I first discovered Gumball in Trick-or-Treat Land at the Midwest Gaming Classic, where I had the chance to meet one of the devs, genuinely one of the nicest and most passionate creators I've come across. I even brought my FPGA Game Boy with the game loaded on it to show him, and he was super cool about it. It was an awesome moment that perfectly reflects the spirit behind this project: creative, nostalgic, and full of heart.
The game itself is a delightful 8-hour JRPG steeped in the style and soul of the Game Boy Color era. It’s got quirky characters, fun spellcasting, potion brewing, and a totally unique take on competitive trick-or-treating (yes, really). It nails that late ‘90s Halloween vibe, both visually and musically, and if you grew up with Pokémon, Dragon Warrior Monsters, or early Zelda handhelds, this one will hit you right in the childhood.
You can really feel the love and care that went into every part of the game, from the writing to the pixel art to the music. It doesn’t try to be flashy or modern; instead, it fully embraces the charm of retro design, and it totally works.
Whether you're into indie games, classic JRPGs, or just want to enjoy something handmade and nostalgic, give the free browser demo a shot. You might end up as enchanted by Trick-or-Treat Land as I was.