Better Than Dead

Bodycam
Gameplay
Plot and inspiration from the films of John Woo

Monte Gallo is an independent developer who took his first steps in the video game industry, creating a colorful FPS. Forza Polpo!, because this is the game in question, allowed him to gain wind in his sails and prepare a more serious project of a larger caliber. We're talking about Better Than Dead, a shooter inspired by so-called bodycam footage and John Woo films.

Bodycam

In Better Than Dead we watch the action from a first-person perspective (FPP). However, we observe the events not from the protagonist's eyes, but through the lens of the aforementioned video recorder strapped to her clothing at about chest height. This allows us, among other things, to aim our weapons regardless of where we are looking at any given moment. In addition, the impression of interacting with authentic footage is enhanced by the "pixelated" faces of the characters, as well as the "fisheye" effect superimposed on the image.

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Gameplay

The gameplay in Better Than Dead does not differ too much from what we are accustomed to by most representatives of the genre. In its course we travel through Hong Kong and eliminate hosts of representatives of the local underworld, rescuing other girls from their oppression, as well as watching out for civilians.

The bloody journey takes us through places such as restaurants bathed in neon light, nightclubs, dark alleys and rooftop buildings. The levels are linear and devoid of additional fillers, allowing you to focus on the action.

Plot and inspiration from the films of John Woo

The main source of inspiration for the creator of Better Than Dead was Hong Kong action cinema from the 1980s and 1990s. During the gameplay, we play the protagonist, who, after breaking out of the hands of her tormentors, returns armed with a gun and equipped with a camera. Her goal is not only to take revenge on the criminals, but also to present to the whole world how she accomplishes it.

Platforms:

PC Windows

Developer: Monte Gallo

Publisher: Monte Gallo

Similar Games:

Max Payne 2: The Fall Of Max Payne

Stranglehold

Unrecord

System Requirements

System Requirements for Better Than Dead Video Game:

PC / Windows

Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-9400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1660 Ti / 8 GB Radeon RX 590, 15 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.

Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i7-12700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce RTX 3070 / 16 GB Radeon RX 6800, 20 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit.

Ratings

Game Ratings for Better Than Dead Video Game.

72%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mostly Positive (1,211)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Unique Visual Style: The game's aesthetic is praised for its gritty, realistic, and stylized look, reminiscent of 80s and 90s Hong Kong action films.
Engaging Gunplay: When the mechanics work as intended, the gunplay feels satisfying and intense, especially during chaotic firefights.
Atmosphere: The game successfully captures a dark and immersive atmosphere, adding to the tension and overall experience.
Potential for Improvement: Many players express optimism about the game's future, highlighting its promising foundation and the developer's responsiveness to feedback.

The main cons of the game

Inconsistent Aiming Mechanics: The game's aiming system is criticized for being imprecise, leading to frustration during combat. Players often feel that shots do not go where they are aimed.
Lack of Content: The game is considered short, with many users completing it in under two hours. There is also a lack of variety in enemies and levels.
AI Issues: Both enemy and civilian AI are described as poorly implemented, with civilians often blocking shots and enemies not behaving realistically during combat.
Technical Problems: Players report various bugs, including issues with level design, hitbox problems, and the absence of basic quality-of-life features like a restart button or level selection.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

More Content: Users desire additional levels, missions, and gameplay mechanics to justify the game's price.
Improved Gunplay Mechanics: Suggestions include reworking the accuracy system, adding different weapon types, and enhancing the bullet time mechanic.
Narrative Development: Players want more context and story elements to connect with the protagonist and the game's themes better.
Quality of Life Improvements: Features such as a level restart button, a level select screen, and a more robust progression system are requested to enhance the overall experience.

Summary

Overall, while "Better Than Dead" has a strong foundation and unique style, it currently suffers from several gameplay and technical issues that need addressing to fully realize its potential.

Summary generated on: June 8, 2026