Haunted Lands is a retro-inspired action platformer developed by a single creator and released on PC in March 2026. Players control one of six distinct characters through side-scrolling levels set in dark crypts and tombs, battling waves of enemies while collecting items that alter combat options.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on precise platforming combined with shooting mechanics in a 2D environment. Characters move through hand-crafted stages filled with cultists, demons, and other creatures, using ranged or melee attacks depending on the chosen hero. Aiming is limited to horizontal directions and 45-degree angles, and firing is not possible while airborne. Each of the six characters brings unique abilities, such as a werewolf's charge for reaching distant platforms or a sorceress's hover ability for crossing gaps. The veteran character trades speed for powerful chargeable shots that clear rooms from afar.
Artifacts collected during runs provide permanent or situational upgrades. Some enhance existing skills, while the strongest ones completely reshape a character's toolkit, encouraging repeated playthroughs to experiment with different loadouts. Enemies appear in standard and elite variants, with bosses requiring specific positioning and timing to defeat. Limited saves and cooldowns on movement options like dashes add tension to navigation and combat encounters.
Game Modes
Haunted Lands operates entirely as a single-player experience with no multiplayer components or separate modes. Progression follows a linear path through burial grounds, where the focus remains on clearing objectives, locating hidden secrets, and surviving increasingly difficult sections. The structure emphasizes exploration of interconnected tombs rather than branching campaigns or competitive elements, keeping the emphasis on individual skill and character selection.
Key Mechanics and Progression
Progression revolves around mastering each character's movement and attack patterns while adapting to artifact effects. Hordes of enemies require careful crowd control, as some attacks cannot be used mid-jump and reload times or resource meters limit sustained fire. Secrets scattered throughout levels reward thorough searching, often leading to additional artifacts or shortcuts. The design draws from classic platformers with its pixel art style and emphasis on deliberate pacing over fluid modern controls.
Hardcore elements include sparse checkpoints and enemy placements that punish imprecise movement. Players must learn enemy patterns and environmental hazards to advance, with elite versions and bosses serving as major roadblocks that test the chosen hero's strengths.
Is It Worth Playing?
Haunted Lands appeals to players who seek challenging retro-style action platformers with character variety and item-driven experimentation. The game maintains a consistent focus on solo runs through hostile environments, supported by strong visual design that highlights gory and atmospheric details. Reviews indicate mostly positive reception, with 79 percent of 241 total user reviews rating it favorably and recent feedback holding at 76 percent positive.
Those comfortable with limited aiming angles, cooldown-based movement, and high difficulty will find the most value in experimenting across the six characters and artifact combinations. The solo-developed nature shows in the tight integration of systems, though the uncompromising challenge may frustrate players preferring more forgiving platforming or free aiming. Availability on PC makes it accessible for fans of the genre looking for a focused, artifact-heavy experience without additional modes or expansions.
