RetroRealms Arcade Releases Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead Double Feature
RetroRealms Arcade recently launched its first two games, Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead, on digital storefronts for consoles and PC on October 18. While physical editions were initially set to debut on the same day, a brief delay has pushed the $50 Double Feature to October 25 and the $80 Special Edition to October 31. The Halloween release date for a bundle featuring a game where you can play as Michael Myers is quite appropriate, especially with the inclusion of an adorably scary Michael Myers plush in RetroRealms Arcade’s Collector’s Edition. Moreover, this collector’s edition is one of the most reasonably priced ones this year, with the additional plush, collectible VHS-themed box, and poster costing only $30 more.
Preorder Details for Halloween and Ash vs. Evil Dead RetroRealms Double Feature Special Edition
The Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead RetroRealms Double Feature Special Edition is available for preorder on Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox at Amazon. Both physical editions come with preorders bonuses, including a pack of Halloween trading cards and two bonus playable characters with unique play styles. These games are only sold together in physical format but can be purchased separately for $25 each on digital storefronts. Regardless of format, the standard edition of the Double Feature costs $50.
Receive 2 Bonus Playable Characters and Collectible Cards with launch edition ($10 value)
All physical edition preorders, whether for the Special Edition or the standard version, come with two playable characters that typically cost $5 each: Laurie Strobe from the Halloween films and Kelly Maxwell from Ash vs Evil Dead. Both characters have unique move sets and storylines compared to Michael Myers and Ash Williams. The digital edition of the Double Feature also includes these bonus characters until November 17, but misses out on the pack of Halloween trading cards, exclusive to physical editions.
The inclusion of DLC vouchers and trading cards seems to be specific to the physical versions, suggesting that future print runs may not contain the bonus characters. Additionally, the descriptions of digital listings refer to the offer as a “Day One Edition Bonus.” While the marketing for the Special Edition assures the presence of these extras, collector’s editions are generally not reprinted once sold out.
RetroRealms Arcade: A True Retro Gaming Gem
RetroRealms Arcade has remained somewhat under the radar since its reveal in August. However, for fans of retro-style games with pixelated graphics and horror movie themes, this game is a must-have. It has received an 8/10 in our RetroRealms Arcade review, thanks to its well-crafted platforming sequences, precise controls, and exceptional 16-bit graphics and animations. The games, Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead, brilliantly utilize characters and settings from iconic franchises, hinting at the potential for a captivating horror multiverse through RetroRealms. Players must approach each game by interacting with its arcade cabinet in the 3D hub world. While additional games will be offered as paid DLC in the future, RetroRealms Arcade has made a fantastic start as an homage to horror films and classic games.
Future Prospects and Developer Background
We are optimistic about the future of this expanding horror arcade/museum, especially given that WayForward, the game studio behind it, has a strong reputation for creating memorable games across various genres, particularly side-scrolling action-platformers. While best known for the Shantae series, WayForward has also produced a host of licensed games and reboots of dormant franchises such as River City Girls, Yars Rising, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, and The Mummy Demastered.
The publisher of RetroRealms Arcade, Boss Team Games, also released the 2022 Evil Dead multiplayer game. The studio is currently developing a larger-scale Halloween-themed game, with legendary director and composer John Carpenter collaborating on the project.