Type-28, codenamed "Judgment," (ジャッジメント) was a pair of mutations created by Goldman, and they serve as the first boss in The House of the Dead 2. The first of the two was the sentient imp-like creature Zeal, who flies around cackling maniacally and controlling the second of the pair, Kuarl, a 10-foot tall, headless, telepathically-controlled suit of plate armor carrying an axe.
Zeal is actually seen at the very beginning of the level, where he flies down from a rooftop to taunt James Taylor and Gary Stewart, two AMS agents sent to stop Goldman. When they eventually return to the square, Zeal appears again to threaten them a second time. He then calls on Kuarl, who promptly uses his axe to smack two cars out of his path and steps in to do battle, with Zeal at his side. James and Gary could heavily damage Kuarl by shooting Zeal, and eventually the metal beast fell. In a final struggle, Zeal charged at the agents himself, but was shot down and killed. However, before dying, he begged Goldman for a second chance.
Later on, when James and Gary were on their way to Goldman's headquarters, Judgment appeared again with Zeal saying that they were given a second chance. James and Gary once again defeated them with James (or Gary) citing that "there is no such thing as a second chance." It is believed that Zeal was based on the Hangedman mutation and that Kuarl was based on the Chariot mutation. He also appeared as one of the Emperor's attacks.
Bestiary Overview
The beast and creature seem to have a bonding relationship. Kuarl is a hulking and mobile medieval suit of armor carrying a large battle axe as its choice of weaponry. It's unknown how the beast is walking given that the most important part of his body, the head, is missing but is hypothesized to be controlled by Zeal. Zeal is a pink flying zombie/gargoyle-like creature that has working vocal cords enabling it to speak. When being attacked, Zeal distracts the attacker by flying around making him the first target to be focused on. As its prey is distracted, Kuarl will approach and start causing mayhem with its battle axe. As it is stated, Zeal and Kuarl have a bonding relationship meaning they have both the same parts enabling Zeal to control Kuarl. Zeal is Kuarl's weakpoint, if he is shot numerous times, it affects the beast until it couldn't handle the pressure (James (or Gary) even mentioned that "the small one must be the brain"). Once Kuarl is down, Zeal will finish the attack by flying towards its prey and killing it. A couple of shots will damage the creature to stop their reign of terror.
Attack Pattern
During battle, Kuarl will slowly come towards the player while Zeal will fly around quickly in the background and foreground. After moving around the screen for a short period of time, Zeal will eventually stay put at the top of the screen, and will command Kuarl to attack. During this time period, the player has the opportunity to shoot Zeal, which will stop Kuarl from charging, but failure to do so will result in Kuarl damaging the player. Zeal's speed will also progressively increase each time he takes damage.
Once Judgment loses roughly two-thirds of its health, Kuarl will die, leaving Zeal to fight alone against the player. During this time period, Zeal will quickly charge at the player using three different and random patterns. The first pattern involves Zeal coming straight at the player while bobbing up and down, while the second and third patterns involve Zeal coming diagonally from either the left or right side.
The Pinball of the Dead
Judgment makes an appearance as the first boss in The Pinball of the Dead. Similar to The House of the Dead 2, the fight against Judgment is in two parts. The first part requires the player to attack Zeal while Kuarl moves around the screen, often protecting him. After hitting Zeal a number of times, Kuarl will go down, and the player will only have Zeal to deal with. At this point, Zeal will move quickly around the screen, making it more difficult for the player to hit him.
Notable quotes
"I've already taken care of G. This is only the beginning. You're next. [Flies away] Get him!"
"[Laughs] Seems like my advice had no effect. Suffer, like G did."
"Sir Go-l-d..."
"Sir Goldman has given me a second chance. Don't even think you can get past me. Go Kuarl!"
Trivia
- Kuarl appears to be based on the Dullahan of Celtic mythology, a type of faerie who appears in the form of a headless knight and serves as a harbinger of death.
- Ironically, the name Zeal is one of the seven heavenly virtues. It is also known as Diligence.
- Zeal and Kuarl appear to be telepathically bonded.
- As is the case with The Lovers and Nigel and Sebastian, the boss utilizes a "Brains" (The tiny Demon) and "Muscle" (The giant, headless suit) type of style. Similarly, The "Brains" is the weakspot whereas the "Muscle" is completely impervious to attack.
- Kuarl and Zeal can be fought again in Boss Mode.
Gallery
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