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Stupid Never Dies is one of the more unusual action RPGs coming this autumn. It's being developed by GPTRACK50, a studio led by former Capcom producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi. The developers have chosen to move away from several features associated with modern action games, including a dedicated dodge mechanic and an enemy lock-on system. Instead, combat is built around constant movement, correct character positioning and parrying attacks. The title will launch on 21 October for PC and PlayStation 5.
Zombie who wants to resurrect his beloved
The story of Stupid Never Dies centres on a zombie named Davy, who falls in love with Julia, a student found frozen in a shopping centre freezer. She died during the war that led to the destruction of human civilisation. Davy, however, decides to do everything he can to bring Julia back to life. The problem is that he’s at the very bottom of the hierarchy of monsters that arose after the war. To achieve his goal he needs the help of a human scientist, Dr Frank. Together they must make their way through a dungeon filled with a mysterious miasma. Interestingly, the entrance to that place is accessed after the protagonist is flushed down a toilet. Each of the dungeon’s biomes is meant to represent different real-world locations and historical periods. Every run is procedurally generated, so the layout changes between attempts. At the same time the developers have prepared a specific progression curve so that Davy requires progressively less experience to level up on subsequent tries. The game also includes many passive abilities that can be combined. That way even a failed run can yield progress and prepare the protagonist for the next attempt. An important gameplay element is the Style Eat mechanic. It lets Davy devour selected enemies and take their form. During the presentation you could, for example, become a fast werewolf, a powerful golem and a harpy focused on aerial combat. Forms can be switched mid-combat, letting you adapt your playstyle to the current situation.
Without dodge and lock-on, combat is meant to be more chaotic
Stupid Never Dies stands out primarily for its unconventional approach to the combat system. The developers have done away with a dedicated dodge button and the classic guard. Instead, Davy can perform a quick step forward that also acts as a parry. The timing window to execute this move is said to be fairly generous, and a successful parry allows for a strong counterattack. This matters in particular because enemies almost constantly press in on the protagonist. Another unusual decision is the complete absence of a lock-on system. At first this may feel awkward, especially to players used to automatically tracking a chosen enemy. Director Eiichiro Sasaki explained, however, that the whole combat system was designed specifically around the lack of lock-on. According to the creators, adding lock-on would take some of the intensity out of fights. Large numbers of enemies often appear on screen at once, so the player has to manually control Davy's position and watch the entire battlefield. The camera is intended to provide a wide enough view to avoid most attacks while remaining on the offensive. During the Gamescom 2026 presentation the presenter did need a bit of time to get used to this solution. Once the mechanics were mastered, the lack of lock-on stopped being an issue and began to suit the game's character. The mix of intense encounters, form changing and roguelike mechanics makes Stupid Never Dies look set to be one of the more original action games this autumn.
Stupid Never Dies by GPTRACK50 aims to stand out not only with its absurd atmosphere but also with an unconventional combat system. The game lacks a traditional dodge, guard or lock-on mechanic, instead featuring, among other things, a step that lets you parry attacks and perform counterattacks. Gameplay is rounded out by procedurally generated dungeons, roguelike mechanics and the ability to take on the forms of defeated enemies. The PC and PlayStation 5 release is scheduled for 21 October 2026.
source: wccftech
