Evil Dead: The Game is a 2022 asymmetric survival horror game developed by Saber Interactive and published by Boss Team Games.[2] It is part of the Evil Dead franchise.[3] It features Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams, along with most of the original cast reprising their roles.[4]
| Evil Dead: The Game | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Saber Interactive |
| Publisher(s) | Boss Team Games |
| Director(s) |
|
| Designer(s) |
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| Programmer(s) |
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| Artist(s) |
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| Writer(s) | Craig Sherman |
| Composer(s) |
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| Series | Evil Dead |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 4[1] |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | May 13, 2022 |
| Genre(s) | Survival horror |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Evil Dead: The Game was released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on May 13, 2022.[5] A version for the Nintendo Switch was planned, but cancelled in September 2023 along with live content support for the game.[6] It received mixed reviews from critics and sold 500,000 units.
Gameplay
editEvil Dead: The Game is an asymmetrical multiplayer game. The game features both co-operative gameplay and player versus player (PvP) combat, although the single-player mode requires an internet connection to be played.[3][4][7] The game features a level-up system, as well as skill tree mechanics.[8] It features multiple maps, including the cabin in the woods from the Evil Dead film series, along with over 25 weapons, including Ash's chainsaw and boomstick.[9] The game features four playable survivor classes (Leaders, Warriors, Hunters and Supports), and five playable demons (the Warlord, the Puppeteer, the Necromancer, the Plaguebringer and The Schemer).[10][11]
Post-launch content
editAfter the release of Evil Dead: The Game, various updates were included either for free or as part of a season pass. On July 13, 2022, the Castle Kandar map, based upon Army of Darkness, was added, alongside new outfits for Arthur and Henry.[12] On September 8, 2022, David Allen and Mia Allen, characters from the 2013 film, Evil Dead, were added to the game.[13][14][15] As well as the new characters, a new class, known as Plaguebringer, based upon Army of Darkness, was added on the same day.[16]
On February 2, 2023, an Ash vs Evil Dead update and the Immortal Power Bundle, a premium downloadable content pack, were released. With those content additions, Splatter Royale, a game mode that features players battling up to 40 Deadites until only one player remains, was added. The premium bundle includes outfits for Ash Williams, Pablo Simon Bolivar, Kelly Maxwell and the Puppeteer. The premium bundle added Ruby Knowby. As part of the free update, a new outfit for Pablo Simon Bolivar was added alongside the grenade launcher and the scythe, two new weapons.[17][18][19][20]
On March 30, 2023, it was revealed that Evil Dead: The Game would be released on Steam on April 26, 2023 with a Game of the Year Edition that would be released on consoles, including all post-launch DLC up until that date. It was announced that "Who’s Your Daddy", a downloadable content pack, would be released and would include Brock Williams and Baal as playable characters alongside new outfits for Ash, Pablo and Amanda Fisher.[21]
On September 19, 2023, it was announced that live content support for Evil Dead: The Game would cease immediately, although there were no plans to shut down servers in the "foreseeable future". Saber Interactive did not elaborate on the decision, but the large-scale restructuring program of parent company Embracer Group was named as a possible reason.[6]
On March 19, 2024, it was announced that Evil Dead: The Game had enabled double experience and Soul Points permanently.[22]
Marketing
editEvil Dead: The Game was announced at The Game Awards on December 10, 2020.[9] Reveal trailers were uploaded to YouTube that same day.[23][24]
American rapper Method Man released a song, "Come Get Some", in a collaboration with the game; the song is produced by Statik Selektah, and features verses from Method Man's son PXWER and U-God's son inTeLL.[25] It contains samples of the original The Evil Dead score by Joseph LoDuca and lines spoken by Ash Williams.[25] The song is featured in the game's launch trailer, which was released on May 14, 2022.[26][27]
Special effects artist Tom Savini designed an exclusive Ash skin that was given to players who preorder the Collector's Edition of the game.[28]
Reception
edit| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | PC: 76/100[29] PS5: 72/100[30] XSXS: 72/100[31] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Famitsu | 30/40[32] |
| GameSpot | 6/10[33] |
| GamesRadar+ |   [34] |
| Hardcore Gamer | 4/5[36] |
| IGN | 8/10[35] |
| PC Gamer (US) | 85/100[37] |
| Push Square |   [38] |
| Shacknews | 9/10[39] |
| VG247 | [40] |
Critical reception
editEvil Dead: The Game received "mixed or average" reviews from critics for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions, while the PC version received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.[30][31][29]
Mark Delaney of GameSpot gave the game a score of 6 out of 10, praising its faithfulness to the Evil Dead franchise and class-based character design while criticizing the progression as slow, story missions as undeveloped, and PvP combat as unbalanced.[33] Jordan Gerblick of GamesRadar+ commended the game's approachability, graphics, and homages made to the franchise while taking issue with the lack of content, difficulty in single-player missions, and the lack of more traversal options.[34] Travis Northup of IGN gave the game 8 out of 10, writing, "Evil Dead: The Game is an awesome asymmetric multiplayer game that, like its source material, is far better than it has any right to be given its frustrating lack of polish and being somewhat light on maps and modes."[35] Hardcore Gamer appreciated the game's visuals, atmosphere, fluid combat, strategy, online play, and fanservice material while taking minor issues with the redundant audio and lack of content.[36] VG247 rated the game 4 stars out of 5 and stated, "Evil Dead: The Game is a good time... however, horror fans without an affinity towards the series will likely find more fun in alternative multiplayer horror games, and they'll probably find more accessibility-friendly games, too."[40]
Sales
editEvil Dead: The Game sold 500,000 units in five days since release.[41]
See also
edit- Dead by Daylight, an asymmetric multiplayer game that features Ash Williams as a playable character
- Friday the 13th: The Game, an asymmetric multiplayer game based on the Friday the 13th franchise
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre – an asymmetric multiplayer game based on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise
- List of horror video games
References
edit- ^ "Evil Dead: The Game leverages its film and TV roots to great success". Unreal Engine. 2022-07-27. Archived from the original on 2022-07-27. Retrieved 2022-09-05.
- ^ Sheridan, Connor (December 10, 2020). "Evil Dead: The Game reunites Ash and friends for co-op deadite slaughter in 2021". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
- ^ a b Shea, Brian (December 10, 2020). "Evil Dead: The Game Launches In 2021". Game Informer. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
- ^ a b Wilson, Mike (December 10, 2020). "[TGA 2020] Bruce Campbell Returns as Ash in 'Evil Dead: The Game'". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
- ^ "Evil Dead The Game: Star deutet Release des Multiplayer-Horrors für Anfang 2022 an". Archived from the original on July 20, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
- ^ a b Sirani, Jordan (September 20, 2023). "Evil Dead: The Game Not Making New Updates, Switch Version Canceled". IGN. Archived from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
- ^ Sirani, PS Store (April 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game Download". PlayStation Store. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
- ^ Fenlon, Wes (December 10, 2020). "Evil Dead: The Game is a third-person shooter coming next year". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
- ^ a b Sirani, Jordan (December 10, 2020). "Evil Dead: The Game Announced". IGN. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
- ^ Tack, Daniel (April 13, 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game – Meet The Demons". Game Informer. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
- ^ Tack, Daniel (April 13, 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game – Meet The Survivors". Game Informer. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
- ^ Trush, Brandon (July 25, 2022). "'Evil Dead: The Game' DLC Review – Castle Kandar Map and Quality of Life Improvements". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on July 17, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ^ Squires, John (August 11, 2022). "'Evil Dead: The Game' – News About the Next DLC Update Coming Soon". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on August 24, 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ^ Squires, John (August 16, 2022). "'Evil Dead: The Game' Update: Remake's Mia Allen Becomes a Playable Survivor in September!". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on August 25, 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ^ Squires, John (August 25, 2022). "'Evil Dead: The Game' – Remake Character David Allen Joining Mia as a Playable Survivor!". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on August 25, 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ^ Squires, John (August 19, 2022). "'Evil Dead: The Game' – New 'Army of Darkness' Demon Class Coming in September!". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on August 25, 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
- ^ Squires, John (December 21, 2022). "'Evil Dead: The Game' – "Ash vs. Evil Dead" DLC Update Coming Early Next Year". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
- ^ Squires, John (January 19, 2023). "'Evil Dead: The Game' – Ruby from "Ash vs. Evil Dead" Joins the Team Next Month!". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on January 19, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
- ^ Wilson, Mike (January 31, 2023). "Splatter Royale Arrives Later This Week For 'Evil Dead: The Game'". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
- ^ Navarro, Meagan (February 1, 2023). "'Evil Dead: The Game' – Premium "Ash vs. Evil Dead" Outfits Arriving Ahead of Free Release on PlayStation Plus". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on February 1, 2023. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
- ^ Wilson, Mike (March 30, 2023). "'Evil Dead: The Game – Game of the Year Edition' Announced for PC and Consoles, Includes New "Ash vs. Evil Dead" DLC". Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
- ^ Squires, John (March 19, 2024). "'Evil Dead: The Game' – Developers Announce Double XP & Soul Points FOREVER… Starting NOW!". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on March 19, 2024. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ^ Evil Dead: The Game - The Game Awards 2020: Reveal Trailer | PS5, PS4. PlayStation on YouTube. December 10, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
- ^ Evil Dead: The Game - Reveal Trailer. Xbox on YouTube. December 10, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
- ^ a b Conlan, Daniel (May 6, 2022). "Method Man releases new song 'Come Get Some' for 'Evil Dead: The Game'". NME. Archived from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
- ^ Evil Dead: The Game | Launch Trailer. Saber Interactive on YouTube. May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
- ^ Biazzo, Jordan (May 13, 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game Receives New Gore Filled Launch Trailer". Gameranx. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
- ^ Wilson, Mike (2022-02-08). "'Evil Dead: The Game' Collector's Edition Includes Savini Ash Skin and More; Pre-Order Now!". Bloody Disgusting!. Archived from the original on 2022-06-09. Retrieved 2022-06-01.
- ^ a b "Evil Dead: The Game for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
- ^ a b "Evil Dead: The Game for PlayStation 5 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
- ^ a b "Evil Dead: The Game for Xbox Series X Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on December 28, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
- ^ Romano, Sal (2023-06-21). "Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1803". Gematsu. Archived from the original on 2023-06-21. Retrieved 2023-06-21.
- ^ a b Delaney, Mark (May 20, 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game Review - Somewhat Groovy". GameSpot. Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ a b Gerblick, Jordan (May 19, 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game review: "A wicked, blood-soaked, supremely groovy good time"". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on September 24, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ a b Northup, Travis (May 19, 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game Review". IGN. Archived from the original on October 28, 2022. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
- ^ a b Wells, Cory (May 18, 2022). "Review: Evil Dead: The Game". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
- ^ Winkie, Luke (June 22, 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game review". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on July 8, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
- ^ Gipp, Stuart (May 22, 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game Review (PS5)". Push Square. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
- ^ Burke, Greg (May 26, 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game Review: Deadite Royale". Shacknews. Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
- ^ a b Raynor, Kelsey (May 17, 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game Review - A groovy gore-fest, but something is missing". VG247. Archived from the original on September 24, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
- ^ Peppiatt, Dom (May 19, 2022). "Evil Dead: The Game sells 500,000 units in under a week – perfect timing for Embracer Group". VG247. Archived from the original on September 26, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2022.