The Addams Family has had a presence in various multimedia platforms since its creation in 1938. A number of television series and feature films, both live action and animated, have been accompanied by books and even musicals. A few video game adaptations have spawned since 1989 and the latest is The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem, inspired by the most recent animated film and its upcoming sequel.

Supporting up to 4 players in local co-op, players can assume the iconic roles of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday and Pugsley, the father, mother, daughter and son respectively. Filled with puzzles, spooky monsters and creepy world design, Mansion Mayhem is a family friendly blend of monsters and platforming that players of all ages can enjoy.

There are four worlds to explore, all within the family’s mansion. The Dining Room, Graveyard, Music Room and Laboratory worlds each contain 6 levels and 3 mini games, all of them taking place in unique sections of their respective worlds. This offers up a variety of quirky, spooky and joyful playgrounds rife with monsters to defeat, platforming sections and clever, yet simple puzzles to solve. The unique monster designs for each world offer a fun variety of spooky foes to vanquish that helps the playful world design feel even more varied.

The player is able to choose which of the four characters they want to play as at any time by returning to the main menu, though character selection is merely a cosmetic choice as none of the characters have unique abilities or perks to help them play or feel different to one another, they all move at the same pace and jump the same height for instance.

Each of the levels can be completed by simply reaching a portal at the end. Along the way there are plenty of enemies to defeat which can be done by bumping into them or by utilising one of the four special abilities that are triggered at specific parts of the levels.

The Mazurka Sabre can be used to hack and also through enemies and objects in the environment, the latter typically revealing coins called Doubloons to be collected.

The Longlegs Launcher is the equivalent of a web-shooter, not unlike Spider-man’s ability, that can be used to shoot web at enemies or objects and drag them around the environment, commonly used to solve puzzles featuring pressure plates. A web-swing-like ability can also be used to attach to hooks and swing across gaps or avoid environmental hazards such as electricity and fire.

The Big Bomb is a fun one to experiment with, spawning a bomb beneath the feet of the player, letting them roll around freely on the bomb and crashing into enemies or objects to destroy them. As with the Longlegs Launcher this is required to solve some puzzles.

Finally, the Beak Blotter is a clone of Socrates, the octopus friend of Wednesday. Socrates sits on the players shoulder and squirt a stream of ink directly in front or, when jumping, shoots downwards to simulate a jetpack to cross gaps and solve puzzles.

These abilities are introduced one at a time upon entry two a new world, with different parts of the levels swiping what abilities come into play.

Most monsters can be defeated in a single attack but some larger enemies take a few hits to take down, keeping the combat aspect of Mansion Mayhem simple and accessible. Aside from monsters, there are 3 optional objectives in each level, and one per mini game, that each award a Family Crest when the criteria is met.

These are displayed at the beginning of the level and are fairly simple tasks such as collecting X amount of Doubloons, of which there are far more available than actually required, and finding and solving brief puzzles. While unlocking all 84 of these is completely optional, a total of 55 are required to unlock the final mini game, with each new level requiring a certain amount to access. These are fairly low requirements as most will be found fairly naturally with a little exploration.

One of the more fun elements of Mansion Mayhem are the mini games, all of which are completely unique, and a lot more fun in local multiplayer due to the competitive nature of trying to achieve the highest score while disrupting the other players from trying to win. These vary from on-rails type sequences that put the player on a raft trying to collect stars, or a pin-ball type machine played with a bomb. They are fun, visually interesting and short enough to avoid feeling repetitious.

The playful art design is inspired by the most recent animated film and its upcoming sequel and the style translates well into this video game adaptation. The monsters are creepy without being scary, the world is twisted enough without being gross and overall it just manages to make a spooky world look and feel fun, especially for younger players.

The score is appropriately light and charmingly spooky and the sound effects are pretty impressive considering the younger audience this title is intended for. Enough attention to detail has been paid to appeal to its mature player base too which is a thoughtful consideration of developer PHL Collective.

The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem presents a fun and charming variety of levels, worlds and mini games to entertain players of all ages that can be enjoyed alone or with up to three other players, whether they choose to play through the story or just play the mini games against each other. Fans of the franchise and newcomers alike have a lot to enjoy here and being able to play as a family is as authentic of an Addams Family experience one could hope for.

+ Faithful art design consistent with the recent animated film

+ Creative level design

+ Fun, simple puzzles and platforming

+ Excellent mini game design

+ Fun co-operative play

– Characters all play and feel the same

– Gameplay a little too simplistic

The post The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem Review first appeared on Games of DAYNE.

For those unfamiliar with Outright Games, they have playfully dominated the licenced and family friendly title space in recent years with a publishing catalogue of some of the most beloved franchises in children’s television. Titles such as Adventure Time, Ben 10, PAW Patrol, Gigantosaurus, Trollhunters and Ice Age are just the tip of their publishing iceberg. YouTube child sensation Ryan from Ryan’s World, the recent iterations of Jumanji and even the iconic Transformers also have the Outright Games stamp in recent years.

Outright Games have curated a portfolio of powerhouse licences that have been adapted into experiences that can be enjoyed and made accessible to younger players while also remaining enjoyable for parents or older players. The first word that comes to mind when I think of Outright Games is ‘family’, and by publishing titles that in most cases can be played co-operatively, are inspired by beloved franchises and are developed with the most casual of accessibility and gameplay options, these titles offer a little of something to everyone.

Below you can find a brief overview of the titles from the event and a link to my full write-up for each, in order of their release dates.

PAW Patrol the Movie: Adventure City Calls

Developed by Drakhar Studio | Release Date: August 13 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

This is the only title of the showcase that has released, albeit recently. It is a tie-in of the film PAW Patrol: The Movie that released in cinemas August 21. This marked the third PAW Patrol title to be published by Outright Games and was developed by Drakhar Studio, who also published the previous entry, PAW Patrol: Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay.

Drakhar Studio are also developing the upcoming Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures, to be published by Outright Games, which was absent from this presentation.

My full review of PAW Patrol the Movie: Adventure City Calls can be found HERE. I reviewed this title prior to this event.

The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem

Developed by PHL Collective | Release Date: September 24 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

Inspired by the 2019 animated film, and its upcoming sequel, The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem utilises a similar art design that allows for a greater connection between players who have seen the film. This title is a 3D platforming adventure full of exciting minigames that can be played alone or co-operatively with up to three other players, each taking the role of Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley and Wednesday.

PHL Collective previously developed Ben 10: Power Trip, published by Outright Games.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem can be found HERE.

Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers

Developed by 3D Clouds | Release Date: October 1 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

Blaze and the Monster Machines is a CGI-animated show that premiered on Nickelodeon back in 2014. Led by the monster truck and driver tag-team of Blaze and AJ respectively, this kart racer can be played alone or in 4-player split-screen.

3D Clouds are no strangers to developing titles to be published by Outright Games. The development team are responsible for 2019’s Race with Ryan and are also developing Fast & Furious Spy Racer: Rise of SH1FT3R.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers can be found HERE.

My Friend Peppa Pig

Developed by Petoons Studio | Release Date: October 22 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

One of the most beloved children’s shows in recent years is being adapted by Petoons Studio. My Friend Peppa Pig is a fun-filled adventure full of activities, character customisation and the playful charm that’s made the television series a smash hit for years.

Petoons Studio are also developing the upcoming PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of My Friend Peppa Pig can be found HERE.

PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night

Developed by Petoons Studio | Release Date: October 29 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

Based on the popular animated show that premiered in 2015, PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night puts players in the roles of Catboy, Owlette and Gekko in the platforming adventure that takes place in familiar locations.

Also charged with the development of My Friend Peppa Pig, Petoons Studio are tackling TWO of the most popular children’s shows. It’s no small feat but from my hands-on experience with both, these beloved properties are in capable hands.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night can be found HERE.

Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Rise of SH1FT3R

Developed by 3D Clouds | Release Date: November 5 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-Off Demo

This was the only title in the show that was hands-off, with the game being showcased with commentary and a Q&A from members of Swipe Right, Outright Games and the development team from 3D Clouds.

Inspired by the animated Netflix series, Fast & Furious Spy Racers, Rise of SH1FT3R exhumes a visual flair and engaging style that is certain to appeal for audiences of all ages.

3D Clouds are also developing the upcoming Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Rise of SH1FT3R can be found HERE.

This was my first digital showcase and I couldn’t be happier that it was one for Outright Games. Their catalogue of titles are yet to disappoint, even as a 30 year old player, each one has managed to trigger the child within that still enjoys the simple, accessible and relaxing experiences Outright Games can deliver. As I have introduced my 3 and 5 year old sons, Hunter and Lachlan, to video games, these titles are fast becoming a staple at Games of DAYNE HQ, offering a vast array of family-friendly experiences that we can share together, either playing co-operatively, taking turns, or watching each other.

As a father, I can’t stress enough how great the value of titles published by Outright Games are in terms of fun and simple experiences for the kids. With almost every title recognisable with their television counterparts, most available on Netflix or other accessible streaming services, these are great gateway gaming introductions.

As a 3o year old gamer, I am still pleasantly surprised with how much I am able to enjoy these games. There’s something so relaxing and enjoyable about being able to kick back, switch off a little bit and simply play a game that isn’t constantly asking me to react with instinct or challenge me in some capacity. The Xbox Achievement Hunter in me also enjoys the achievement lists as they aren’t remotely taxing or time-consuming.

Outright Games tick the children, parent, gamer and Achievement/Trophy hunter boxes with flying colours. With the great experiences I’ve had in the past and present, and with the opportunity to play some of what’s to come in the very near future, I can’t wait to play the titles from this event in full and I’m even more excited for the surprises that are inevitably cooking away.

To keep up with everything Outright Games you can follow them at the links below;

Website | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

The post OG Unwrapped 2021 – Outright Games Digital Showcase first appeared on Games of DAYNE.

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a fan of The Addams Family. Countless movies, television series and a handful of video games have been ingrained into my brain with joy. The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem fantastically captures the magic and feeling of the recent CGI-animated film and its upcoming sequel.

The 3D platforming adventure packs in a variety of fun and spooky elements in an impressive variety of locations that draw a beautiful parallels with its big-screen inspiration.

The official synopsis for The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem reads;

“Family game night is about to get terrifyingly exciting!

Only you and your friends can help Wednesday, Pugsley, Gomez, and Morticia save the Addams Family Mansion in this horrifyingly hilarious 3D adventure for up to four players.

The mansion is full of spooky scares – but can you discover its hair-raising secrets and save it from an unexpected threat?

Use each iconic character’s abilities to explore the house, solve puzzles, and find lost relics. Play competitive minigames that will have you bumping and jumping over each other to win.”

There is a crazy amount of variety in its mini-games. When speaking with one of the developers as I played my demo, I learned that every mini-game in The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem is unique. That freedom to be so creative and playful with the variety was a task enjoyed by the team and from what little I was able to see in my experience with it, it will likely be received well when it launches at the tail end of next week.

The game world is laid out almost like a map with story missions along the way and these mini-games spread throughout. The mansion is laid out by rooms or areas, and a handful of missions and mini-games take place within different areas of these locations.

Playable solo or with up to three other players, the titular family are all playable and each have their own abilities that encourages experimentation. The mini-games in particular scream co-op and look to be a lot of silly fun that varies in its co-operative or competitive aspects that should provide a few laughs when playing with the little ones.

The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem looks to sit atop the list of games I was able to preview at OG Unwrapped as perhaps the most complex but that by no means suggests it will be difficult for younger players. The platforming and mini-games that I was able to play through were fun, accessible enough with the simplified control scheme and look like a blast to be played co-operatively come next week.

To keep up with everything Outright Games you can follow them at the links below;

Website | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

The post OG Unwrapped – The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem Preview first appeared on Games of DAYNE.