Killer is Dead , an action game, does not follow the Killer7 or No More Heroes series by its developers. It has elements of violent action, assassins as a main theme, and a cel-shaded visual style. The game stars Mondo Zappa, a contract executioner who works for Bryan Execution Firm. He receives jobs to kill cyborgs and assassins in the future. Before each mission, a brief overview is shown against a world map and between fighting, animated sequences further the story. Completing main missions opens up several side missions.
The main character, Mondo, wields a katana called Gekkou with his right hand for attacks and to deflect bullets. His left arm has cybernetic enhancements that can be used to solve puzzles or discover hidden areas. Mondo can turn it into a human hand to crack codes or change it into a ranged sub-weapon. Separate buttons are used to block and dodge, while defeated enemies leave behind body parts that recover health.
Mondo receives payments based on his performance after each mission. Upgrades through moon crystals are divided into three categories: attack skills, sub-weapon skills, and special skills. In the main office, various costumes for characters can be equipped when unlocked, as well as items in a gift shop. A mini-game allows Mondo to seduce women by taking pictures with Gigolo glasses.
The retail US edition included additional content, such as an art book and soundtrack disc. The PC release, Killer is Dead: Nightmare Edition , includes the Smooth Operator DLC and a new Nightmare difficulty mode.