Summary
- Release Year: 2005
- Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, Xbox
- Developers: Cranky Pants Games
- Publishers: THQ
Evil Dead: Regeneration (2005)
Evil Dead: Regeneration is a third-person action-horror game developed by Cranky Pants Games and published by THQ. It was released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Windows in 2005. The game is based on the Evil Dead film series and takes place after the events of Evil Dead II.
Gameplay
The player controls Ash Williams, the protagonist of the Evil Dead series, as he battles his way through hordes of Deadites, the undead minions of the evil Deadites. Ash is equipped with a variety of weapons, including his signature chainsaw and shotgun, as well as a new sidekick, a 3-foot tall “deadite” named Sam.
The game features a variety of gameplay elements, including:
- Action: Ash must use his weapons and abilities to defeat the Deadites. He can also use environmental objects to his advantage, such as barrels and traps.
- Horror: The game features a dark and atmospheric setting, with plenty of jump scares and gore.
- Exploration: Ash must explore the game’s environment to find new weapons, items, and secrets.
- Puzzles: Ash must solve a variety of puzzles in order to progress through the game.
Story
The game’s story picks up where Evil Dead II left off. Ash has been committed to an insane asylum, where a mad scientist is conducting experiments with the Necronomicon, the ancient book of the dead. When the Necronomicon is opened, it unleashes a horde of Deadites upon the asylum.
Ash must team up with Sam, a 3-foot tall “deadite” who is immune to the Necronomicon’s effects, to escape the asylum and stop the mad scientist. Along the way, they will encounter a variety of allies and enemies, including Linda, Ash’s girlfriend from the first Evil Dead film, and Professor Knowby, the archaeologist who discovered the Necronomicon.
Reception
Evil Dead: Regeneration received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s action-horror gameplay and faithful adaptation of the Evil Dead films, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and technical issues.
Despite the mixed reviews, Evil Dead: Regeneration was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game has since been re-released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows as part of the Evil Dead: The Game Collection.
Legacy
Evil Dead: Regeneration is considered to be one of the best video game adaptations of a horror film. The game’s faithful adaptation of the Evil Dead films, its gory action-horror gameplay, and its memorable characters have made it a cult classic among fans of the franchise.
The game has also been praised for its innovative use of the “deadite” sidekick mechanic. Sam is a unique and memorable character who adds a lot of humor and personality to the game.
Evil Dead: Regeneration has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s success helped to spawn a number of other video game adaptations of horror films, including Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Alone in the Dark.
Conclusion
Evil Dead: Regeneration is a fun and gory action-horror game that is sure to please fans of the Evil Dead films. The game’s faithful adaptation of the films, its innovative gameplay, and its memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the horror genre.
Review Score
7.5/10