REALLY FUN!! Should have a Remaster by Nightdive Studios and Steam Deck support too!! That's just my opinion, though. :)

Judge Dredd: Dredd vs Death is a gritty, unapologetically old-school first-person shooter developed and published by Rebellion, drawing directly from the bleak satire and brutal justice of the long-running 2000 AD comic series. Set in the oppressive sprawl of Mega-City One, the game places players squarely in the boots of Judge Dredd himself, embodying the role of law, order, and executioner in a society that has long since abandoned nuance. Even years after its original release, the game stands as a distinctive licensed shooter that prioritizes atmosphere and thematic faithfulness over mechanical sophistication.

The narrative framework revolves around escalating chaos within Mega-City One following the resurgence of supernatural threats, including the infamous Dark Judges, alongside outbreaks of vampires, zombies, and criminal gangs exploiting the disorder. The story is delivered with a pulpy, comic-book sensibility, favoring tone and momentum over detailed exposition. Rather than deep character arcs or complex plotting, the campaign functions as a series of escalating crises, each pushing Dredd deeper into districts overwhelmed by lawlessness. This approach suits the source material well, reinforcing the idea that Mega-City One is perpetually on the brink, held together only by relentless enforcement.

Gameplay reflects its early-2000s origins, embracing linear level design and straightforward combat encounters. Players move through self-contained missions filled with enemy patrols, ambushes, and environmental hazards, relying on reflexes more than tactical planning. The shooting mechanics are functional but simple, emphasizing constant forward motion and aggressive engagement. While enemy AI is rudimentary and often predictable, the sheer density of threats keeps encounters lively, particularly when supernatural enemies enter the mix and disrupt standard combat rhythms.

One of the game’s more distinctive systems is its law enforcement mechanic, which attempts to reflect Dredd’s role beyond simple gunplay. Players are encouraged to follow judicial procedure by challenging suspects, making arrests when possible, and avoiding unnecessary civilian casualties. This behavior is tracked through a law meter that penalizes reckless killing and rewards adherence to protocol. In theory, this adds a layer of moral accountability rarely seen in shooters of its era; in practice, it can feel underdeveloped, as many situations still incentivize lethal solutions. Nevertheless, the system reinforces the thematic tension between justice and brutality that defines Judge Dredd as a character.

Weapon design draws heavily from the comics, most notably through the iconic Lawgiver pistol. The Lawgiver supports multiple ammunition types, allowing players to switch between standard rounds, incendiary shots, ricochet bullets, and more exotic options. This versatility gives combat occasional flashes of tactical choice, even if balance issues mean some ammo types see far more use than others. Additional weapons supplement the arsenal, but the Lawgiver remains the star, both mechanically and thematically, anchoring the player firmly in Dredd’s identity.

Visually, Dredd vs Death clearly shows its age, with low-polygon character models, dated textures, and relatively simple environmental geometry. However, its art direction does a great deal of heavy lifting. Mega-City One feels oppressive and hostile, filled with towering concrete structures, grimy corridors, and exaggerated urban decay that mirrors the comics’ satirical dystopia. Enemy designs, particularly the Dark Judges and undead foes, stand out thanks to their stylized menace, helping the world maintain a strong visual identity despite technical limitations.

Sound design contributes meaningfully to the atmosphere, with weapon effects that feel appropriately heavy and environmental audio that reinforces the sense of constant danger. Voice acting is uneven but serviceable, leaning into exaggerated delivery that matches the comic tone rather than aiming for realism. Music plays a supporting role, underscoring action without becoming a defining feature, which fits the game’s straightforward, arcade-like pacing.

The campaign itself is relatively short, often completed in a handful of hours, but it maintains a brisk tempo that prevents fatigue. To extend longevity, the game includes additional modes such as arcade challenges and multiplayer options, including deathmatch and team-based modes. While online activity is limited today, these modes add value for players interested in experimenting beyond the main story or revisiting the mechanics in a less structured format.

What ultimately defines Judge Dredd: Dredd vs Death is not its technical prowess, but its commitment to capturing the spirit of its source material. It embraces excess, blunt force, and moral absolutism, offering a shooter experience that feels distinctly tied to the Judge Dredd universe rather than a generic FPS with licensed branding. Its flaws—dated visuals, simplistic AI, and uneven mechanics—are inseparable from its era, but they are balanced by charm, thematic consistency, and an earnest attempt to translate comic book justice into interactive form.

In the end, Judge Dredd: Dredd vs Death is best appreciated as a time capsule of early-2000s shooter design infused with strong comic-book identity. It may not satisfy players seeking modern refinement or deep systemic complexity, but for fans of classic FPS games or the Judge Dredd mythos, it offers a blunt, atmospheric, and occasionally chaotic journey through Mega-City One that remains memorable precisely because it refuses to be subtle.

Rating: 8/10

Shooting feesl good, there a nice selection of modes from story, multiplayer which can be played thanks to bots, and arcade. It runs right out of the gate no mods for modern systems needed and the shooting feels pretty good.