Haunted House review (PS5)

Haunted House, a reimagining of what is perhaps a lesser-known classic Atari adventure, emerges from the shadows just before Halloween, hoping to deliver chills and stealthy thrills to a new generation of gamers. Developed by Orbit Studio and published by Atari, this roguelite experience pays homage to the original while infusing it with fresh elements – we tested its PlayStation 5 version.

Set in a large mansion, players step into the shoes of Lyn Graves, niece to the renowned treasure hunter Zachary Graves. The narrative provides an interesting backdrop, giving purpose to the player’s journey through the haunted estate. Unlike the original game that launched in the 80s, this Haunted House places a stronger emphasis on storytelling, which adds both depth and an eerie atmosphere. Lyn’s mission to rescue her captured friends and unravel the mysteries of the mansion drives the player forward, enhancing the overall engagement.

Haunted House adeptly blends stealth and strategic challenges within procedurally generated rooms, where the incorporation of rogue-lite elements ensures each playthrough offers a unique experience. Lyn’s arsenal, including a trusty flashlight and a variety of temporary tools, encourages thoughtful exploration. The game strikes a commendable balance between combat, stealth, and puzzle-solving, allowing players to adopt various approaches. The mission-based objectives diversify the gameplay as well, though they can be a little hit and miss in how much fun they are.

The progression system, revolving around stat upgrades and item acquisition, adds depth to the gameplay loop. The strategic element is reinforced through the player’s ability to choose when and where to engage with enemies. Navigating the isometric perspective presents some challenges though, especially during combat encounters. Aiming traps and managing interactions with objects can be slightly cumbersome. The control scheme, while serviceable, could benefit from a bit more polish, particularly in ensuring precise interactions within the haunted environment.

Haunted House’s visual transformation from its 80s roots is striking. The hand-drawn, cartoonish art style strikes a balance between whimsical and spooky, perfectly complementing the game’s tone. And while the game’s modest budget is evident in some areas, the overall aesthetic effectively captures the essence of the haunted mansion. The absence of extensive voice acting and static cutscenes are a shame, but the thematic elements effectively immerse players in the haunted world.

In conclusion, Haunted House successfully revitalizes an Atari classic, offering a roguelite experience with a unique emphasis on stealth and strategy. Its engaging narrative, diverse gameplay mechanics, and nostalgic charm make it a worthwhile venture for fans of the original and newcomers alike. Atari and Orbit Studio have unearthed a gem, offering a nice little haunted romp that’s looking to capture the hearts of gamers this Halloween season.

Score: 7.1/10