RetroRealms: Halloween / Ash vs Evil Dead revealed for Switch

Today, Boss Team Games and WayForward unveiled RetroRealms, and the first two releases are based on John Carpenter’s Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead. They’ll be available for Switch on October 18, 2024.

These two new games offer a 16-bit-style platformer experience. In Halloween, players control Michael Myers and other characters from the original 1978 film to slash through familiar settings and overcome the ultimate evil that has descended upon our world. Ash vs Evil Dead fans can play as Ash Williams to battle through iconic locations inspired by the Starz original series while fighting Deadites and other familiar characters from the hit show.

Here’s some additional details:

Developed by WayForward Technologies, the RetroRealms games let players traverse worlds and enter different realms to overcome challenges inspired by ‘Halloween’ and ‘Ash vs Evil Dead.’ Combining retro visuals with modern mechanics, players venture between two overlapping worlds, with the ability to enter the nightmare infested Dark Realm at any time, which unlocks shortcuts, hidden pathways, and rewards for those brave enough to enter.

The two RetroRealms titles, each sold separately, connect with each other to create an ever-expanding universe of popular characters that unlocks additional gameplay. The games can be played individually or, if both titles are purchased, new features can be accessed including taking characters from one game into the other. Players can also commemorate their achievements within the RetroRealms Arcade, a lovingly realized 3D gateway and tribute to arcade gaming that connects both RetroRealms titles, providing a single way to access every game in the series and to redeem in-game tickets, view leaderboards, and find other exclusive content.

Steve Harris, CEO of Boss Team Games, said today: “Everyone at Boss Team Games are huge fans of horror and getting to work with these legendary properties is a dream come true. It has been an amazing experience collaborating with WayForward, and our licensors to create not one, but two, fast-paced 90’s arcade style games while remaining true to the original Halloween film and ‘Ash vs Evil Dead’ series. The trailer dropping today gives fans a taste of the gore-filled gameplay and fast-paced action and we can’t wait to show more!”

Voldi Way, president of WayForward, added: “Taking a modern horror franchise and creating the kind of retro gameplay that WayForward excels at has allowed us to create something that we know fans of Pixel Art games, ‘Halloween,’ and ‘Ash vs Evil Dead’ alike will enjoy. We’ve designed a whole new kind of gameplay that is unique to the RetroRealms titles and highlights the over-the-top gore and special abilities of these characters.”

We have the first trailer below.

Announcement Trailer

RetroRealms: Halloween and RetroRealms: Ash vs Evil Dead will be sold standalone for $24.99. They’ll also be sold together in a Double Feature bundle at retail for $49.99. Those who pre-order will receive one additional fan-favorite character with purchase (Laurie Strode included with Halloween, Kelly Maxwell with Ash vs Evil Dead) as bonus playable DLC with their own weapons, story, and playstyle.

Pre-orders are now open on Amazon here. There’s also a limited collector’s edition up for pre-order here.