More than 14 years after the original zombie-slaying beat ’em up captivated players, Juliet, the cheerleader wielding a chainsaw-wrapped baseball bat, is returning for an official sequel. Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back was unveiled this week at Tokyo Game Show, where journalists got their first hands-on look at the early build of the long-awaited follow-up to Grasshopper Manufacture’s cult classic.
The announcement marks a significant moment for the franchise, which last resurfaced in 2024 through Lollipop Chainsaw Repop, a remaster produced by Dragami Games. While the new entry carries the weight of fan expectations built over more than a decade, early impressions suggest players should temper their enthusiasm until developers have had time to polish an obviously still-work-in-progress experience.
A Franchise Revived by New Hands
Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back is being produced by Nada Holdings and Dragami Games, the studio responsible for the 2024 remaster. Development company JP Games, led by former Square Enix executive and Final Fantasy 15 director Hajime Tabata, is also involved in bringing Juliet back to life. Notably, several of the original game’s key creators do not appear to be attached to this project.
The absence of DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn and Grasshopper Manufacture founder Goichi Suda represents a notable departure from the franchise’s origins, though the new game retains enough of the original’s signature style and substance to feel authentic. Returning to the fold are original scenario writer Masahiro Yuki and artist Nekoshogun, providing continuity for longtime fans who remember the series’ distinctive tone.
Into Jaredwood: The Plot Takes Shape
According to the official description from the PlayStation Store, Juliet returns to what was once the town of San Romero, now reborn as “Jaredwood,” a sprawling metropolis centered around the film industry. The premise traps her within a distorted zombie movie world controlled by a mysterious director.
“Trapped in a distorted zombie movie world by a mysterious director, Juliet must join forces with her friends to uncover the conspiracy hidden behind the chaos and stop the looming threat of corrupt zombies,” the game’s official description reads.
The setup suggests a meta-narrative leaning into Hollywood tropes, a fitting evolution for a franchise that always embraced over-the-top cinematic flair. Juliet will once again team up with her boyfriend Nick, who returns in his signature severed-head form, as they navigate the chaos unfolding across this new urban landscape.
A Glimpse of Familiar Fun
An early build was playable at the Sega/Atlus booth during Tokyo Game Show, offering players a thin slice of what to expect. Much of the action echoes the original experience, with Juliet blending cheerleading choreography and chainsaw slashes to tear through slow-moving hordes of undead. The combat animations show genuine charm, particularly Juliet’s ability to deploy roller skates for swift traversal through packs of zombies or jam her blade into the ground to propel herself forward while shredding anything in her path.
However, the demo exposed rough edges characteristic of a game still in development. An unpredictable camera frequently zooms in dramatically during cinematic kills, sometimes sloppily, while the complete absence of voiceover work leaves the experience feeling lifeless and repetitive. Outside of a handful of zombie groans, neither Juliet, Nick, nor the zombified Barbie-inspired boss Zorbie utter a single word.
The lack of polish is understandable given the game’s developmental stage, but it also underscores how much remains to be done before Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back reaches its full potential. There is clearly promise beneath the surface, provided developers are granted sufficient time to refine the experience.
Looking Ahead
Lollipop Chainsaw 2: Back2Back is slated for release sometime in 2027, giving the development teams ample runway to address the rough edges exposed during this early showcase. The game has been confirmed for PlayStation 5, though additional platform details have not yet been announced.
With a multi-year window before launch, fans and critics alike will be watching closely as the studio works to transform an intriguing concept into the polished, character-driven experience that the franchise deserves. For now, Juliet’s return offers enough nostalgic flair to keep expectations alive, even if the full picture remains just out of reach.
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