Halloween: The Game, from Illfonic, the studio behind several asymmetrical multiplayer games based on horror franchises, offers a fun, if somewhat janky, experience for players willing to set their expectations appropriately for the genre.
Reviewer Wesley LeBlanc noted that the game "needs some massaging." He highlighted prevalent bugs and a less-than-ideal onboarding process for Civilians. Leveling up to unlock cosmetic items like new sunglass tints or clothing offers little intrinsic motivation. However, LeBlanc found that within matches, these issues recede. The bugs, he states, are not game-breaking and often blend into what he describes as "IllFonic's feature-not-a-bug jank," citing an instance where he and another player experienced a moonwalked instead of sprinting. Despite the lack of in-game context for Civilian gameplay, players can learn the mechanics relatively quickly. Ultimately, the focus remains on the scares delivered and received, and the overall enjoyment derived from the experience.
LeBlanc also emphasized that while a single-player campaign exists and serves as a functional tutorial for the multiplayer component, the multiplayer is the primary draw. The game is not recommended for those seeking a dedicated single-player Halloween experience. LeBlanc concluded that "Death has arrived in IllFonic’s latest, and while the fear is abundant, so too is the fun waiting in the sleepy little town of Haddonfield."
This week also saw significant news from Nintendo, including two separate Nintendo Direct presentations that revealed new announcements for the Zelda franchise and other titles. Additionally, Hideo Kojima's studio, Kojima Productions, will now publish its upcoming action espionage game, Physint, with Xbox after its partnership with PlayStation concluded. A report also indicated that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake features fully voiced cutscenes and a jump button.
For sports fans, EA Sports' NHL 27 may appeal to hockey enthusiasts awaiting the start of the NHL season. While the game's AI-aided commentary and lack of significant evolution from its predecessor were noted drawbacks, the core gameplay is described as solid enough for players seeking a virtual hockey experience with updated rosters.
Action roguelike sidescroller SlashZero is available as a limited-time demo on PS5 and Steam, ahead of its full launch next year. The game features two playable characters, a swordsman and a gunslinger, navigating multiple timelines in a cyberpunk world with fluid action, platforming, and anime-inspired visuals. The developer, Streetlamp Studio, has additional months for polish.
Meccha Chameleon is now available on Switch 2, described as a high-stakes hide-and-seek game where players camouflage themselves by painting into the environment. The game is noted as being a "goofy blast" with friends, and using a mouse on Switch 2 is recommended for the painting mechanics. Mewgenics, a tactical roguelike featuring cats with different stats and quirks that players manage and equip for runs, has also launched on consoles. Despite aesthetic reservations, the game's design is lauded for its emergent gameplay and emergent player stories.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion, originally released on PSP in 2007 and later remastered for contemporary platforms in 2022, has now launched for Switch 2. The game is considered a well-executed remake offering fun combat, though its story is described as stilted with a narratively important final act. It provides context for the ongoing Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy but is not essential to enjoy it.
Finally, two new Dungeons & Dragons books, Arcana Unleashed and Arcana Unleashed: Deadfall, are now available. Arcana Unleashed introduces new subclasses, spells, and magic items, with particular excitement for an updated arcane archer and familiar-themed feats. Deadfall is a high-level adventure designed for magic-heavy parties, supporting campaigns that begin at higher levels. Both books are praised for their art and presentation.