-inspired character customization. Recently released on consoles after its Steam debut, the game tasks players with fighting monsters that have taken over the world through mystical polygonal magic. While it offers a surprisingly robust amount of content, several rough edges and questionable design choices keep it from reaching its full potential.
Gameplay: Repetitive but Occasionally Satisfying
At its core, Anime vs. Evil: Apocalypse is a straightforward shooter. Players navigate large sandbox-style maps, complete missions to unlock gate codes, and fight boss dragons to progress. Weapons range from machine guns to melee tools, though the machine gun is far superior to any other option. Unfortunately, you’re given a weapon at random at the start of each stage, and restarting to get the right one becomes a frustrating routine.
Enemies respawn constantly and without logic, forcing you to stay on the move. Missions, while varied on paper, mostly boil down to killing a set number of zombies within a time limit. This repetition, combined with occasionally spongy enemies on higher difficulties, can make the experience feel like busywork. The Survival Mode offers a more engaging challenge, with waves of enemies that become tougher rather than more numerous, while Free Mode feels largely pointless beyond map exploration.
A major highlight is the character customization. Players can adjust height, thigh size, chest size, hair color, and outfits for each of the eight unlockable characters. These changes even carry over into cutscenes, adding a personal touch that many similar games lack.
Visuals and Sound: Mixed Bag
The game’s graphics have a unique, almost Claymation-style look that can be charming at times. However, the environments and enemy designs feel generic and recycled, leading to suspicion that the game is largely an asset flip. The anime-esque zombie designs are over-the-top, and the blood and gore are stylized enough not to feel overly realistic.
The sound design is atmospheric but forgettable. The biggest issue is the voice acting, which appears to be AI-generated. The performances are stilted and emotionless, leaving a sour taste. While indie games rarely have voice acting, this implementation feels hollow and detracts from the experience.
Value and Verdict
Priced at $24.99, Anime vs. Evil: Apocalypse feels overpriced for what it offers. The main story can be completed in around four hours, and while there are multiple endings and survival modes, the content doesn’t justify the cost. The game often goes on sale, and it’s best to wait for a significant discount before purchasing.
The optional DLC unlocks a “Hentai mode” with nudity and clothing damage, but the base game remains relatively tame compared to other ecchi titles. If you’re looking for a simple, mindless shooter with extensive character customization, you might find some enjoyment here. However, with countless better games available at similar or lower prices, it’s hard to recommend Anime vs. Evil: Apocalypse over the competition.
- Pros: Satisfying core gameplay loop, deep character customization, multiple game modes and endings
- Cons: Repetitive mission design, AI voice acting, high price for limited content, spongy enemies on harder difficulties
If you’re a fan of anime aesthetics and don’t mind a flawed shooter, wait for a sale. Otherwise, your time and money are better spent elsewhere.
