IllFonic's new asymmetrical horror game, Halloween: The Game, has emerged as a surprising favorite for players seeking a thrilling multiplayer experience. Despite a few technical hiccups, the game successfully channels the dread and intensity of its namesake film, offering a compelling take on the genre.
The core gameplay loop pits one player as the masked killer Michael Myers against up to four survivors. Much like other titles in the genre, Michael possesses supernatural abilities and a relentless pursuit, while survivors must evade and escape. However, Halloween: The Game distinguishes itself with the inclusion of numerous non-player characters scattered across its maps, adding a dynamic layer to matches.
These NPCs serve multiple purposes. For the Michael player, they offer additional targets and opportunities for stalking and terrorizing, beyond the core group of human opponents. For survivors, the choice arises between prioritizing their own escape or attempting to save the townsfolk. Helping NPCs yields increased experience points, which can unlock valuable perks and starting gear, but doing so consumes precious time, increasing the risk of encountering Michael.
The presence of these NPCs significantly enhances the immersion, making the game's various environments feel more alive and the act of exploration more engaging. Whether they are depicted casually engaging in everyday activities or attempting to flee, their presence contributes to the escalating tension. Hearing the in-game notification, or sometimes the chilling sound, of an NPC being killed can be a genuinely frightening experience for survivors hiding nearby.
Moments of emergent gameplay, like one player luring an NPC into a closet to stage an escape attempt, only for the Michael player to use a ghost ability to materialize within the same closet and intercept them, highlight the game's potential for memorable encounters. The developers have also implemented a system that rewards Michael players for stalking and frightening victims before dispatching them, encouraging strategic terror.
Survivors are not without recourse. Tools such as flashlights, firearms, and even seemingly anachronistic magical items provide a fighting chance against Michael. The primary objective often involves gathering components to repair an escape route, such as a car or a basement exit, while the police eventually arrive, opening the possibility of escape via a police wagon. Successfully guiding NPCs to safety also contributes to the survivors' score and denies Michael valuable experience.
Despite the engaging core mechanics, Halloween: The Game is not without its technical issues. Players have reported various bugs and instances of jankiness that can disrupt gameplay. These range from humorous glitches, such as NPCs becoming stuck on inaccessible parts of the map, to more frustrating problems that prevent Michael from attacking or executing. While the developers have indicated that some of these issues will be addressed in a day-one patch and subsequent updates, other performance problems and crashes were not explicitly mentioned for immediate fixes.
The game does feature a single-player story mode where players can recreate events from the original film as Michael Myers. While praised for its attention to detail, the mode is short and serves more as a tutorial than a substantial experience. The developer suggests that players looking for a robust solo experience may be disappointed, as the AI-controlled bots do not replicate the thrill of playing against human opponents.
Even with its current imperfections, Halloween: The Game offers a strong sense of atmosphere and thrilling cooperative gameplay. The iconic musical score and faithful environmental design contribute to a potent Halloween vibe. The game launched in paid early access on September 4 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox, with a wider release on September 8 for PC and other platforms.