If, like this author, you were raised on a literary diet of Say Cheese and Die, you’ll probably always have a soft spot for Goosebumps.
The adolescent horror anthology is one of this author’s personal favourites, particularly those Choose Your Own Adventure books you could buy.
So, we’re more than open to the idea of Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek, a vaguely Five Nights at Freddy’s-inspired action adventure based on R.L. Stine’s iconic series.
You’ll play as Sloane Spencer, a teen stuck in a town of nightmares, haunted by various iconic characters and locations from across the Goosebumps franchise.
“Uncover the dark forces lurking in the shadows as you solve fiendish puzzles and evade frightful creatures – all while experiencing the signature blend of playful scares and twists that have captivated millions of Goosebumps fans, both young and young at heart, for decades,” the blurb reads.
This is coming from GameMill Entertainment, so it’s licensed and low budget – but it looks like good fun in the trailer. We like the vibrant art style and the mix of gameplay mechanics on display, as well as all of the nods to Goosebumps lore.
The game’s due out on 29th August across two guises: the £34.99/$39.99 standard edition, or the £39.99/$49.99 Frightmare Edition, which includes five in-game wearable masks, five slingshot skins with special trail VFX, a digital art book, and a 3D model viewer featuring in-game characters, monsters, and more.
Is this something you’d be willing to give a go? Player beware, you’re in for a scare in the comments section below.
[source youtube.com]
Comments 8
I see “GameMill” and I shudder.
It looks good... The price... I don't know. I'd try it for $20.
Love Goosebumps!! My collection is currently being passed on to the kids. In a way, the ‘choose your own scare’ series was probably my first foray into role playing. There was a real golden age of horror for kids in the early-mid nineties. Eerie Indiana, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Goosebumps… Definitely keeping an eye on this!
Gamemill games. Ill rather have a lobotomy.
I have always had a deep appreciation for Goosebumps growing up. It was one of those formative series that managed to blend horror with imagination in a way that really stuck with you as a kid. That said, when it comes to a game adaptation, I would be far more interested in something that pushes the envelope a bit more in terms of psychological horror, something darker, more intense, and unsettling.
While it is clear that Goosebumps is primarily targeted at a younger audience, there is no denying that some episodes genuinely left a lasting impression. Many of us can probably still recall the chilling intro sequence or that bizarre glowing eyed dog that set the tone right away. Despite being made for children, it was not afraid to tread into eerie territory and that is exactly the kind of energy I would love to see channeled into a game.
Of course, it is unlikely they would ever release a Goosebumps game rated 18 plus, but a version aimed at a slightly older audience, say 16 plus, could strike a great balance. It could retain the essence of the original series while delivering a deeper, more unsettling experience. While I could still see myself enjoying a more kid friendly adaptation, there is no question the overall scare factor has been dialed down over the years.
That is why I think there is a real opportunity here to explore a more mature, suspense driven take on the world of Goosebumps, something that honors what made it so memorable but evolves with its original audience.
On one hand, it looks promising. On the other hand, Gamemill is publishing it....
Looks kind of like a low budget even lower than the Scooby Doo PS2 games. I've seen better. Maybe it can surprise us, but still not great looking of working off charm besides budget like Indies can (even if I think some Indies poorly use their charm and are just not potential pushing enough and just lazy and too inspired, so they think they can cut corners).
With things like this because it is near shovelware level of budgets I have a harder time wanting to give respect as they may be good but eh. I don't know.
It may have fair ideas to it you'd hope, but Gamemill aren't the best. I'd take Forever Entertainment or others even over Gamemill.
In 2023 alone, we got only one above average game from Gamemill, which was Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2. In the same year they also gave us Avatar: The Quest for Balance, Skull Island: Rise of Kong, and The Walking Dead: Destinies, all of which were absolutely TERRIBLE.
Safe to say that I have little to no expectationa for this to be good, as much as i'd love to play as Goosebumps game for nostalgia sake.
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