The RetroRealms: Halloween game is a unique take on the classic horror franchise, blending tight 2D platforming action with a 3D horror museum hub. Developed by Boss Team Games and WayForward, RetroRealms offers a love letter to retro gaming and the Halloween series.
In the Halloween game, players take control of iconic slasher Michael Myers as he navigates through a series of challenging 16-bit inspired levels. The platforming is extremely well-designed, with responsive controls and a high skill ceiling that will appeal to speedrunners and platforming enthusiasts. Enemies and obstacles are placed with precision, forcing players to time their jumps and attacks perfectly to progress.
The game’s 3D hub world is a standout feature, serving as an explorable horror museum filled with collectibles, developer diaries, and 3D versions of classic Halloween props and costumes. This adds a layer of depth and immersion, allowing players to dive deeper into the game’s lore and development.
However, RetroRealms is not without its flaws. The game’s short campaign length, coupled with a harsh checkpoint system that resets entire levels upon death, can lead to frustration. Additionally, the pricing structure, which separates the base game from additional playable characters, may be seen as a deterrent for some players.
Overall, RetroRealms: Halloween is a love letter to retro gaming and the Halloween franchise that delivers a challenging and authentic platforming experience. While it may not be for everyone due to its high difficulty and pricing model, fans of the horror genre and skilled platformer enthusiasts will find a lot to enjoy in this unique horror game hub.
RetroRealms: Halloween blends retro gaming aesthetics with modern mechanics, delivering a nostalgic yet challenging experience. Developed by WayForward Technologies, the game is a side-scrolling 2D platformer where players control Michael Myers from Halloween as they navigate pixel-art levels inspired by the original film. The game’s mechanics evoke classic arcade action, with collectible power-ups and hidden relics that enhance gameplay. The challenge lies in facing iconic movie enemies in boss fights, as well as navigating blood-soaked levels with tight controls and platforming sequences.
While the retro visuals and eerie soundtrack successfully capture the essence of classic horror games, some players feel that RetroRealms: Halloween lacks the depth of its counterpart, Ash vs. Evil Dead, which offers more robust content and variety. However, players can unlock new abilities and experience crossover content if they own both games. The RetroRealms Arcade hub also allows players to track high scores and compete on global leaderboards, adding a layer of replayability.
Overall, while the game has potential, some reviews suggest that it could benefit from expanded features to fully realize its concept. It earns points for nostalgia and atmosphere but falls short in comparison to other titles in the same series.
Game Overview
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Steam Developer: Boss Team Games, WayForward Genre: 2D Platformer, Horror
The Concept
RetroRealms: Halloween is an innovative blend of classic 2D platforming action set within a 3D horror museum hub. This unique approach pays homage to both retro gaming and the iconic Halloween franchise.
Gameplay
2D Platforming
- Players control Michael Myers in 16-bit inspired levels
- Tight, responsive controls
- High skill ceiling, appealing to speedrunners
- Precise enemy and obstacle placement
3D Hub World
- Explorable horror museum
- Filled with collectibles and developer diaries
- 3D versions of classic Halloween props and costumes
Graphics and Sound
- Faithful 16-bit style graphics in platforming sections
- Detailed 3D models in the hub world
- Atmospheric soundtrack capturing the Halloween spirit
Final Verdict
RetroRealms: Halloween is a love letter to both retro gaming and the Halloween franchise. It offers a challenging and authentic platforming experience that will appeal to skilled gamers and horror enthusiasts. However, its difficulty and pricing model may not suit all players.
RetroRealms: Halloween successfully marries nostalgia with modern gaming sensibilities, creating a unique experience for those willing to embrace its challenges. While not perfect, it’s a solid addition to any horror game fan’s library.
System Requirements
Minimum:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Processor: Intel(R) Core 2 Duo E7500
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 or equivalent
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 5 GB available space
Pros
- Well-designed platforming mechanics
- Immersive 3D hub world
- Authentic retro feel
- Appeals to Halloween franchise fans
- High replayability for skilled players
Cons
- Short campaign length
- Harsh checkpoint system
- Controversial pricing structure (base game separate from additional characters)