Costume Quest 3 Review

One of the last games released by Double Fine Productions before founder Tim Schafer’s death, Costume Quest combines cutesy graphics with classic turn-based combat to tell an imaginative story about becoming something different. Costumes, of course, don’t just make kids feel special; in this world they grant the wearer superpowers, turning them into a real robot, ninja, vampire, and more. Each costume also has its own utility in battle (a robot’s rocket punch, a knight’s shield to protect from falling objects), and can be switched on the fly as needed.

The story begins on Halloween night as fraternal twins Reynold and Wren are trick-or-treating, but one of them gets kidnapped by a Grubbin (the monsters that live in houses). Using their costumes, they must use their superhero powers to rescue their sibling and save Halloween. Along the way they pick up friends like Everett and Lucy, who can equip any extra costumes they find, and can even be switched between on the fly.

In combat, characters have a basic attack and a special move that charges up over time; you can also buy Battle Stamps to add extra attacks. In non-combat situations, your character moves around the map with a simple control scheme that involves pressing buttons and rotating the analog stick to complete apple-bobbing mini-games and other missions.

The PC version of the game comes with the Grubbins on Ice DLC, which picks up right where the original game left off, taking you into Repugia for a wintry adventure. Though this doesn’t change the gameplay, the new locations and fresh enemies add a little variety to the formula. Creativity-infused cartoon combat, trick-or-treating nostalgia, and an inherent sense of humor all come together to create a charming and surprisingly fun download.