Halloween Cuts Deeper Than Other 4v1 Games | IGN Preview

The game "Halloween" is an asymmetrical horror experience that stands out not just for its 1v4 structure, but for its immersive portrayal of Haddonfield when Michael Myers is on the loose. Unlike typical asymmetrical horror games, players aren't just trying to save themselves or their immediate group; they're trying to save the entire town. Michael Myers is interested in everyone, but particularly targets named NPCs scattered throughout Haddonfield. Keeping these NPCs alive involves reaching them before Michael does, warning them, and offering assistance like calling the police, providing weapons, or guiding them to escape routes. Conversations with NPCs are designed to be claustrophobic, emphasizing vulnerability. Navigating Haddonfield as a survivor is fraught with risk. Every house entered, every door opened, carries the potential of encountering Michael. Survivors can lock doors, manipulate lights and TVs to manage noise, and search for items like bricks, darts, or even joints (to "take the edge off") to gain an advantage. However, actions taken for safety can sometimes backfire, such as locking a door only to find Michael blocking another exit. Michael, though he doesn't run, has a knack for disappearing and reappearing, creating constant tension. The design of Haddonfield and its inhabitants is crucial to the game's story, aiming to capture the feeling of being in the town during Michael's rampage. Players must care enough about the NPCs to save them, even while feeling the temptation to use them as a diversion. Sound is a vital element, guiding players to safe areas and away from danger. Haddonfield feels like a living place, with events unfolding even when the player isn't present, allowing for the creation of unique horror scenarios. Escaping as a civilian can involve calling the police, who arrive with a wagon. Survivors must make their way to the wagon, where armed officers can deal with Michael. The initial encounter with Michael as a civilian saw the player using a pitchfork to knock him down, buying enough time to escape. When playing as Michael Myers, the experience shifts from tension to power. Michael moves slowly but can speed up, with his heavy breathing audible behind the mask. He starts with a knife but can acquire other weapons like a pickaxe for gruesome executions. His attacks are ponderous, making grabbing victims a more reliable method. Stalking victims allows him to track them even if they initially escape. Locked doors only slow him down, and even significant injuries from pickaxes or pistols won't keep him down permanently. The goal was to make Michael feel like the "boogeyman" from the films. According to Chief Creative Officer Jared Garrettson, the game was built entirely around Michael. A core part of Michael's identity in the films is his ability to move in the dark, and this became a central game mechanic. This concept, called "shape jump," allows Michael to slip into darkness when out of a resident's line of sight, making him faster, enabling him to pass through physical barriers, and set ambushes. While powerful, shape jump is limited; Michael cannot use it in the light and needs darkness to re-enter the physical world. Smart civilians can use light to their advantage, but even they make mistakes, which is all Michael needs. As Michael, the more he stalks and kills, the stronger he becomes, gaining access to more executions and abilities. The game captures the thrill of hunting civilians, turning off lights for ambushes, and executing victims in ways that mirror the films. The player as Michael can focus on special targets or engage in cat-and-mouse games with other players. Even if knocked down, Michael will eventually rise again, and by the end, he can even take on the police. The game's success lies in its ability to feel distinct from other asymmetrical horror games while remaining true to the "Halloween" films. As a civilian, the fight is for the entire town; as Michael, the goal is to wipe out a town that actively resists. This unique approach suggests that if the developers can continue to capture the essence of "Halloween," they have something special.