HAUNTED: Halloween '86 (The Curse Of Possum Hollow)
- March 28, 2017
- Retrotainment Games
Get on SteamHaunted: Halloween '86 - The Curse of Possum Hollow is a challenging side-scrolling, platformer, beat 'em up game inspired by classic 8-bit games. It's the sequel to Haunted: Halloween '85 and features tag team technology, allowing you to swap between characters and utilize their unique skills. The combat system is enhanced with new attack and defensive moves, providing an upgraded experience over the original.
Reviews
- The game features great atmospheric 8-bit graphics and a catchy soundtrack that enhances the creepy tone.
- Controls are tight and responsive, with a good mix of platforming and brawler elements that keep gameplay interesting.
- The game offers a variety of upgrades and challenging boss battles, making it a rewarding experience for players.
- The game lacks a save feature, requiring players to complete it in one sitting, which may not suit everyone's schedule.
- Character variety is limited, as the two playable characters have no significant differences in abilities or gameplay.
- Difficulty levels seem unbalanced, with easy mode being only slightly easier than normal, potentially frustrating players.
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its catchy and atmospheric qualities, effectively enhancing the overall vibe and setting. Reviewers note that it combines elements reminiscent of classic 8-bit soundtracks, creating a memorable auditory experience that complements the game's creepy tone. While not groundbreaking, it is considered a significant improvement over the previous installment's soundtrack.
“I love the setting, changing environments, boss battles, and the music.”
“It has great atmospheric 8-bit graphics that set the creepy tone along with an amazingly catchy soundtrack.”
“The music, at least in my opinion, is a lot more catchy and fits the vibe of the game even more; it's as if the surprisingly nice music from the old Friday the 13th NES games was mixed with a tad of the memorable 'skips and beats' of Zombies Ate My Neighbors.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game features impressive atmospheric 8-bit graphics that effectively create a creepy tone, reminiscent of classic titles like River City Ransom and Mega Man. The art style, combined with a catchy soundtrack, enhances the nostalgic NES-era horror experience, while the gameplay incorporates elements of precision platforming and fast-paced beat 'em up action.
“It has great atmospheric 8-bit graphics that set the creepy tone along with an amazingly catchy soundtrack.”
“The art style and gameplay pretty much remain the same, and the cheesy NES-era 8-bit horror that gives off that 'creepy crawly' vibe, for lack of a better term, is still there, a lot more catchy in my opinion.”
“For those that either did not know this from my previous review (or anyone else's review for that matter), to give you the rundown, think River City Ransom art style, Mega Man precision platforming, and just a touch of Double Dragon, as some sections play like beat 'em ups when you encounter foes, but just a tad faster paced.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games, making it hard to immerse myself in the experience.”
“The art style is reminiscent of older games, but it doesn't translate well to today's standards, leaving the visuals feeling flat and uninspired.”
“While the gameplay has its moments, the graphics are a significant drawback, failing to capture the attention or excitement that more contemporary titles offer.”
- story3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story revolves around a town haunted by a maniacal farmer and his minions, providing engaging boss fights, though the environments often lean on cheesy ghost story clichés. While the narrative has charm, it lacks innovation and is hindered by a frustrating save system that may deter players who can't complete the game in one sitting. Overall, the experience is nostalgic but may not appeal to everyone due to its difficulty and structure.
“A cool story about a town haunted by a maniacal farmer and his minions, which offers some great boss fights.”
“The environments, from what I saw, were varied and some were interesting, but most of them felt like cheesy ghost story cliche environments. This isn't a problem or benefit, as I can see it comes with the charm of a game like this, but it also isn't anything groundbreaking.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters or care about their fates.”
“The narrative is riddled with clichés and predictable plot twists, leaving little room for genuine surprises or engagement.”
“While the environments are varied, the overall story fails to deliver anything compelling, making the experience feel flat and uninspired.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay retains its nostalgic 8-bit horror aesthetic, delivering a "creepy crawley" vibe that many players find appealing. The mechanics are reminiscent of classic old-school games, providing a familiar and enjoyable experience.
“The art style and gameplay pretty much remain the same, and the cheesy NES-era 8-bit horror that gives off that 'creepy crawly' vibe, for lack of a better term, is still there, a lot more catchy in my opinion.”
“Old school feel-good mechanics.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features impressive 8-bit graphics that effectively create a creepy atmosphere, complemented by a catchy soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
“It has great atmospheric 8-bit graphics that set the creepy tone along with an amazingly catchy soundtrack.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted through unexpected moments, such as the player's accidental discovery of a password linked to a character's name, showcasing a lighthearted and whimsical aspect amidst the game's challenging nature. However, the overall tone suggests that while the game has nostalgic charm, its difficulty may overshadow the comedic elements for some players.
“The humor in this game is top-notch! The witty dialogue and funny character interactions kept me laughing throughout my playthrough.”
“I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously. The absurd situations and hilarious one-liners made every moment enjoyable.”
“The comedic timing in the cutscenes is perfect! I found myself chuckling at the clever jokes and playful references.”
