Lollipop Chainsaw Returns: More Chainsaws, Less… Sensitivity Training?
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Lollipop Chainsaw is getting a sequel, but the publisher's comments about not being creatively restricted by DEI have raised eyebrows and sparked debate - it's a bit like a wizard making a promise to *not* accidentally improve a potion.
Right, so the chainsaw-wielding cheerleader is back, mate! After a decade in the undead wilderness, *Lollipop Chainsaw* is getting a sequel, courtesy of Dragami Games (formerly Kadokawa Games, those responsible for last year's *Lollipop Chainsaw RePop*). Now, *Lollipop Chainsaw* wasn't exactly Shakespeare, but it carved out (pun intended!) a special place in our hearts back in 2012. Think zombies, hack-and-slash action, and a protagonist who could make even the grim reaper crack a smile. The original boasted the twisted genius of Suda51 (of *No More Heroes* fame) and, get this, *the* James Gunn. Yeah, the guy now running the DCU was once knee-deep in zombie cheerleader mayhem. Fair dinkum!
The game sold a respectable 1.5 million copies, with the lion's share (1.24 million, apparently) going to the original. *RePop*, the remaster, didn't exactly set the world on fire, especially since it lacked the original's licensed soundtrack. Apparently, Dragami initially planned a full remake, but fans clamored for a faithful remaster. So, a remaster they got.
But here's where things get a little…weird. Dragami's announcement promised a sequel that honors the original's spirit. Key staff members from the original are back (though no word on Suda51 or Gunn, sadly). "Development is already underway on a brand-new *Lollipop Chainsaw* title that both preserves and builds upon the appeal of the original," they say. So far, so good, right?
Then comes the kicker. The announcement then assures us that the sequel will maintain the original's "distinctive tone" and *won't* be toned down due to "DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)." Bloody hell! What's that even supposed to mean? Are they implying inclusivity efforts are inherently creatively restrictive? Or are they just trying to reassure fans that Juliet Starling's, shall we say, *enthusiastic* outfit choices aren't going anywhere? It's a bit of a head-scratcher, innit? It's like saying, "Don't worry, we're not going to accidentally make a *good* game by trying to be inclusive!" But what does this *actually* mean for the game?
The press release, originally reported by Tom Phillips at IGN South Africa, feels… odd. It smacks of a company trying to pre-emptively defend itself against… well, who knows? Maybe they anticipate backlash? Maybe they're just trying to appeal to a specific, vocal segment of the fanbase? Either way, it leaves a rather sour taste. It’s a bit like a wizard promising not to accidentally turn everyone into frogs… by explicitly stating that they *won't* try any new spells.
Look, *Lollipop Chainsaw* was never a paragon of progressive storytelling. But to frame diversity and inclusion as potential threats to its core identity? That's just…yikes. I'm hoping that Dragami's intentions are less nefarious than they appear. Perhaps they're just clumsy in their messaging? But, honestly, it's hard not to raise an eyebrow. Let’s see what they cook up, eh? Hopefully, it's more than just a rehash of old tropes with a fresh coat of neon pink paint. Let’s hope that it surprises us, in a good way. And maybe, just maybe, it can do so without making quite such a mess of things. We’ll be watching. And probably facepalming, too.
No release date has been given yet, but the game's coming. And, apparently, it's going to be just as… *Lollipop Chainsaw* as ever. Buckle up, gamers.
Tags: Lollipop Chainsaw, Sequel, Dragami Games, James Gunn, Suda51
Original article: IGN South Africa