'Stranger Things: The Game' is here! And free!
If you’re a child of the late eighties/early nineties like myself, you may very well share the same unwavering love of old-school retro games. ‘The Legend of Zelda’, ‘Mortal Kombat’ and my personal favourite, ‘Doom’ are just some that survived to be considered classics in the gaming realm.
There is something to be said about the simplicity of such games. Whether it’s the smooth gameplay or the achievable but none-the-less challenging strategic thinking required to complete them, the games of yesteryear were great fun, and paved the way for a number of contemporary classics we stand by today.
Fortunately, a brand new eighties throwback can be enjoyed in the form of ‘Stranger Things: The Game' - available in the App Store for mobile platform gaming. Developed by BonusXP, the 16-bit game pays unapologetic homage to eighties pop culture, the developers tipping their hats to the unassuming gameplay of yesteryear.
Fittingly released only weeks before the October 27 'Stranger Things' Season 2 premiere, the game gives fans ample time to unlock some exclusive content before settling into the new season episodes on Netflix.
Now, let’s make something very clear. While this is a free mobile game, that is not to say the quality is lacking. The game plays brilliantly – free of glitches, lags and impossible challenges that leave the player frustrated and defeated. The narrative is consistent, and the sound effects echo those you'd expect to hear in a 2D game of that era.
The game encourages the player to problem-solve: which character will I use in this situation? How will I use their weapons to my advantage? It is a traditional strategy game, featuring the typical item pick-ups in the form of coins, special quest items, and ‘life’ hearts.
The game loosely follows the TV show’s narrative. Players visit the Upside Down and explore the outskirts of Hawkins, Indiana; they learn a little about the characters fans are yet to meet in Season 2; they must locate objects and complete side missions in order to earn achievements, and they will play as some of the series’ central characters (Hopper is my character of choice, though upgrading Nancy’s baseball bat will see players swiftly taking out enemies with one hit).
Collecting all VHS tapes in the game will give the player access to exclusive video content – the ‘Stranger Things’ Season 2 trailer.
I was initially skeptical when downloading this game. I was sure it would be a brief, rushed, ‘token-esque’ game acting as a quick social media ‘plug’ for the TV series’ return – but I was wrong.
‘Stranger Things’ is a well thought-out modern 16-bit game worthy of the many hours I’ve already put into it – and I’m only on Chapter 2. There are several side-quests to keep players busy, often leading you to obtain special items you will use later on.
Retrospectively, the eighties pop culture references are subtle and well-placed, giving a little authenticity to the already convincing eighties appeal of the 2016 show. Look out for Hopper's commentary in the Hawk's cinema complex.
The graphics are crisp and consistent, and the overall game design is so convincing in its vintage play that you’ll quickly forget it’s a contemporary game created for your smart phone or tablet.
You will lose yourself in 'Stranger Things: The Game', and for good reason. Players have every reason to get excited about this free 16-bit offering from BonusXP, just as fans of the series have every reason to be excited about the Season 2 premiere on Netflix on October 27.
'Stranger Things: The Game' is available to download and play FOR FREE on Google Play or Apple ioS.
