RetroRealms Arcade, along with its inaugural two games, Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead, made their digital debut on consoles and PC on October 18. Initially, physical editions were slated to release simultaneously, but a brief delay has rescheduled the $50 Double Feature for October 25 and the $80 Special Edition for October 31. Releasing a two-game bundle on Halloween, featuring a game where you embody Michael Myers, is quite fitting, especially since RetroRealms Arcade's Collector's Edition includes a delightfully eerie Michael Myers plush. This year, it stands out as the most reasonably priced collector's edition, with just an additional $30 for the plush, a collectible VHS-inspired box, and a poster.
The Halloween and Ash vs. Evil Dead RetroRealms Double Feature Special Edition is available for preorder on Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox via Amazon. Both physical editions come with a set of Halloween trading cards and two bonus playable characters, each with distinct play styles. While the games are only sold together in physical format, they can be purchased separately for $25 each on digital platforms. The standard edition Double Feature remains $50 whether you opt for physical or digital.
All physical edition preorders—both Special Edition and standard—include two playable characters that otherwise cost $5 each: Laurie Strode, the lead protagonist of the Halloween films, and Kelly Maxwell from the Starz TV series Ash vs Evil Dead. Laurie has a unique move set and storyline compared to Michael Myers, and similarly, Kelly Maxwell differs from Ash Williams. Both bonus characters also have their own achievements. The digital edition of the Double Feature includes these bonus characters until November 17, but it excludes the Halloween trading cards, exclusive to physical editions.
The DLC vouchers and trading cards appear to be exclusive bonuses for physical versions. While it's possible to obtain them post-launch, future print runs are unlikely to include the bonus characters. Digital listings refer to this offer as a 'Day One Edition Bonus.' Based on the marketing for the Special Edition, it will always include these extras, but collector's editions typically do not receive additional print runs once sold out.
RetroRealms has remained somewhat under the radar since its August reveal, but for fans of retro-style games with pixelated graphics and horror movies, it should be on your radar. Our RetroRealms Arcade review awarded it an 8/10, praising its well-designed platforming sequences, tight controls, and superb 16-bit graphics and animations. The launch games, Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead, effectively utilize the characters and worlds from their iconic franchises, and the crossover potential of RetroRealms feels like the start of a fun horror multiverse. Each game is accessed by interacting with its arcade cabinet in the 3D hub world. More games will be added as paid DLC; although it's still early, RetroRealms Arcade is off to a great start as a tribute to horror movies and retro games.
We're optimistic about the future of this expanding horror arcade/museum, especially given the game studio behind it, WayForward, has a proven track record of creating memorable games across various genres, particularly in side-scrolling action-platformers. WayForward is best known for its long-running Shantae series but also boasts an extensive list of licensed games and revivals of dormant franchises: River City Girls, Yars Rising, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, and The Mummy Demastered, among others. Boss Team Games, the publisher of RetroRealms Arcade, also released the 2022 Evil Dead multiplayer game. The studio is currently developing a higher-budget Halloween game, with legendary director and composer John Carpenter collaborating on the project.
Source link: https://www.gamespot.com
