By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Video game developer Illfonic is stalking new victims … er, fans … as it offers up new features for its long-awaited “Halloween: The Game.”
Based on the “Halloween” franchise of films and featuring the terrifying stalker Michael Myers, the game is set to launch with pre-sales of the physical editions of the asymmetrical stealth horror game, which is set to launch October 6 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
“Halloween: The Game” lets players relive the events of 1978’s Halloween night, either as a civilian defending Haddonfield’s townsfolk from The Shape in 1-vs-4 multiplayer, or as Michael Myers stalking victims in multiplayer or single-player story mode.
Illfonic has just unveiled a new map, Orange Grove Estates, which depicts an upscale neighborhood in Haddonfield featuring multi-story houses surrounding a playground and basketball court. According to IllFonic, the map’s open layout changes how players move between structures, creating opportunities for collaboration while widening sightlines that can expose a hero or The Shape. The multi-story homes also introduce upper-floor encounters players must account for.
“Every neighborhood in Halloween: The Game is designed to change how you play, and Orange Grove Estates is our most ambitious map yet,” said Jared Gerritzen, chief creative officer at IllFonic. “The open layout and multi-story homes force players to rethink their every action as it could compromise their line of sight, collaboration, and escape, whether they are playing as a Civilian or Myers. Players will learn to dip, dodge, and scan surroundings for options to find an escape route. Pairing this map’s reveal with our physical editions felt like the perfect way to celebrate the physical pre-order launch.”
Malek Akkad, president of Compass International Pictures, said fans are in for an authentic experience that mirrors the tone and action of the films.
“We are excited for fans of the original film to see the iconic Wallace and Doyle houses in this new map,” Akkad said. “Gamers will get to explore the legendary homes and create their own survival tactics. Will they weave through picturesque yards, bushes, and playground equipment as they fight to outsmart the Boogeyman, or will they become the Boogeyman.”
The game is developed and published by IllFonic and co-published with Gun Interactive, alongside partners Compass International Pictures and Further Front. Physical pre-orders, offered in partnership with Nighthawk Interactive, began Tuesday for a Standard Edition priced at $39.99 and a Limited Collector’s Edition priced at $149.99.
The Standard Edition includes a copy of the game for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, an exclusive poster and advance access to the Michael Myers Clown skin and two civilian cosmetics.
The Limited Collector’s Edition includes a copy of the game, an exclusive Trick or Treat Studios Shape Jump variant action figure, exclusive lenticular art, an exclusive poster, advance access to the Michael Myers Samhain and Clown skins, the two civilian cosmetics from the Standard Edition, two additional civilian cosmetics, and additional content to be announced later.
The physical editions of “Halloween: The Game” are available for pre-order now at major retailers ahead of the October 6 launch.
IllFonic, founded in 2007, is an independent video game developer with studios in Lakewood, Colorado, and Tacoma, Washington. The company’s titles and collaborations include both licensed and original games, including “Halloween: The Game,” “Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game,” “Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed,” “Predator: Hunting Grounds,” “Arcadegeddon,” “Friday the 13th: The Game,” “Dead Alliance,” “Star Citizen,” “Evolve,” “Armored Warfare” and “Nexuiz.”