Haunted: Halloween '85
- October 30, 2016
- Retrotainment Games
Get on Steam"Haunted: Halloween '85" is a retro-style NES game with side-scrolling, platforming, and beat 'em up action. Originally released in 2015 as a homebrew game for the original NES, it has now been released for PC while maintaining its 8-bit pixelated graphics and original hardware restrictions. The sequel, "HAUNTED: Halloween '86 " features the return of Donny and Tami to take on even more powerful haunts.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Authentic NES experience with nostalgic charm and retro aesthetics.
- Tight controls and enjoyable combat mechanics, offering a satisfying challenge.
- Varied boss battles and a decent soundtrack that fits the game's atmosphere.
- Lack of save features and continues makes the game frustrating and punishing.
- Questionable level design with unfair enemy placements and slippery platforming.
- Graphics and character design are rough, resembling some of the weaker NES titles.
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by tight controls and solid combat mechanics, offering a mix of platforming and beat 'em up elements that can be challenging, reminiscent of classic "Nintendo hard" titles. While some players find the overall experience to be somewhat tedious, the combat features a degree of depth with varied punch mechanics that require strategic positioning. Overall, the game delivers a consistent and enjoyable experience, particularly for fans of retro-style gameplay.
“The gameplay, while some platforming can rarely be nerve-racking, is tight, as well as the controls, with excellent control and combat mechanics.”
“Its mechanics are consistent and function perfectly well when compared to other titles of a similar nature, even if it takes a little bit to fully understand your punch and uppercut hitboxes.”
“The game is an interesting game and definitely lives up to 'Nintendo hard' in terms of how tough old school games were, with basic gameplay (go to the right, just like a beat 'em up) but with platforming elements and difficult placements similar to Mega Man.”
“The gameplay is pretty full, so the whole game is kind of a slog.”
“The gameplay is very simple, but there is at least some depth to the combat, where rapid button presses create punches with different strengths, and holding the down direction on the d-pad when you punch throws a slower-but-powerful uppercut. Honestly, most of the game becomes learning how to position yourself to spam uppercuts.”
“The game is interesting and definitely lives up to 'Nintendo hard' in terms of how tough old school games were, with basic gameplay (go to the right, just like a beat 'em up) but with platforming elements and difficult placements similar to Mega Man.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as rough and somewhat janky, with character designs that lack appeal. While it doesn't push the NES hardware to its limits, it maintains a nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of classic titles like Double Dragon and River City Ransom, which may resonate with fans of retro games. Overall, the visuals are seen as a mixed bag, contributing to a general sense of quality that could be improved.
“The game's OST is interesting and definitely gives off that catchy, classic retro kind of creepy feel that you'd expect from horror-style games during the NES era, and the art style reminds me strongly of Double Dragon and River City Ransom on the NES.”
“It's a little janky, the controls feel slippery, the graphics are pretty rough, character design is meh, and it's got a few sections that feel cheap.”
“It's not trying to break any sort of mold or dazzle you with graphics that push the NES hardware to its limits; because yes, it can be played on an original NES, which is pretty cool.”
“Everything about this game is good or better for the most part, so I'll skip to my main gripe which is primarily aesthetic and more of a general appeal to quality.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is characterized by a solid, catchy retro soundtrack that effectively complements its Halloween and horror themes, evoking a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic NES titles. While some find the music ultimately unmemorable, it successfully enhances the game's atmosphere and aligns well with its art style.
“Retro, Halloween, great music, and great controls.”
“The game's OST is interesting and definitely gives off that catchy, classic retro kind of creepy feel that you'd expect from horror-style games during the NES era.”
“It has a solid soundtrack that, despite being ultimately unmemorable, fits the atmosphere that the game's going for very well.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere effectively recreates real-life elements in a nostalgic NES style, contributing to an immersive experience. While the soundtrack may not be particularly memorable, it complements the overall ambiance well.
“The atmosphere and recreation of actual things from real life in NES form is one of the great things about this game.”
“It has a solid soundtrack that, despite being ultimately unmemorable, fits the atmosphere that the game is going for very well.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is criticized for its lack of polish, with users noting janky controls, rough graphics, and mediocre character design, which detracts from the overall experience.
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the protagonists.”
“I found the character arcs to be predictable and uninspired, leaving me disappointed with their growth.”
“The lack of meaningful choices in character development made the experience feel linear and unengaging.”
