Gameplay & Story
RetroRealms feels like it’s been pulled straight from an old-school arcade. Currently featuring two playable games, Halloween and Ash vs. Evil Dead, it brings these iconic horror universes into 16-bit form. Not the kind of game I expected to find, but it’s surprisingly fun. Upon booting up, you’re placed in a creepy, rundown arcade, where two uncovered cabinets — Halloween and Ash vs. Evil Dead — await. Further along, you’ll find trophy displays and showcases for collectibles, which you can purchase with tickets collected in-game.
Both games allow you to play as one of four characters: Michael Myers, Laurie Strode, Ash Williams, and Kelly Maxxwell. I stuck with the in-universe characters for each cabinet, but you can choose any character, each with their own unique abilities. Personally, I preferred Laurie over Michael; her backpedal ability, where she lunges backward to hit enemies behind her, became my go-to move.
In the Halloween cabinet, you’ll explore iconic movie locations, beginning at the mental hospital and working your way through the junkyard and the streets of Haddonfield. A mysterious overlord figure seems to blur the line between reality and a hellish, twisted version of these settings, blending them more as you progress. The same concept applies to the Ash vs. Evil Dead cabinet, where you battle Deadites in memorable locations while facing off against demons summoned by the overlord.
Graphics & Audio
RetroRealms sets a high bar for 16-bit horror games, blending nostalgia with all the gory thrills you could ask for. Its vibrant pixel art captures the essence of classic arcade visuals, yet still manages to bring each character to life with surprising clarity. Whether you’re playing as Laurie, Ash, or Michael Myers, each character stands out against a gruesome array of unique enemies. And the best part? The intense bursts of blood and gore that accompany every kill. Enemies don’t just die—they literally explode in a shower of pixelated blood, which adds an oddly satisfying, over-the-top thrill to the gameplay.
The soundtrack is another highlight, setting the perfect mood with eerie, adrenaline-pumping sythwave tunes that feel right at home in this horror-themed arcade universe. The music is intense, dark, and truly killer (pun intended). As for the sound effects, RetroRealms nails the retro vibe with classic arcade sounds that add to the immersion. It’s a love letter to vintage horror and arcade games, yet with a fresh twist that makes it an absolute must-play for any fan of the genre.
Feedback
This game is a blast to play, though it’s notably easier than most arcade-style action platformers. For players who aren’t into in-game collecting, the experience might feel a bit short, as you may not find much reason to replay after finishing both the Halloween and Ash vs. Evil Dead storylines. To extend the fun for more players, additional expansions would be ideal. Personally, I'd love to see sequels to Halloween or Ash vs. Evil Dead, but even better would be the inclusion of other horror classics like Nightmare on Elm Street or Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Adding these iconic franchises could elevate the game and offer more replay value for fans of the genre.
Verdict
RetroRealms masterfully brings horror classics into a nostalgic 16-bit arcade experience, with two thrilling cabinets featuring Halloween and Ash vs. Evil Dead. From its colorful pixel art to the intense synthwave soundtrack, it’s a visual and audio treat for fans of vintage horror. While the gameplay is slightly easier than most arcade-style platformers, the explosive action and unique character abilities keep things engaging.
RetroRealms is available now for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam for a very fair price of $24.99 USD.
