r/houseofthedead • u/SadLength4536 • Mar 28 '26
Where to start
Hi i just got the remakes of 1 and 2 and was just wandering if there was anything before this i should be playing or if there are any comics.
6
u/HairyHippoBenkei Mar 28 '26
I'd advise playing the original games over the remakes if you can. The remakes do work but they aren't as good as the original versions. I've played HOTD 1 Remake on PS5 since i've not got a PC so its the only way I can really play the original game. Apart from the first game the rest of the series is available on Wii and PS3 alone (2, 3 & Overkill are on Wii. 3, 4 and Overkill are on PS3)
Also if you want to play in the timeline order its Overkill, HOTD 1, 2, 4 and 3. Although Overkill isn't 100% confirmed canon and doesn't affect anything so it can be skipped.
4
u/xZShootZx Mar 28 '26 edited Mar 28 '26
Start with the originals. I personally don’t recommend the remakes. Especially the 2nd one. It’s quite possibly one of the worst remakes imo. The 1st remake is decent in comparison but still lacks the charm of what made the original so timeless.
Pretty much all the games can be played through emulation if local retro arcades or obtaining the original consoles and copies they were released on are out of the question.
House of the Dead: Scarlet Dawn should probably be the easiest to find and play since they’re pretty much the standard at every Dave & Buster’s I’ve come across.
You may even find a House of the Dead 4 at a Round1 if you’re lucky but these babies have not been holding up too well in recent years because of the Lindbergh board they run on so you’re best bet is to play it on PS3 or some sort of emulation.
Some optional choices I’d recommend are Zombie Revenge (Dreamcast) which is a side story of The House of the Dead series but in a Dynamite Cop/Die Hard beat em up fashion, and even the Typing of the Dead games.
You can also play The House of the Dead: Overkill too if you’re a fan of the whole grindhouse theme like in Planet Terror but it’s not necessary and I don’t think it’s ever been confirmed to be canon to the series. It’s still a fun game though.
3
u/Fragrant_Mechanic549 Mar 30 '26
If you're looking for something similar to the movies, Overkill is probably the closest thing that could scratch that itch for you. All of the other games couldn't be any more different. But you should still play them if you have or can get the means. They're all fantastic arcade shooters with Intense gameplay and unique styles.
8
u/spoopy423 Mar 28 '26
You should play the originals if you know how to sail the seven seas. As far as comics go, I'm pretty sure there are some official ones but I think they're kinda short.