Playing as Ash in various video games is every fan’s dream. Those dreams came true starting back in 1984 when Palace Software created an Evil Dead game based on the original 1982 film. This survival horror adventure game got a full release for the Commodore 64. A version for the ZX Spectrum, an 8-bit personal computer system based in the UK, was never fully released but, the game was included as a “B-side” to the game “Cauldron.”
In 2000, Evil Dead: Hail to the King was released for the PlayStation to mixed reviews and, Dreamcast and PC versions were “stagnant at best” and failed with gamers, for the most part. It was supposed to function like a Resident Evil game but, failed on quite a few levels as far as movement and the fixed camera angles which made it difficult to play.
2003’s release of Evil Dead: Fist Full of Boomstick for PlayStation 2 and Xbox completely redeemed the frustration of game play from 2000’s Hail to the King. In “Boomstick,” Ash runs around various versions of Dearborn, Michigan fighting deadites in various different times as he jumps from place to place via portals and vortexes opened by the Necronomicon, The Book of the Dead made infamous by the previous film series. The action/hack & slash game takes place 11 years after the events in Army of Darkness. It became a hit among the gaming community. The story ends with Ash Williams screwed once again by being sucked into a time portal and ending up in a time and place unfamiliar to the anti-hero. Like the previous game, Bruce voices the character of Ash.
Bruce Campbell is back in the 2005 video game, Evil Dead: Regeneration. His old pal, Ted Raimi voices the tiny deadeye character, Sam. The game was enjoyed for the game play but, fans found the side kick character too annoying and to present in this particular game. This writer, personally, had fun with that particular game. More time travel, deadeye bashing, gory fun. It was the best game play for an Evil Dead game to date.
Backflip Studios released the smart phone game, “Army of Darkness: Defense” in 2011. This worked on the iOS and Android platforms. You control members of Ash’s army against the deadeyes as you build walls, castles and strategies to keep the army of the dead from destroying you, your men and recapturing the Book of the Dead. Less of a first person shooter/slasher and more of tactical game, it was met with mixed reviews.
Also in 2011, the first person shooter/slasher, “Evil Dead- The Game” was released for the iOS platform. You play as Ash, fighting deadeyes in similar situations from all three films. Critically defined as another “hit or miss” game, players got bored with repetition in the game play and suggested it for only hard core fans of the series.
In 2013, Ghost House and Sony released the official remake produced by Bruce, Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert. Co-written and directed by Fede Alvarez, Raimi and his partners hand picked Fede based on a viral short Alvarez created with his producing partner, Rodo Sayagues. The loose remake/continuation of the franchise didn’t feature the Ash Williams character (except in a post credit sequence potentially hinting at a cross over between new anti-hero, Mia and Ash). Our new cast features our new protagonist, Mia. She is now in charge of fighting the Evil Dead while trying to fend of her own possession and save her friends. Needless to say, like Ash, she fails. A cross over between Ash and Mia had been discussed in the past but, now that Campbell has retired the character, it is highly unlikely we will see such a project in the near and distant futures.
This lead us to the 3 season series us fans were all fortunate enough to get. Ash vs. Evil Dead began with a 40 minute pilot, lovingly crafted by original writer/director, Sam Raimi, who co-wrote the first episode with brother Ivan Raimi. Once again, Ash is fighting deadites but, this time he has a few side kicks who have also been affected by the spirits of the dead. The series gave us one last hurrah with the original demon slayer/a-hole you loved to watch mess up. It was and is part of his charm. His redemption at the end of season 3 is the perfect character arc for the many years of being a professional idiot Ash has proven to be… but, that’s why we loved him. Bruce brought a realistic tone to a guy who never asked to be a hero but, was forced to man up. It has been imitated and ripped off countless times but, only “The Chin” did it the best. Hence, the gigantic, loyal fan base that have spawned this horror/comedy franchise phenomenon. These things are classic for a reason. Hell, aside from the movies, TV shows and video games, there’s comic books, board games and even a hit musical. If you get a chance to see it, I highly recommend.
In 2008, Empire magazine claimed Ash Williams as the #24 best movie character of all time. I have to agree. He has surpassed a reluctant anti-hero, though through the majority of the character’s fictional existence, he was a moron, blow hard and coward, his final moments in the series finale is something us fans wished we had gotten if there was an Evil Dead 4/Army of Darkness 2. Ash may have left us forever but, we still have the trilogy of films, a trilogy of TV seasons, video games, comic books and even a hit musical. He will be missed. God speed, Ash. Thanks for your witty, wise-cracking antics and fuck ups through out the years. And as a friend of Campbell’s, I wish him the best on his future endeavors… cause he just might hire me for them ;)
PS… Below is the last photo taken of Bruce in Ash garb. He told me he knew this was going to be the last picture so, he created this meme…
@writesbackwards is a group of friends who love to write about life, sports, comedy, tech and other fun stuff!
Consider leaving a comment, we love rewarding engaging Steemians!