Evil Dead: The Game is a cooperative multiplayer game that brings the beloved horror franchise to life in an interactive and thrilling way. Developed by Saber Interactive and published by Boss Team Games, the game launched across PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. For fans of the series, it offers a chance to step into the shoes of their favorite characters and fight against the forces of evil firsthand.
The game revolves around up to four players teaming up as survivors, including iconic characters such as Ashley “Ash” Williams (Bruce Campbell), Scotty (Hal Delrich), and Kelly Maxwell (Dana DeLorenzo). Together, players face hordes of demonic enemies known as Deadites, as well as Kandarian demons and other supernatural threats that inhabit the series’ universe. The cooperative gameplay emphasizes teamwork and strategy, making each session exciting and unpredictable.
One of the standout features of Evil Dead: The Game is its attention to detail. The developers went to great lengths to faithfully recreate the franchise’s settings and atmosphere. Iconic locations like the cabin in the woods from the original Evil Dead movie, and the haunted town of Elk Grove from Ash vs Evil Dead, are meticulously rendered. Fans of the franchise will immediately recognize these locations, which add authenticity to the experience.
Players have access to a variety of weapons, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Ash’s trusty chainsaw makes a satisfying melee option, while other characters bring guns, molotov cocktails, and improvised tools to the battlefield. This encourages experimentation with loadouts and tactics, making combat feel dynamic and engaging.
In addition to playable survivors, players can also take on the role of the game’s villains. Controlling Deadites or Kandarian demons introduces a completely different playstyle, emphasizing stealth, ambush, and supernatural powers. Playing as the antagonists offers a thrilling contrast to the survivor experience and adds significant variety to the gameplay.
The game strikes a balance between accessibility and challenge. New players can take advantage of tutorial modes to learn mechanics, while veterans can find depth in mastering combat strategies and character abilities. A robust progression system allows players to level up characters, unlock new abilities, and customize appearances, giving long-term incentives to continue playing.
Cooperative gameplay is at the heart of the experience. Working together to complete objectives, survive waves of enemies, and manage limited resources creates intense moments that are both terrifying and exhilarating. The sense of camaraderie that emerges during these sessions mirrors the survival dynamics of the movies themselves.
Competitive multiplayer adds another layer of excitement. Players can face off in tense battles where survival hinges on skill, strategy, and sometimes a bit of luck. These modes provide replayability beyond the core cooperative experience and encourage players to hone their abilities.
Visually, the game is impressive. Character models are detailed and expressive, capturing the unique personality of each figure from the franchise. The environments are richly designed, with dynamic lighting and atmospheric effects that heighten the horror and suspense. From shadowy forests to derelict cabins, the game’s aesthetic feels authentic.
Sound design further enhances immersion. Iconic music cues and sound effects from the franchise are integrated into gameplay, adding tension and nostalgia. Whether it’s the familiar growl of a Deadite or the raucous sound of Ash revving his chainsaw, the auditory experience is both thrilling and faithful to the source material.
Bruce Campbell’s involvement elevates the game considerably. Lending his voice and humor to Ash, Campbell adds personality and authenticity, making encounters more enjoyable. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the subtle references and comedic timing that Campbell brings to the role.
One minor drawback is the game’s reliance on multiplayer. While co-op and competitive modes are engaging, players who prefer a purely single-player experience may find it less satisfying. That said, the game does offer AI-controlled teammates, though they may not replicate the excitement of playing with friends.
Replayability may also be a concern for some. While multiple modes and the progression system add depth, the core gameplay loop can become familiar over time. However, the variety of characters, abilities, and strategies helps to mitigate this, keeping each session fresh to a degree.
The game’s controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing players to dive into combat quickly. Movement, weapon handling, and special abilities all feel fluid, contributing to a sense of control and immersion during intense encounters. Combat animations are smooth, making each encounter visually satisfying.
Evil Dead: The Game successfully captures the tone of the franchise. Humor, horror, and over-the-top violence are all present, making it a genuinely entertaining experience. Fans of the movies and TV show will feel right at home with the mix of gore, scares, and comedic moments.
Customization options are a welcome addition. Players can tweak appearances, outfits, and even some abilities, allowing for a personalized approach to their favorite characters. This adds both visual variety and gameplay depth, encouraging experimentation with different builds.
The level design emphasizes both exploration and strategic positioning. Players must navigate tight spaces, defend objectives, and avoid ambushes, requiring careful planning and cooperation. Environmental hazards add additional layers of challenge, ensuring that players stay on their toes.
Multiplayer matchmaking is generally smooth, though occasional connection issues can arise. The developers have shown commitment to improving the online experience, and patches continue to address minor bugs and balance adjustments. Overall, the multiplayer experience is reliable and engaging.
In conclusion, Evil Dead: The Game is a must-play for fans of the franchise and multiplayer horror enthusiasts. Its combination of faithful adaptations, cooperative and competitive modes, engaging combat, and immersive sound and visuals make it a standout title. The game delivers both nostalgia and excitement, creating memorable experiences for players.
Overall, Evil Dead: The Game scores an 8 out of 10. While it leans heavily on multiplayer and may have replayability concerns, its faithful recreation of the franchise and engaging cooperative gameplay make it a thrilling addition to the horror gaming genre.
Game Information
Publisher: Boss Team Games
Developer: Saber Interactive
Official Release Date: May 13, 2022
Reviewed on: Xbox One
Score: 8 out of 10
"Evil Dead: The Game has shaped up to be one of the most exciting games of the year, delivering a thrilling and terrifying experience for fans of the franchise."