
Stranger Things 3: The Game
General Info

Genres | Beat 'em up, Adventure |
---|---|
Game Name | Stranger Things 3: The Game |
Languages | English |
Playmodes | Single-player, multiplayer |
Developers | Next Games, BonusXP |
Release Date | 2019-07-04 |
Game Platforms | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android |
Publisher Name | Stranger Things 3: The Game, LLC |
Country of Origin | United States |
Screenshots
Overview
This allows players to work together using a full roster of 12 characters, each with unique abilities, to unlock the secrets of the series. RPG elements are expertly adapted, allowing players to equip their characters with various items and power-ups. In addition, the game goes the extra mile by allowing fans to explore uncharted territory beyond the series. Players are drawn to discover secret missions and face challenges that characters in the series may not have faced. The retro pixel art style is nostalgic and fits perfectly with the 80s setting of the series.
Stranger Things 3: The Game definitely captures the essence of the series: camaraderie, adventure, and the never-ending search for truth. It's an exciting way to expand the Stranger Things universe, creating a carefully crafted and immersive series of stories that fans around the world are sure to adore.
Trailer
Gameplay
One of the game's main attractions is the drop-in/drop-out two-player local co-op mode, which allows friends to team up to take on the challenges of the Upside Down. While single-player mode is supported, the co-op dynamic offers a great tactical aspect with multiple characters, each with their own unique skills and attributes.
Players have the freedom to choose from 12 beloved characters from the series, from Elf with his psychic abilities to Steve and his bat. Each character's unique abilities are important in solving puzzles and dealing with enemy encounters. In addition to the standard objectives, side quests that add depth to the characters' stories also provide replay value.
The visual aesthetics of the game will take you on a nostalgic walk through the 80s. It features a 16-bit art style that is fairly standard for classic RPGs and adventure games, making it stand out visually. Combat is simple but chaotic, combining a simple one-button attack with a special move. Exploring Hawkins is an intriguing part of the game where fans can visit some familiar places. Packed with secret items and collectibles, exploring the city is rewarding and encourages careful exploration.
Essentially, Stranger Things 3: The Game offers a massive and immersive gaming experience full of adventure, strategy, puzzles and combat, in keeping with the spirit of the series.
Gameplay video
Plot
Our beloved group of friends - Mike, Eleven, Dustin, Lucas, Will and Max - grow up while dealing with the pains of adolescence. The highlight is the changing dynamic within the group, which becomes even more estranged when Dustin returns from science camp and announces he's found a girlfriend.
As they battle their inner demons, external evil rears its nightmarish head in the form of a monstrous mind-bender. This creature, known as the Upside Down, has found a new master in the form of the harmless Billy Hargrove, and will soon gather an army of humans and skinned rats to bring about the end of the world.
At the same time, Hawkins becomes a hotbed of Cold War espionage, as the innocent Starcourt shopping center houses a secret Russian base that intends to open its doors to Upside Down. Luke's sister Erica and the reluctant Steve Harington and his Scoops crew are unwittingly drawn into this covert operation.
During the game, players can control different characters, each with unique abilities to take on different scenarios. They can research Hawkins, solve puzzles, make important decisions and fight the evils of the Mind Glider and Russian agents. As they take on challenges, they earn upgrades and collectibles while experiencing nostalgic 80s treats. The story of Stranger Things 3: The Game beautifully combines the joy and excitement of adolescence with the fear and danger of an impending apocalyptic reality.
Development
This game appeals to die-hard fans and franchise newcomers alike, as the main story is informed by, but not limited to, the events of the TV show. The game's developers took the opportunity to delve deeper into the characters than the show allowed, offering character-focused quests and obstacles that allow for progression and custom storylines, successfully turning a full-fledged television series into an engaging video game format.
The development team went to great lengths to recreate the iconic aesthetic of the era and bring 80s nostalgia from the screen to the game. It might have felt like a weak imitation, but the pixel art style fits perfectly with the show's themes and setting, creating a cohesive experience that feels memorable and fresh.
The uniqueness of this game is that the character's progression does not depend on experience points or inventory; instead, it is determined by the unfolding of the story. Characters evolve throughout the gameplay experience, allowing players to connect with their chosen character on a deeper emotional level.
Stranger Things 3: The Game is a fantastic adaptation that brings a new dimension to the Stranger Things universe. It combines the power of beloved characters with gameplay that looks organic on display, giving players a unique experience.
Release
The game is available on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, so die-hard Stranger Things fans can get their fill of excitement and adventure regardless of their preferred gaming system. Crafted in 16-bit retro design to accurately capture the 1980s vibe of the acclaimed series, Stranger Things 3: The Game is a fun nostalgic trip down memory lane for older gamers and an exciting new experience for newer gamers.
BonusXP stayed true to the core of the series and kept fans safe by including iconic locations, beloved characters and supernatural threats. The immersive gaming experience successfully complements the TV series' story and offers fans another way to interact with the Stranger Things universe. Also, one of the unique features of the game is the co-op mode, which allows friends to come together to explore, fight enemies and uncover the secrets of Hawkins together. Get ready for an unforgettable gaming journey!
Reception
However, some players found the gameplay repetitive due to the puzzles and combat system, and some complained about the minimal character progression. Also, for those unfamiliar with the Stranger Things franchise, the plot may be difficult to follow. Despite these criticisms, Stranger Things 3: The Game continues to be a solid addition to the franchise, making it more appealing to existing fans who want to experience the exciting world of Stranger Things in a different medium. The game offers fans a fun and immersive nostalgia trip together, further cementing the cultural phenomenon of Stranger Things.
Ultimately, Stranger Things 3: The Game offers fans of the series an exciting interactive experience and a new way to interact with their favorite characters, while acknowledging that it may not be to everyone's taste. Either way, the game remains a unique and special gem in the Stranger Things universe.
Cultural impact
The game's 16-bit graphics style, a throwback to 80s and 90s gaming, struck a nostalgic chord with older gamers and intrigued younger gamers who didn't live through that era. In addition, the immersive action-adventure game with a fusion of puzzle and exploration has received critical acclaim from various groups in the gaming community. The co-op mode, where two players could travel together through a copy of Hawkins, brought camaraderie to the gaming experience. Stranger Things 3: The Game offers an interpretive translation of TV episodes into game chapters, allowing players to interact with familiar storylines in a new way. This creative reimagining of TV history in gaming has ushered in a new wave of transmedia storytelling, where TV shows and video games can share and enhance a unique story.
Stranger Things 3: The Game paved the way for several franchises to explore similar paths, leaving a significant cultural impact on the entertainment industry. It has successfully expanded the reach of the Stranger Things universe beyond mainstream media, demonstrating the potential of video games to nurture and build upon the cultural phenomena of popular TV shows.