Performance Hurdles Overshadow the Fun of Halloween: The Game on Handheld PCs

I have to admit, I’ve had my fill of asymmetrical horror games, yet Halloween: The Game has me intrigued. Developed by IIIFonic and Gun Interactive, known for the quirky Friday the 13th, I expected a blend of humor and thrills. Although the game pays homage to John Carpenter’s classic and offers genuine scares from Michael Myers, I can’t fully endorse it in its current form on handheld PCs.

Players are likely to stick to consoles like PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, or a reasonably good gaming PC. Crossplay is enabled, so I've been shifting between the PS5 and my Asus ROG Ally Z1E while navigating the fear-filled streets of Haddonfield. Both platforms deliver inconsistent experiences, but the handheld version is particularly disappointing.

Technical Challenges

One major challenge lies in the use of Unreal Engine 5, which some developers find tricky when optimizing for lower-powered devices. While I’m not blaming the engine outright, it sets a demanding standard for Halloween. The game’s PC version incorporates technologies like AMD’s FSR, Intel’s XeSS, and Nvidia’s DLSS, which typically help across diverse hardware configurations.

Given the power of the ROG Ally Z1E, which, while impressive, still can’t match a full-fledged gaming rig, expectations should be tempered. I’m not seeking perfect optimization, but notable titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and 007: First Light perform acceptably on similar handhelds, so it’s reasonable to anticipate a decent experience with Halloween as well.

Gameplay Experience

However, the game feels overly demanding for my device, even with settings reduced. I’m not looking for 60fps or console-like graphics, but I do expect a more stable performance. Currently, I struggle to get past 25fps, even with low graphics settings and in-game frame generation enabled, which speaks volumes about its optimization. Reducing the resolution offers slight improvements, but at a significant visual expense.

In-game frame generation isn't greatly effective, leading me to rely on third-party tools like Decky-LSFG, which allows for some adjustments and manages to get me a smoother frame rate of 50 to 60fps. Input lag is manageable, but the necessity of these workarounds is troubling. If my device has such issues, I can only imagine the experience on less powerful options like the Steam Deck, which offers even less performance headroom.

Community Reactions

Even players on desktop PCs are voicing frustration over similar performance issues on the game’s subreddit. This is particularly disheartening given that Halloween: The Game seems tailor-made for handheld experiences. Quick match sessions suit casual play perfectly, yet there’s a pressing need for stability, especially for those who prefer gaming away from their desks.

Despite these hurdles, the game shines when played with friends. The chaotic thrill of avoiding Michael Myers while trying to save NPCs elicits more laughs than many comedies this year. IIIFonic embraces the absurdity, allowing memorable moments, whether it’s running Michael over with a bicycle or using proximity chat in imaginative ways. The blend of genuine horror with ridiculous situations is what makes this title special.

Areas for Improvement

Nonetheless, Halloween: The Game has its share of quirks. The skill checks in spectator mode, although intended to keep players engaged post-death, can feel excessive, cluttering the screen during matches. Improving onboarding for survivors, especially since the campaign primarily teaches how to play as Michael, is another area that needs attention. These elements are crucial as IIIFonic seeks to refine the game.

There are glimpses of brilliance here, reminiscent of playing Friday the 13th. The game doesn’t shy away from the sillier aspects of the franchise, like the charm of rare items, such as amulets that can thwart an initial attack from Michael. It feels like the later films, where cult elements come into play. It wouldn’t be surprising to see nods to the Rob Zombie interpretations in future updates.

A Look Ahead

Could we see a version for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2? That would be an exciting possibility. As it stands, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend Halloween: The Game, especially for handheld PC users. Its charm and love for the franchise are overshadowed by performance issues that make it hard to justify its price. In the words of Sheriff Leigh Brackett, “Everybody is entitled to one good scare.” I just wish my ROG Ally didn’t make every attempt to play it feel like a horror story in itself.