Cheerleader Meets Chainsaw: Match Made In Heaven

What do you get when you hand a chainsaw to a zombie-hunting cheerleader? A pretty radical time called Lollipop Chainsaw. What can I say, Jessica Nigri fanboys swearing that this game is the best thing to have happened to the universe piqued my interest. Cosplay models and virgins aside, this game is incredibly hype. A dash of comedy, a twist of zombies, sprinkle in an amazing soundtrack and you'll be grooving to this game. Let's get to it!

To begin with, you are introduced to your protagonist Juliet Starling and her zombie-hunting family. She's a quirky and silly gal who'll charm you quickly enough that you won't hate the fact that you're playing a cheerleader. Incidentally, the entire game takes place on Juliet's birthday and has you make Swiss cheese out of a zombie invasion. Alongside the countless number of enemies, you'll get to meet Nick, Juliet's decapitated boyfriend and a series of boss zombies including Jimmy Urine from Mindless Self Indulgence. It's an interesting cast of characters with some great voice acting. Juliet's sisters are particularly funny and it's simply an enjoyable world to immerse yourself in for a few hours.

Admittedly, the gameplay gave me a hard time at first, nor did the difficulty help. In essence, there are three attack buttons and one hop/dodge button. You get a quick pom-pom attack that can be combo-ed on its own, a heavy and slow chainsaw attack and a low chainsaw attack. As you progress, you'll learn new skills that allow you to combo the three attacks for significantly more powerful zombie-killing moves. That's all to be expected but I found myself using very few of them and stuck with my favorite two skills. The zombies are pretty aggressive as well. I didn't die too often but I found myself constantly with low health. Once you get used to the pace of the game and the controls, you'll be eviscerating zombies with glee. Pro tip: decapitate their heads for sparkle hunting mode. It's visually pleasing, all pink and shiny and stuff. It's a very manly endeavor.

Earlier, I mentioned the soundtrack of the game was pretty great. I really need to emphasize how phenomenal it actually is. Rivalling the soundtrack found in Guardians of the Galaxy, you'll have the chance to space out to tunes by Atari Teenage Riot, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, etc. Of course, you'll hear Lollipop by the Chordettes more often than you'd ever think you would and guiltily love it. When licensed music isn't playing, you'll be treated to some great metal rifts. All around, it was simply a joy to listen to the soundtrack throughout the entirety of the game. My absolute favorite was the bit where you get to mow down zombie with a tractor while listening to You Spin Me Round by Dead or Alive, it was absolutely genius!

Lastly, there's a decent amount of replay-ability for those who seek it. I played through just the one time, however, you'll unlock more difficulties and costumes the more you play it over. There's quite a grind to get everything and I didn't even find myself buying all the upgrades purely due the game not giving me enough coins to purchase them. In other words, it beckons you to keep at it until you get that last skill or that one fan service costume you dreamt of. That being said, it's an amusing adventure that'll keep you hooked even after you've beaten it.

Essentially, just do yourself a favor and pick this game up if you spot it for a decent price. It's insanely fun and time will breeze by as you lay waste to the undead and answer your portable phone located in your chainsaw. Silly plot, enjoyable characters and wicked tunes earn this game two pom-poms up. Now, go fall in love with the pixilated cheerleader, I'll allow it this one time.

"Lollipop Lollipop, oh lolly lolly lolly, lollipop lollipop, oh lolly lolly lolly, POP!"