RetroRealms’ first two games are pleasant side-scrolling takes on two iconic horror franchises in the delightfully creepy setting of a run-down arcade. The two games are pretty similar, but the satisfying gameplay, ability to use characters in other games, and intriguing hub world make this a memorable game to play this Halloween.
RetroRealms: Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead
Developer: WayForward
Price: $25 each separately, $50 for both
Platforms: PS4, PS5 (reviewed), Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC
MonsterVine was provided with a PS5 code for review
One movie I watch every October is Evil Dead 2 – one of my favorite films ever. When I heard about a pixel-art platformer set in the world of the follow-up series Ash vs. Evil Dead and the brilliant Halloween film franchise, I was immediately hooked. The games offer a great time for anyone fond of either franchise, with some old-school platforming difficulty to boot.
You start RetroRealms by entering a creepy, abandoned arcade. This liminal space hosts the two arcade cabinets that are used to play the Ash vs. Evil Dead and Halloween games, as well as a video room and a gallery. The mood of the arcade is remarkably eerie, despite nothing scary actually happening there. The gallery lets you view 3D models of iconic costumes and objects from each franchise, while the video room lets you watch tapes of developer interviews. It’s an incredibly charming hub world that sells the creepy horror side of the game rather well, and the abundance of bonus content is a very welcome addition.
The games themselves are each linked in their stories, as a powerful demon appears in both to spur your chosen character to jump, hack, and slash your way through levels based on Ash vs. Evil Dead and Halloween. Ash’s has him trying to reclaim the stolen Necronomicon, while Michael’s follows the fearsome Shape as he kills everything in pursuit of his sister’s gravestone. They’re straightforward stories with catchy dialogue that fits each property and character, and the little links between them are fun to look for.
“The pixel art in RetroRealms is excellent, perfectly communicating the personality of each character.“
Fighting foes is easy using Ash’s chainsaw, Michael’s knife, and if you get the DLC, Laurie Strode’s knitting needles and Kelly Maxwell’s meat tenderizer. Combat feels great, and the special moves you can unlock throughout the games add more depth to both the fighting and platforming of each title. The sub-weapons you acquire have a lot of Castlevania feels to them and give boss fights and stages some extra spunk.
Some novel platforming comes from switching between the hellish other realm and the main world of each game, as each world allows you to explore different areas. It’s easy to switch between realms and the harsh visual difference sells how freaky the threat you’re up against is, with the demonic enemies feeling much more fierce than the standard foes.
RetroRealms is a bloody good time.
The blood splatters that come from killing Deadites and possessed people in each game are delightfully gory, as killing enemies leads to the background getting covered in red. The camera even gets blood on it, giving both RetroRealms titles even more of an undeniably fitting slasher aesthetic.
RetroRealms’ difficulty is reminiscent of older platformers, with plenty of nail-biting challenges for those willing to brave it. On occasion, this difficulty presents itself in somewhat unfair ways, with enemies placed in spots that make it hard to avoid or kill them on your first go. It’s not too common, but can be frustrating when it occurs.
Being able to use Ash, Michael, Kelly, and Laurie in any stage adds a ton of replayability to each game thanks to both how differently they play and the altered dialogue that acknowledges the characters being out of place. I’m impressed at how much effort went into this aspect, and I recommend playing around with different titles with different characters.
The pixel art in RetroRealms is excellent, perfectly communicating the personality of each character. The backgrounds are filled with little details (and some gruesome and grisly backdrops), while the music goes a long way in making for an unsettling but action-packed environment befitting the source material.
The Final Word
RetroRealms takes two of the most beloved horror series and adapts them into enjoyable platformers with excellent pixel art. The difficulty can be a little bit mean at times, but both titles are a blast overall – especially for fans of each respective series. I can’t wait to see what other movies get the RetroRealms treatment, though I’ve got my fingers crossed for Alien.
MonsterVine Rating: 4 out of 5 – Good
