Stranger Things 3 The Game positions itself not as a standalone title but as a direct interactive companion to the television season. Developed by Netflix's in-house gaming initiative, it serves as an extended, playable cutscene that fills narrative gaps and expands on moments from the show. The game occupies a niche space, banking heavily on player affection for the source material rather than pioneering new gameplay mechanics. Its release strategy, initially offered to Netflix subscribers, underscores its role as a value-added extension of the streaming service's ecosystem. The core gameplay is a top-down, action-adventure experience with a heavy emphasis on cooperative play. Two players can team up locally, each controlling one of the large roster of characters from the series, from Eleven and Mike to Dustin and Steve Harrington. Each character possesses a unique ability—Lucas uses his wrist rocket to hit distant switches, while Joyce can bypass certain locks—mandating strategic switching to solve environmental puzzles. Progression involves exploring recognisable settings like the Starcourt Mall and the Hawkins lab, battling creatures from the Upside Down, and completing quests that mirror the season's plot beats. The combat system is simple, relying on basic attack combos and character-specific special moves. In practice, the game’s pixel-art aesthetic successfully channels a nostalgic 16-bit era charm, which aligns well with the show's 80s homage. Navigating the isometric environments can feel intuitive, though controls are occasionally fiddly during precise platforming sections. The real-world usage scenario is predominantly a social, couch-co-op experience for two fans playing together, where the joy derives from recognising story moments and collaborating on puzzles. Solo players may find the experience less engaging, as managing two characters alone can highlight the repetitive nature of some tasks. While formal app store reviews for this title are sparse, broader user sentiment from gaming forums and initial press coverage indicates a divided response. Players deeply embedded in the Stranger Things universe often praise the faithful art direction, authentic soundtrack, and the novelty of playing through key scenes. Criticisms frequently point to repetitive combat encounters, a lack of gameplay depth for non-fans, and some technical hiccups like pathfinding issues for companion AI. The consensus suggests the game is a competent, if unambitious, piece of fan service that struggles to transcend its licensed origins. Overall, Stranger Things 3 The Game delivers a specific, targeted experience. It excels as an interactive supplement for viewers craving more time in Hawkins with these characters, particularly in a local co-op setting. Its limitations in mechanical innovation and reliance on pre-existing emotional investment prevent it from standing as a compelling adventure game for a broader audience. For the right player, it's a charming diversion; for others, it may feel like a missed opportunity.