When The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (TCM) shook the horror movie industry as it released in 1974, the slasher genre was still an emerging concept. However, by the time TCM’s sequels hit the theatres 12 years later, the horror buffs had already been exposed to iconic villains like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, and Freddy Krueger. In this new era, marketers behind TCM needed a monstrous mascot to highlight, leading to the elevation of Leatherface from a standout member of an evil family of killers to its centerpiece. Every modern version of the franchise since the 2003 reboot has focused solely on the Ed Gein-inspired villain, ignoring his family altogether. The upcoming video game by Gun Interactive and Sumo Nottingham is based on the original movie, and it features the Slaughter family alongside Leatherface himself.

A Unique Set-up for Asymmetrical Horror Multiplayer Gaming

In the unique 4v3 setup of the game, there exists a possibility that players may prefer being the killers rather than the survivors. However, in the team of killers, each villain has a unique set of skills, making them all viable choices to play. Players may demand to play as Leatherface himself, but the game’s success depends on organized team play. Leatherface is a brute who can destroy shortcuts and close off exit strategies making him quite effective. However, there are many spaces he can’t reach, and that is where the Hitchhiker comes in. The gangly killer can slip through the walls and set traps, acting as the fastest villain. On the other hand, the Cook is slower, but his incredible skill that pings survivors every time they make noise makes him an invaluable asset. He provides a lot of support to the team without getting his hands dirty.

A Vital Layer of Strategy

The game’s vital layer of strategy results from the synergistic abilities of each villain and the victims’ team. It is surprising how TCM is molded into an asymmetrical horror multiplayer game. The game captures the movie’s sludgy feeling while gamifying its aspects such as ability cooldowns and UI elements, resulting in a strange but well-reasoned juxtaposition of the IP and PvP.

Conclusion

After spending several hours playing The Texas Chain Saw Massacre during the weekend’s tech test, the game delivers on the promise of sheer terror. The game’s success hinges on the players’ ability to be effective as a team, and each villain provides a unique set of skills that make them all viable choices to play. The family’s synergistic abilities give the game the required strategic layer, even though in the original movie, the family was a trio of sadistic improvisers who lived for causing mayhem. The game is unsettling, and that is commendable, considering that it is based on an undeniable horror classic. It remains to be seen whether the game will become a fan favorite, but it is worth a try, especially for those looking for a new asymmetrical horror game to indulge in.