It should be no surprise that the "Stranger Things" video game has a retro look. The Netflix series is infused with nostalgia from the 1980s and the upcoming project for the Nintendo Switch is no different.
The creators, Bonus XP, took inspiration from classics such as "Contra" and "Double Dragon" to create a co-op friendly project that follows the plot of Season 3. Similar to releases of the past, this is a title that lets gamers play the show but with additional content and gamified hooks. The developers call the experience "season 3 plus, plus," saying the game has more content than the actual show.
Judging from the spoiler-free demo, "Stranger Things 3: The Video Game" is reminiscent of TT Games' Lego offerings. In a co-op mode, players tackle the campaign in a split-screen, which offers more freedom of movement as they explore a labyrinthine environment. I played as Joyce (Winona Ryder) and another person took on the role of Hopper (David Harbour). Each of us had distinct traits and abilities. Hopper was a stronger brawler with a powerful and linear rush move. Joyce had a bolt cutter that let her open locked doors. Her special move was a whirlwind area-of-effect attack that's good in a crowd.
We entered rooms and scuffled with ne'er-do-wells. Unlike games such as "Final Fight," special moves use up blue orbs that are dropped randomly in boxes or by foes. Thankfully, they won't drain a player's health and that makes them more useful in combat. Also, players have a block button that when timed correctly can produce a powerful counterattack. It's a surprising amount of depth for a game that's decidedly retro.
As we explored Haskins Laboratory in a demo that was completely made up and had no connection to Season 3, my co-op buddy and I scavenged for items by wrecking crates and other furniture. The scraps could be used for power-ups that increase our survival rate and other tools.
Aside from the beat-'em up mechanics, "Stranger Things" also had plenty of puzzles. Many of them required cooperation between partners. In one instance, Joyce had to explore a lab while Hopper shut down power to cameras and other obstacles blocking her way. Another room had the two moving blocks so that they can glide onto pressure plates. Those switches ultimately opened doors. Other problems featured riddles that were mildly frustrating. Despite that, the project had a decent mix of combat and puzzle design.
The Lego element of the game will be noticeable in the single-player mode. In this instance, players enjoy a full screen. They can switch between characters who have their own abilities. A tiny hero can enter a grate and access an area that bigger characters cannot. Joyce with her bolt cutter can open doors that Hopper couldn't. Players have to figure out how each of the 12 playable characters work and use them to their advantage. It's a similar formula that TT Games has been using since "Lego Star Wars."
Will Bonus XP have the same success? Players will be able to find out when "Stranger Things 3: The Video Game" is release July 4 on Nintendo Switch.
