Ash Williams is making a classic comeback, in the literal sense, in RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead. As the title suggests, the game has a retro vibe, as it is a 16-bit pixel art platformer. The game is scheduled to launch soon alongside another 16-bit pixel art horror platformer: RetroRealms: Halloween. Interestingly, both games are from the same developer and can come as an integrated package.
RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead is still under development. Fortunately, the recent announcement came with detailed information about its exciting features. Here is a comprehensive preview of everything we know about the game.
What is RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead?
RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead is a 16-bit pixel art horror platformer inspired by the TV series Ash vs. Evil Dead. The game has been under development by WayForward and will b published by Boss Team Games.
It features the iconic Ash Williams armed with his chainsaw and 12-gauge shotgun as he slashes and shoots his way through Deadites. The action is intense, as usual, with pixelated blood and visceral splashing all over the place.
Interestingly, the game comes paired with RetroRealms: Halloween, another pixel art horror platformer in what appears to be a new franchise of arcade-style horror games. More interestingly, the games are integrated, allowing a character from one game to cross over to another game.
Story
RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead is based on an incredible story about death and demons. The horror started many years ago when Ash found the Book of the Dead. He chanted some verses in it during a night out in the cabin, awakening something evil in the woods.
The evil that Ash awakened in the woods started infecting his friends, turning them into demonic creatures called Deadites. The Deadites seemed hell-bent on attacking Ash and unleashing evil in the world. Moreover, the evil infected Ash’s right hand, forcing him to cut it off. As such, Ash had no option but to kill his friends-turned-Deadites using a shotgun and a chainsaw attached to his severed hand. His sacrifice was worth it, as the horror stopped.
Now, after hiding from the horror for more than 30 years, Ash chanted verses in the Book of the Dead again during a drunken rave with a woman, unleashing the evil again. The evil finds him again and begins turning his friends into Deadites, unleashing the chaos all over again. Armed with his chainsaw and shotgun, Ash must fight again to reprise the evil while trying to figure out how to reserve the chant.
Gameplay
RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead will deliver fun, action-filled gameplay. Action is the gameplay’s biggest aspect, as Deadites try to attack you from all sides. You can use the chainsaw to shred Deadites within reach and the shotgun to kill Deadites from long distances. The action is gruesome, considering the degree of damage a chainsaw and shotgun does. However, it doesn’t look gory, thanks to the game’s pixel art 2D design. Nevertheless, the fun is intense.
Ash is a capable fighter in his basic form with his trusted chainsaw and shotgun. Moreover, you can find and pick up hidden relics and other collectibles to upgrade and expand your character’s abilities. Interestingly, new upgrades can alter Ash’s gameplay to keep the action fresh.
Besides fighting Deadites, Ash must also dodge many hazards by solving many diverse environmental puzzles. Some of the hazards showcased in the trailer include platforms moving over large fire pits, boxes falling from above, and gaps in the terrain.
The pixel art makes the game look and feel classic despite the drastic switch from other sharper Evil Dead games. It creates a nostalgic feeling of gaming back in the 90s. The game also features an exciting and nostalgic soundtrack to match.
The best aspect of the gameplay is the ability to crossover into RetroRealms: Halloween, another exciting pixel art horror platformer. This means that you can teleport Ash to Michael Myers’ world and fight the enemies there. The enemies in RetroRealms: Halloween are also formidable, creating a new challenge to conquer. Moreover, you can teleport Michael Myers into this game and use his sword to hack and slash the Deadites. However, you must buy the games as a pair to unlock this feature. It is also worth noting that buying the games as a bundle also unlocks an extra character with a unique playstyle.
Notably, RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead is a single-player game, unlike other co-op Evil Dead games. However, you can still see how you compare to other players via the game’s leaderboards. The leaderboards gauge and rate all players’ performances, which is ideal for competitive players.
Development
RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead is developed by WayForward Technologies and published by Boss Team Games. Moreover, the developers have partnered with various film companies, including Lionsgate, STARZ, Compass International Pictures, and Forward Front, to develop the game. Notably, WayForward Technologies specializes in retro-inspired 2D platformers, hence the decision to turn RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead into a pixel art platformer.
Trailer
RetroRealms: Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead - Trailer
Interestingly, the official trailer for RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead also includes RetroRealms: Halloween, highlighting how intertwined the games are. In fact, the trailer begins with highlights of Michael Myers in RetroRealms: Halloween, before moving on to RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead.
The scenes showcasing the upcoming sequel feature Ash in intense combat against Deadites, slashing with his chainsaw and shooting with his shotgun. The short trailer essentially is a collection of both games’ gameplays and text highlights about their best features and release date.
Release Date, Platforms & Editions
RetroRealms: Ash vs. Evil Dead is scheduled to launch on October 18, 2024. The game will launch alongside RetroRealms: Halloween, giving players a chance to buy them individually or as a package. Notably, buying both games unlocks the crossover feature, enabling you to play the characters in each other’s games. The game will be available on all platforms, including PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. It will be a first-edition game and most probably the only one.
