In a gaming landscape dominated by polished blockbusters, few titles wear their scrappy ambition as proudly as Dead or School. Developed by the small Japanese team at Studio Nanafushi, this side-scrolling action-RPG presents a familiar post-apocalyptic Tokyo overrun by grotesque monsters. Yet rather than focusing on grim survival, it tells a story of youthful optimism through its protagonist, Hisako — a girl who dreams, above all else, of experiencing school life.
Dead or School is rough around the edges, no question. But beneath its dated visuals and repetitive combat lies an experience brimming with heart, charm, and surprising depth. It’s a classic case of a game whose spirit and passion outweigh its technical limitations — if you’re willing to meet it halfway.
Fighting for a Dream
At its core, Dead or School delivers a simple but effective gameplay loop. Players take control of Hisako as she battles through Tokyo’s districts, swapping between melee weapons, firearms, and heavy explosives to tackle increasingly aggressive enemy hordes. The real-time combat is fast, fluid, and satisfying, encouraging dodges, counter-attacks, and weapon combos to stay ahead of the chaos.
Progression comes in the form of levelling up, unlocking expansive skill trees, and upgrading a wide arsenal of weapons. The depth of customisation is impressive, offering meaningful choices in how you approach combat. Exploration is equally rewarding, with hidden paths, upgrades, and side quests scattered throughout the labyrinthine environments.
However, the cracks are hard to ignore. Enemy variety is limited, leading to repetitive encounters over the game’s substantial runtime. Boss fights oscillate between thrilling and tedious, often extending battles far longer than they need to. There’s a clear sense that the game’s ambition occasionally exceeds its resources — a problem not uncommon in indie projects of this scale.
A Visual Clash of Strengths and Weaknesses
Visually, Dead or School is a game of contrasts. Hisako’s character design — and that of her allies and enemies — is charming and full of life, realised in vibrant anime style. Cutscenes, though simply animated, burst with energy and personality, evoking a strong nostalgic appeal for fans of mid-2000s anime aesthetics.
Unfortunately, the environments tell a less flattering story. Level backgrounds are bland and repetitive, while textures often look flat and dated. Performance issues, particularly on the Nintendo Switch version, further detract from the experience, with noticeable frame rate drops during hectic battles.
It’s clear that Studio Nanafushi prioritised characters and storytelling over environmental polish — a decision that gives the game heart, even if it undermines its visual cohesion.
Sound Design That Falls Short
Audio design in Dead or School is functional but unremarkable. The soundtrack — a mix of energetic rock and electronic beats — suits the action well enough but lacks standout moments. Music loops quickly, and after extended play sessions, it fades into the background rather than heightening the experience.
Sound effects, from gunfire to sword slashes, are acceptable but lack the impact necessary to make combat truly resonate. Voice acting is minimal, limited mostly to short battle cries, which leaves the narrative sequences feeling a little dry. While none of the audio elements actively detract from the game, they certainly don’t elevate it either.
Charm That Wins Out
What saves Dead or School from its technical shortcomings is its sheer enthusiasm. This is a game made with genuine love, and that passion bleeds through every imperfect frame. Hisako’s wide-eyed determination to experience normal life — even as the world collapses around her — gives the story a unique charm that’s difficult to resist.
The gameplay loop, despite its flaws, remains engaging thanks to constant rewards, unlocks, and a tangible sense of progression. There’s an earnest, old-school feeling to it all — a reminder of an era when games could be rough, weird, and wonderful all at once.
For players who value polish above all else, Dead or School will likely prove too frustrating. But for those willing to look beyond its blemishes, it offers a surprisingly memorable adventure that lingers far longer in the memory than many bigger, shinier titles.
Verdict
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | 7/10 |
| Graphics | 6/10 |
| Sound | 5/10 |
| Fun Factor | 8/10 |
Overall Rating: 7/10
Dead or School is rough, repetitive, and occasionally clumsy — but it’s also heartfelt, addictive, and full of genuine spirit. It’s not for everyone, but those who connect with it will find a hidden gem worth celebrating.
