Haunted House for Windows

Remake of the Atari horror classic

Haunted House is a premium arcade game that serves as the remaster of the 1981 Atari classic. In this modern reimagining of the classic survival horror, you enjoy a 3D rendered roguelike that revolves around the same original premise. You play as a curious kid who visits his uncle’s mansion. Sucked into the now perilous area, you try to escape and outwit monsters and ghouls.

In a definite upgrade, this Haunted House features procedurally generated levels, a set of unlockable characters, and a lot of references to the golden age of arcade cabinets, much like River Raider.

A classic roguelike brought back to life

This version of Haunted House puts players in control of Lyn Graves, niece of legendary treasure hunter Zachary Graves. Zachary owns the titular mansion, which has been overrun by ghosts and ghouls. You’ll need to collect the pieces of a magical urn and banish all these otherworldly creatures. Unlike the pixelated original, this one is rendered in full 3D, with cartoonish graphics that make the roguelike enjoyable.

The game's graphics and sound contribute significantly to its spooky atmosphere. The dark and detailed visuals create a foreboding ambiance, while the dynamic lighting and shadows add depth and realism to the haunted mansion. The soundtrack is hauntingly atmospheric, with eerie sounds and music that enhance the tension and immerse players into the chilling atmosphere. These elements work in harmony to create an authentic and unsettling ghostly adventure.

Some players may find the gameplay mechanics a bit repetitive, as you often find yourself solving similar puzzles and avoiding the same hazards. Additionally, occasional bugs and glitches can disrupt the immersion, such as collision issues with objects and minor graphical hiccups. Lastly, some references and Easter eggs in the game will fly past younger players who haven’t experienced the original.

A fun revival of an old game

Atari's Haunted House successfully revives a classic title, bringing an engaging and spooky adventure to a new generation of gamers. The gameplay premise and interface are solid, providing an enjoyable and eerie experience. The graphics and soundtrack effectively create an unsettling atmosphere. While the game isn't without some minor issues, they don't detract significantly from the overall experience. Haunted House is a worthwhile venture into the supernatural. Recommended.