New Stranger Things Official Summer Release Splits Fans

Even though the core TV show is over, Stranger Things will live on for many years. There's already a spinoff animated series running right now, and even gaming projects like the Hellfire Club Dungeons & Dragons set. We haven't seen the last of the Hawkins kids, that's for sure.

That said, some fatigue has set in now that the finale is finally here. It was polarizing to say the least, turning some off the franchise entirely. For those of you who did dig it, there are still plenty of ways to keep up with Stranger Things​​​​​​. That includes an intriguing new release that came out of nowhere and is coming very soon.

Over on Reddit, fans are debating the latest release for Stranger Things, which is set to arrive this summer. Netflix is really trying to keep people invested in this universe through any means necessary, but it won't work for everyone.

This summer, Dave & Buster's locations will be getting the Stranger Things Arcade game. It's a four-player co-operative game where you take on the forces of Vecna as some of the kids from the series (like Mike, Will, and Max). It's played by throwing balls at the screen at specific targets, which influence how battles and cutscenes play out.

So far, fans are split on how effective the game is at recreating the magic of the series, as it's been available at several locations in testing. As one fan writes: "I tested it out this morning when the store wasn't open yet. A lot is going on the screen. The creatures themselves are also worth points if you hit them besides hitting the glowing targets. It is a lot for just one person. I found myself using both hands in a type of chaotic feed the animals scooping hand motion. Definitely a game that requires a group of two or more. I had fun with it."

Some people were not fans: "It’s a nice-looking cabinet, big and impressive. Definitely attracts people to play. I find the gameplay not great. There are too many targets and too much going on the screen (think raw thrills nerf arcade with nonstop targets of different denominations). The balls are so light (like a ball from emoji frenzy) it isn’t as satisfying to throw like break the plate."

Several fans are also commenting that theirs had the jackpot toggle "turned off," which reduced their incentive to play it. One user claims that someone threw a basketball at the screen and broke it at one location, while other Dave & Buster's have their cabinets away from other ball-based games.

In any case, if you're a Stranger Things fan, keep a lookout for the arcade machine at a local Dave & Buster's in your area. Even better, make it a double-header with the pinball adaptation, which has been out for several years.

While Stranger Things doesn't engage in the video game realm that often (there have been a few attempts at least), you'll have another chance come summer.