The upcoming Evil Dead: The Game is attempting to recreate the excitement, and scares, of the well-loved horror franchise. This asymmetrical horror game will allow players to take on the role of different characters and creatures from the movies and TV series, including multiple generations of Ash Williams, the main protagonist throughout the franchise. In a nearly finished preview build, Screen Rant got to play alongside the developers and see first-hand how Saber Interactive brought the whole gang back for a brand new game.
Evil Dead: The Game is a 1v4 multiplayer game where four players work together to complete a set of rituals to banish away the evils that plague the world. Survivors will shoot and loot their way to objectives all while a single player uses the power of the Deadites to set traps, raise minions, and possess characters, creatures, and even items around the map. Each match lasts around 30 minutes and there is never a lull in the action. Unlike the popular asymmetrical horror game, Dead by Daylight, Evil Dead is absolutely not a hide and seek-type game.
Throughout the playthrough, we were given the chance to play two matches, one as a survivor and the second as the Deadites. Each Evil Dead character feels unique in their stats and abilities; we played as Amanda Fisher due to her special ability which proves infinite ammo for a short period of time when activated. This made the game feel like a ranged weapon-heavy affair, while other characters can specialize in melee, healing, protection, and much more. There are also pink vials, called Pink F in-game, to claim throughout the maps which are used for upgrading multiple stats in a match.
Survive or Terrorize in Evil Dead: The Game
There is a single massive map used in Evil Dead: The Game and a match only uses a medium-sized section of it, but every area is accessible during any playthrough. The map, locations, and items within are filled to the brim with references that even huge fans of the franchise could miss. There was great care and passion in crafting a world that fits perfectly into the Evil Dead series.
As a survivor, players will be tasked with completing a set of rituals throughout the map to find and defend the Necronomicon from the relentless horde of Deadites looking to hunt them down. Mostly the tasks require reaching certain areas of the map and protecting a circle while the ritual is taking place. Everywhere players go is filled with loot that provides new weapons, items that enhance stats, and protection from going mad. There is a constant balance of choice throughout a match; stay and get stronger, or hurry up and complete the mission.
Playing as the Deadites in Evil Dead: The Game is a whole different experience. There are multiple groups of creatures to choose from, and the most basic Deadites are AI-controlled bots placed around the map randomly that antagonize the players as they progress. The main player, however, will zoom around the map as an invisible entity in an impressive real-to-film camera that perfectly replicates the classic 'Raimi-cam' from the original films. Floating around the map was one of the most enjoyable parts of the game, and it's easy to forget that there are tasks to do and just simply enjoy flying through the forest.
The Deadite player in Evil Dead will fly around collecting orbs that allow them to set traps throughout the map. These traps will cause literal jump scares to the survivor players and blast creepy images on their screen. There is also a strong use of possession throughout the game where the Deadite player can inhabit cars to run the survivors down, trees to smack them away from their objectives, and even the players themselves. Possessing another player can be used to attack others in the team, or simply run them as far away from the group as possible. Everything players do as a Deadite earns them points that can be used on single-match upgrades, much like the survivors, making each playthrough unique.
Progression in Evil Dead: The Game happens after a match is over, as players earn XP throughout a match which can be used to upgrade their favorite characters or Deadites. This is a simple perk system that has multiple paths to choose from for each character. Customization and playstyles are all taken into account, allowing players to craft their chosen characters exactly how they want them to be.
Overall, Evil Dead: The Game has set itself up to be an impressive homage to its subject matter. Characters from all over the franchise are represented, Easter eggs are plenty, and the gameplay itself is fun, frantic, and exciting. There is a strong level of gore used that successfully replicates the movies, and even horror icon Tom Savini has crafted a special in-game skin for Ash Williams. Fans of the series, as well as multiplayer gamers, will not be disappointed.
Evil Dead: The Game will release on May 13, 2022, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. Screen Rant attended a hands-on preview session with developers for the purpose of this article.