RetroRealms Arcade Review: Bringing Back Classic Platformers Through Halloween Characters

RetroRealms Arcade, a creation by WayForward Technologies and brought to the public by Boss Team Games, officially launched on October 17, 2024. Players take control of iconic characters from horror franchises, skillfully maneuvering through various levels while overcoming challenges and battling foes with gusto.

RetroRealms Arcade: Initial Impressions and Gameplay Overview

Step into the World of RetroRealms Arcade (Image via Boss Team Games)

From the moment I started RetroRealms Arcade, I was immediately captivated. The nostalgic charm of 16-bit graphics transported me back to my youth, reminiscing about classics like Claw and Rayman, and of course, Contra and Felix the Cat on the NES. One of the most delightful surprises was the chance to enter a retro arcade to begin my gaming adventure, adding a wonderful layer of nostalgia.

I had the privilege of exploring the various components of RetroRealms Arcade that are available at launch: featuring characters like Ash from Evil Dead and Kelly Maxwell, along with Michael Myers and Laurie Strode from Halloween.

One impressive aspect is that the playable characters span multiple franchises. For a majority of my gameplay, I embraced the role of Ash Williams in the context of the Halloween universe. Although it felt slightly unconventional at first, I relished every second of it. Now, let’s delve into my thoughts and impressions of the game.

Character Dynamics and Foes

Nothing beats diving headlong into an enemy with a knife (Image via Boss Team Games)

Beginning my adventure as Ash Williams in the Evil Dead universe, I felt as if the vibrant world of the franchise truly came to life. The game emulated the series’ distinctive craziness perfectly. Not only did the environment capture attention, but Ash’s appearance and characteristics were just as they appeared on screen, a sentiment that held true for Michael Myers too.

As for adversaries, they are abundant, oftentimes respawning occasionally. The diversity in enemy types varies depending on the selected game within the arcade, ensuring players face unique challenges.

Intense Boss Battles Await (Image via Boss Team Games)

The game adds an extra level of excitement with the introduction of new enemy types in the Nightmare Realm. While not terrifying, they can be surprising as they appear the moment you transition from one realm to the next. I occasionally took damage right after shifting realms, but it’s generally manageable since vanquished foes drop health items.

Level and World Architecture

Ash pondering his surroundings (Image via Boss Team Games)

My anticipation for an engaging experience was immediately validated as I faced multiple deaths in mere minutes. This signaled a challenging world design, which it undoubtedly was. Was navigating certain sections daunting? No, though I admit my skills could use improvement. Yet each level I conquered brought immense satisfaction, especially as the scoreboard appeared.

However, I found the limited save points to be somewhat challenging. It would have been beneficial to have a few more save opportunities within each level. While the existing ones aren’t inadequate, additional checkpoints could ease gameplay. Then again, it’s likely that my repeated failures were just a result of my skills needing refinement.

The Nightmare Realm Hazards (Image via Boss Team Games)

The variety of levels is indeed remarkable. There are numerous hidden secrets in both the normal and Nightmare realms, encouraging players to switch between them frequently to gather every collectible. Although navigating the enemy patterns can sometimes prove tricky, rest assured, all collectibles are reachable if you strategize correctly.

Be aware that transitioning back to the normal realm requires caution; you can spawn in a dangerous area marked in red. If you do, you’ll dissolve into mist and lose a life. I learned this the hard way, experimenting several times just to confirm the mechanics. Trust me, don’t follow my lead.

Weapons and Special Abilities

Empower Your Character for Maximum Mayhem (Image via Boss Team Games)

Each character boasts distinct weapons and abilities that unlock as you progress. While they essentially perform the same function of defeating undead foes, the styles are variably engaging.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance health, unlock unique moves, and even extend your Nightmare Meter to prolong your stay in the Nightmare Realm. Just make sure you’re secured in a safe position when that meter diminishes.

Performance and Audio

During my review of RetroRealms Arcade, I employed a setup with the following specifications:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
GPU: RTX 3070 8GB
RAM: 32 GB

Throughout my experience, I encountered zero issues; everything functioned seamlessly. The audio was consistently captivating, with amusing cutscenes that added further enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Collect Tickets to unlock fantastic mementos (Image via Boss Team Games)

While RetroRealms Arcade embraces a retro 16-bit style, it offers a wealth of charm and excitement, alongside ample action and suspense. If you’re a fan of platformers, mastering enemy patterns, and leaping over, under, and around obstacles to unearth secrets and face exhilarating boss battles, this game is a must-play, especially for Halloween.

As I struggled with controls using the keyboard (a mistake on my part), I recommend opting for a controller instead; it dramatically enhances the experience and makes executing moves far easier.

Ultimately, I found RetroRealms Arcade to be a delightful experience, even as I wrestle with progressing to the end. The challenge it presents is evident of great game design. Once you get the hang of the controls and timing, a rewarding journey through the various levels awaits you.