It’s pretty surprising that it’s been almost 20 years since the last home-console release for Luigi’s Mansion. We’ve seen countless Super Mario releases, but not very much has came out of our scaredy-cat brother over the past decade. Either way, it’s great to see him back in a new ghost-busting adventure for a Halloween release.
Many early reviewers have enjoyed the game so far and its scores are looking pretty good. It seems like the long wait has paid off with an even bigger mansion to explore this time around and some added new features to the Poltergust G-00.
What’s Here?
This time around, while still being called Luigi’s Mansion, you actually explore a large hotel with an ever-sprawling design that’s more questionable and somewhat eerie from an architect’s point of view. The place looks innocent enough, until exploring deeper to find traps, ghosts, and a whole slew of environments that gets you wondering how it all manages to fit inside of a hotel.
Luigi’s Poltergust also has some added new features, including ‘Slam’, ‘Suction Shot’, and ‘Burst’. On top of that, Professor E. Gadd has equipped the Poltergust G-00 with his latest invention called Gooigi. This allows for access to outer areas that Luigi might have difficulty getting to, and for some added co-op.
The Characters
The usual cast of the Mushroom Kingdom make an appearance, including Mario, Peach, and Toad, albeit not for very long. Early on, the three are kidnapped, leaving Luigi to traverse the haunted hotel and find his lost friends. Rather, the game focuses on character’s unique to the series, namely Doctor E. Gadd and Luigi, as well as many new and varying ghost types. There is also the addition of a new villain, Hellen Graverly, alongside King Boo.
Overall
The game is coming to look like a very fun ghost-crawling adventure for Halloween. Writer and reviewer, Chris Kohler, at Kotaku says it’s “an eerie delight, from the lobby to the penthouse”. And IGN, Ryan McCaffrey, calls it “the real ghostbuster”. I’ve loved the series since it first came out in 2001 and am glad to see it build on the previous Gamecube and 3DS iterations.
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Luigi’s Mansion3 will be out this Halloween for the Nintendo Switch and what better time than October? Will you be playing Luigi’s Mansion3 and what do you think of the series? Let us know in the comments below and check back at HauntedMTL for all things horror and news.
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games. The game is available on macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This review will cover the Steam (Windows) version of the game.
You must explore the strange goings on around Shiokawa, Japan. It appears that eldritch forces have influenced the town in incomprehensible ways. So, attempt to comprehend these forces and maintain your sanity to save the town. Plan your investigations, choose between cases, and fight for your life.
There are a few game modes but three difficulty spikes. The easiest is a specific case with some random events. This mode teaches you the basic mechanics of the game. The harder difficulties give you access to an apartment and choices on which case you investigate. Completing objectives earns you customization options for the customized mode.
What I Like About WORLD OF HORROR
Running on GameMaker Studios, the pixelated aesthetic shows influences from Lovecraft and Junji Ito, though the latter more so than the former. WORLD OF HORROR haunts its viewers with its aesthetic, allowing the pixels to evoke those horror legends.
Random generation remains a key feature of the game, with various options and choices giving a massive variety. Your character also has some limited customization to access perks and further development. I will bring up some weaknesses later, but it is surprisingly vast. Adding to this variety, WORLD OF HORROR provides mod accessibility.
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The combat allows for a great deal of thought and planning. You select your character’s actions within an action bar and perform the tasks (or combos) to beat an opponent. This JRPG style provides variety in action that makes it engaging and unique.
The random generation and variety make each playthrough different. You might acquire a devastating katana in one playthrough only to bleed out unceremoniously in another.
While not a terrifying gaming experience, WORLD OF HORROR strives to provide an eerie and intense experience. At this, the game is a success. The weird and unnerving collide to invest the player in this strange world.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Body horror deserves a mention, but the aesthetic and pixels doesn’t particularly evoke realism. Regardless, many designs evoke body horror.
Aside from this, here are some points of consideration. First, WORLD OF HORROR uses JRPG turn-based combat, which seems a point of division among some gamers. However, there are enough interesting mechanics and complexities beyond clicking an action and waiting your turn.
Second, WORLD OF HORROR isn’t a cult detective. You’re experiencing events and choosing how your character responds. Some sage wisdom I heard for WORLD OF HORROR is to focus on the whole campaign instead of a single case. Failing a case isn’t a game over, so prioritize your character’s longevity.
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What I Dislike About WORLD OF HORROR
Only a few issues hindered my experience. Some scenarios replay on a single case, let alone a playthrough, which becomes repetitive. Some scenarios have multiple solutions to add variety or require perks to access new options, but that’s not always true. This issue makes the randomization taxing at times.
This next issue is likely a bug or an oversight. After losing my reason (sanity), I found myself still able to investigate despite the game claiming that means death. An unrelated event finished me off, but I can’t help but assume this is a bug.
Final Thoughts
WORLD OF HORROR has its quirks but earns massive replay value and surprising depth. It’s a unique and ambitious indie title worth the price. If Junji Ito’s style or cosmic horror is your particular brand of horror, WORLD OF HORROR delivers an experience you’ll likely enjoy. Though this combination synergizes well, few games combine these elements successfully. (4.5 / 5)
These games aren’t just about rolling dice – they’re about immersing yourself in the blood-curdling atmosphere of beloved horror films. With unique survival (and kill!) horror mechanics and cooperative gameplay, you’ll feel the terror coursing through your veins with every move!
But wait, there’s more! With the Kickstarter to House of 1000 Corpses shipping soon, we have an in-depth review coming up for that game, Halloween II–AND…Chucky. BOOMMM!!!
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