Stranger Things 3 Introduction:

Gamers are transported into the unfolding drama of Stranger Things' third season, as they immerse themselves in reliving pivotal scenes from the show. This interactive experience involves taking on the roles of twelve distinct characters from the series, each equipped with a unique arsenal of weapons and a range of abilities that set them apart. The weaponry at their disposal can be further fine-tuned and upgraded through a carefully designed crafting system, allowing players to enhance their combat capabilities and strategic options.

As players navigate through the expansive and dynamic open world environment, they'll encounter different areas to explore. However, the accessibility of some of these areas is contingent upon players successfully recruiting specific characters. This adds an element of challenge and diversity to the gameplay, as players need to strategically gather the right team in order to fully delve into all corners of the virtual world.

Gameplay:

Engaging in this gaming experience can involve up to two characters at any given time, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. The second character can be controlled either by the computer's artificial intelligence or by another player through local multiplayer. Furthermore, players are empowered with the flexibility to seamlessly switch between characters at their discretion, adapting their strategies to the ever-evolving challenges they encounter. The action-packed combat sequences, reminiscent of the classic game Streets of Rage, are portrayed from an isometric viewpoint, delivering a unique visual perspective that adds depth to the gameplay.

The creative minds behind this gaming endeavor, the development studio BonusXP, were initially based in Texas before eventually closing down in 2023. Stranger Things 3: The Game, the result of their efforts, was initially launched on July 4, 2019, and made available across multiple platforms, including macOS, Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. The game's availability expanded further with its release on Android and iOS devices on August 29, 2019. However, a shift occurred in August 2021, as the game was removed from prominent online platforms such as Steam, GOG.com, and the Epic Games Store. Subsequently, it adopted an exclusive distribution strategy for Netflix subscribers, who were granted complimentary access to the game on their Android and iOS devices.

Critical reception for Stranger Things 3: The Game has exhibited a spectrum of viewpoints, as documented on the Metacritic platform. Eurogamer's assessment highlighted the expansive landscapes within the game, yet raised concerns about their emptiness. Additionally, the retro-inspired pixel art style was observed to somewhat dilute the eerie atmosphere characteristic of the show. While the game was able to shine in certain puzzle elements, the overall verdict was one of a "surface-level replication" that fell short of capturing the essence of the series. IGN, while acknowledging the thoughtfulness of the game's design, was critical of the combat mechanics, labeling them as lacking depth, and also pointed out the repetitive nature of quests. As such, the game's appeal was deemed to be primarily directed towards dedicated fans of the television series.

Final Words:

Push Square echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment with the overall experience and specifically criticizing the decision to rigidly recreate the events of the third season. The recommendation to consume the original show instead of the game was rooted in the perception that the latter's gameplay and presentation did not align with expectations. Game Informer, despite an initial appreciation for the nostalgic appeal of the retro video game adaptation and its successful emulation of the '80s aesthetic, found the combat and missions to gradually lose their luster, becoming repetitive and monotonous.

Nintendo Life, too, acknowledged the game's drawbacks, notably the potentially tiresome quests and combat mechanics that might deter players less invested in the series. However, it commended the game for effectively capturing the core elements that propelled the show to its iconic status. On a contrasting note, Digitally Downloaded adopted a more critical stance, denouncing the game's negative impact on the franchise by reducing pivotal show moments to mundane tasks. The combat system, in their estimation, received universal criticism for its lackluster execution, while puzzles were dismissed as lacking creativity.

NintendoWorldReport identified performance issues on the Nintendo Switch platform and forthrightly discouraged players from engaging with the game, in an effort to preserve the cherished memories of the third season from being tainted by the subpar gaming experience.