Rise of Nightmare is a decidedly M-rated game, there’s no question about that. The first-person Kinect-exclusive action title has you waving your arms around to slaughter zombies and ghouls in a variety of obscene ways — with a chainsaw, with a machete, with a drill. Basically, if it’s sharp or can do damage, you’ll probably get a chance to take it upside something’s head.
As violent as it is, I don’t think there’s any chance someone can possibly take Rise of Nightmares seriously. It’s just too ridiculous. While it’s being positioned as a horror game, I couldn’t help but chuckle at most of the screens. One image depicts what appears to be a scantily clad, undead nurse getting her arm hacked off by an icesaw… in a dirty bathroom. In another, an entire head seems to have been removed by way of a power drill.
The fact that I’m laughing at it might be the point, though. From what I’ve played of it, I’m confident that Rise of Nightmares is going to be stupid on a number of levels. But that’s not a bad thing, necessarily, because I’m pretty sure I was having fun in the same way I have “fun” watching B horror movies and splatter flicks. Considering I’m a fan of the latter genres, I think Rise of Nightmares might be right up my alley.
Now if only my insatiable desire for over-the-top blood and guts can keep up with the physical exertion required to play the game…
