Dragami Games, the publisher behind the much-anticipated Lollipop Chainsaw: RePOP, has officially altered the game’s development trajectory. Originally announced in June 2022, this reimagining of the cult classic coincided with the 10th anniversary of Lollipop Chainsaw’s release and was initially touted as a full-fledged remake.

However, the latest revelation reveals that it will now be transformed into a remastered version of the original title. This significant shift in direction has left fans with mixed feelings, particularly those who were eager for a fresh take on the beloved title.

Lollipop Chainsaw: RePOP to be remastered

Lollipop Chainsaw, a collaboration between renowned game designer Suda51 from Grasshopper Manufacture and filmmaker James Gunn, first graced our screens in 2012 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms. The game’s eccentric narrative follows the adventures of Juliet Starling, a high school cheerleader who, on her 18th birthday, finds herself fending off a zombie invasion using her trusty chainsaw.

The story takes an even zanier twist as she decapitates her bitten boyfriend and carries his disembodied head with her. These peculiar elements, combined with the game’s wacky tone and visuals, earned it a dedicated following, solidifying its status as a cult classic.

Initially, the remake of Lollipop Chainsaw: RePOP was intended to bring the 2012 title from seventh-generation consoles to modern platforms, with a target release date set for 2023. However, this date was pushed back to 2024.

The decision to shift from a remake to a remaster was revealed by Yoshimi Yasuda, the original director of Lollipop Chainsaw and the producer of RePOP, via a Twitter announcement in both English and Japanese. Yasuda explained that the change in direction was influenced by fan requests, and he accompanied his statement with a screenshot highlighting the differences between RePOP and the older versions.

Unfortunately, the news of Lollipop Chainsaw: RePOP becoming a remaster has not been met with widespread enthusiasm. Many fans were eagerly anticipating a remake, hoping it would address some of the clunky gameplay issues that plagued the original Lollipop Chainsaw. The decision to pivot toward a remaster has left them disheartened, as it potentially sidesteps an opportunity to improve the game’s mechanics.

Furthermore, Yasuda’s assertion that the shift in direction was based on fan feedback has left some perplexed. A significant portion of the fanbase was perfectly content with the idea of a remake and remains unconvinced that this was indeed the result of their input.

This news comes on top of existing concerns within the fan community regarding the project. Suda51 and James Gunn, the original visionaries behind Lollipop Chainsaw, are not directly involved in the development of Lollipop Chainsaw: RePOP, which has led to skepticism among gamers. The game’s delay to 2024 also contributed to doubts surrounding its ultimate quality.

As we look ahead to the summer of 2024, gamers and fans alike will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on Lollipop Chainsaw: RePOP, hoping that the shift from remake to remaster will not compromise the charm and appeal of the cult classic. Only time will tell if these concerns hold true or if RePOP can capture the essence of the original game while introducing it to a new generation of players.