Asymmetrical horror finds new life, or perhaps a chilling demise, in Halloween: The Game. Based on the iconic film franchise, this latest entry aims to capture the terror of Michael Myers in a multiplayer survival experience. However, early access to the game, prior to its day-one patch, reveals a title struggling with a host of technical problems that overshadow its otherwise intriguing mechanics.
Developed by Illfonic, a studio known for its work in the asymmetrical horror genre, Halloween: The Game places players in one of two roles. Either you embody the relentless killer, Michael Myers, and stalk unsuspecting survivors, or you join forces with up to three other human players, augmented by AI companions, to scavenge for items and evade Myers long enough to escape the fictional town of Haddonfield in 1978.
Expectations were high, given Illfonic's pedigree and the involvement of Halloween creator John Carpenter. However, the current state of the game suggests that despite considerable experience in the genre, the development team has yet to deliver a polished product. The gameplay experience is frequently disrupted by a variety of bugs and design flaws. Animations are often missing or broken, and hard crashes to the PlayStation 5 dashboard are a recurring issue, averaging at least one per hour during the early access period.
Combat feels particularly unrefined, with instances of weapons phasing through targets. Sound design, crucial for a stealth-focused horror game, is also inconsistent, with audio cues like door openings sometimes playing from the wrong direction. Furthermore, quick-time events have bugged out on multiple occasions, trapping players in broken animations and leaving them vulnerable to Myers.
The artificial intelligence for non-player characters has also been noted as problematic. In one observed instance, NPCs remained stationary in a room after Myers made a loud entrance, exhibiting a lack of awareness that allowed for easy eliminations before the remaining character attempted to flee.
Despite these significant technical hurdles, the game presents some compelling ideas. Illfonic appears to have strived for a more balanced experience between the killer and survivors compared to other titles in the genre. Playing as Michael Myers, though hampered by his inability to run, is described as a "blast." His special abilities, such as the capacity to extinguish lights, teleport between shadows, and detect nearby players, help to mitigate his slow movement speed. The inclusion of a brutal execution mechanic offers a satisfying close-quarters payoff when the opportunity arises.
The game's design also captures the aesthetic of its source material effectively. The 1970s-inspired maps, complete with period-accurate cars, decor, and fashion, provide an immersive backdrop. The core gameplay loop for survivors involves stealthily navigating these environments, gathering essential items, and attempting to warn and direct NPCs to safety or escape. While Myers cannot be permanently stopped, players can temporarily incapacitate him with the correct equipment and timing, mirroring the film's narrative where the killer is incredibly difficult to kill.
A notable departure from some genre entries is the objective to eliminate both human and AI-controlled survivors as Myers. Conversely, as a civilian, the goal extends beyond personal survival to include managing and evacuating the AI inhabitants.
However, the spectating mode after a player's demise has been criticized. If all human players are eliminated before Myers finishes his work, players are forced to watch the killer's actions, often through tedious quick-time events that can suffer from input lag. This can be a drawn-out experience, especially on larger maps where hunting down the final survivor is time-consuming.
Performance issues extend beyond AI and QTEs, with players reporting frequent crashes, rubberbanding, and unexplained framerate drops. Character models have been observed floating, and interaction with environmental objects, such as picking up items or using tools like bolt cutters, is inconsistent. Some players have even experienced glitches where opening a door leads to being placed back outside, unable to re-enter.
While a day-one patch is expected to address some of these issues, the current state of Halloween: The Game suggests it requires substantial polish. Further evaluation will be necessary after the launch update and more extensive playtime across both single-player and multiplayer modes. The perk card system and civilian passive abilities also warrant deeper exploration. For now, the game is difficult to recommend broadly, appealing primarily to dedicated horror fans or those with a deep affinity for asymmetrical multiplayer experiences.