The Horde Wants You Dead

The Horde Wants You Dead offers an enjoyable core gameplay experience with smooth controls, solid animations, and satisfying ragdoll physics that make combat engaging. The multiplayer co-op mode is especially praised for its fun and teamwork elements, providing memorable moments with friends. However, the game suffers from a poorly designed meta progression system that many players find unrewarding and grind-heavy. Upgrades often provide minuscule stat boosts (+1%), which pale in comparison to temporary in-run upgrades, leading to frustration and a sense of stagnation. Weapon variety and upgrade effects are also criticized for lacking creativity and impact, with most weapons feeling similar and upgrades limited to minor numerical increments. Additional issues include locked weapons per challenge level, removed modifier sliders from the demo, and some hitbox inconsistencies. While the game shows promise and has a solid foundation, players widely agree it requires significant improvements in progression, upgrade diversity, and content before it justifies its price. Developers are encouraged to listen to feedback and implement meaningful changes.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the game's tight controls, smooth gameplay, and satisfying combat mechanics. The ragdoll physics add a fun chaotic element, and the graphics and animations are well-received. Multiplayer co-op is highlighted as the best aspect, offering a thrilling experience with friends. The game's core loop of mowing down hordes is addictive, and the variety of enemy types and weapon categories, such as assault rifles, SMGs, LMGs, and shotguns, provide some diversity. The soundtrack and sound design also receive positive remarks, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Criticisms

The most common criticism revolves around the meta progression system being slow, unrewarding, and grind-heavy, with upgrades offering negligible stat boosts that fail to impact gameplay. Players find the upgrade system uninspired and lacking meaningful effects like elemental damage or unique mechanics. Weapon unlocks being locked to specific challenge levels frustrate players, limiting customization and freedom. The removal of modifiers for horde size and health from the demo reduced replayability. RNG heavily influences upgrade quality, leading to imbalance and frustration. Some players also report hitbox issues, and the game’s difficulty spikes can feel punishing without adequate progression rewards.