mindless self indulgence posts on CNET

Lollipop Chainsaw cuts through normal video game stereotypes

Last summer's Shadows of the Damned was an overlooked triumph that excelled on multiple levels. Its style, humor, campy storyline, and overall originality easily made it one of the best games of 2011.

Developer Grasshopper Manufacture and Creative Director Suda 51 are back, once again challenging mainstream gaming archetypes by approaching things from a quirky and unique against-the-grain mentality. Lollipop Chainsaw also introduces a collaboration with filmmaker James Gunn ("Slither," "Dawn of the Dead" remake), that results in arguably the offbeat developer's most approachable game yet.

Lollipop Chainsaw might not have the best graphics and it's definitely a bit rough around the edges, but it's a welcome change of pace that instills some confidence in the gamer who is bored with cookie-cutter gaming stereotypes. … Read more

The 404 1,047: Where we go one-on-one with James Gunn (podcast)

Director James Gunn goes one-on-one with The 404's Jeff Bakalar to talk about his writing duties on the new video game, Lollipop Chainsaw. James is the man responsible for films such as the "Dawn of the Dead" remake, "Slither," "Super," and the cult-classic "Tromeo and Juliet."

James has teamed up with legendary game-maker Suda 51 (Shadows of the Damned, No More Heroes) to bring us Lollipop Chainsaw, the story of a cheerleader who must take on a swarm of the undead led by a colorful cast of zombie punk rockers. We asked James what it was like to work with the iconic producer and the various special guests that voice the game's bosses.

There's something for everyone in today's show: zombies, music, video games, movies, and much more!… Read more