Game Review: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game Isn't Scary, Unfortunately
by Aishwarya R | Updated Aug 20, 2023
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game, released in 2023, is an asymmetrical survival horror video game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Gun Interactive. This game is based on the iconic 1974 horror film of the same name and has generated significant attention in the gaming community. The following details provide an overview of the game, its development, and its marketing.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game features an asymmetrical gameplay style, similar to Gun Interactive's earlier title, "Friday the 13th: The Game." In this type of game, one player typically assumes the role of a powerful and relentless antagonist, while others play as survivors attempting to escape or outwit the antagonist. Kane Hodder, known for his portrayal of Jason Voorhees in the "Friday the 13th" film series, stars as Leatherface, the iconic antagonist from the Texas Chain Saw Massacre series.
Additionally, Edwin Neal reprises his role as The Hitchhiker from the original 1974 film. This casting choice adds an authentic and nostalgic touch to the game, appealing to fans of the classic horror franchise. The development of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game began after Gun Interactive acquired the video game rights from Kim Henkel, one of the co-writers of the original 1974 film. However, it's important to note that Gun Interactive's rights are specific to the 1974 film, and they cannot legally incorporate elements from other films in the Texas Chain Saw Massacre series.
The game's soundtrack, titled "Remains: The Companion Album to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game," was developed in parallel with the game's official soundtrack. It was composed by Jim Bonney and Wes Keltner, enhancing the overall horror experience for players.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game Isn't Scary, Unfortunately
In the realm of tactical multiplayer gaming, the intricacies of Texas' digital landscape may be a delight for some, but for those who hold a deep appreciation for the Texas Chainsaw Massacre's nauseating, skin-crawling terror, the game falls disappointingly short. As a fervent enthusiast of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie's relentless and inexplicable horror, the game's execution leaves much to be desired.
While the first encounters with the game's 1974 facsimiles are undeniably thrilling, the thrill wears thin after a dozen games, leaving a sense of narrowing premise. The sight of lifeless bodies scattered around the Family's grim property ceases to shock, and Leatherface, a mandatory character for every match, loses his capacity to send shivers down the spine with his repetitive weapon roars.
The movie that defined a genre succeeds, in part, because of its self-contained narrative. It doesn't evoke expectations of endless variation as an online game does. It thrives on its narrative of violence begetting violence across generations, a concept that strikes fear deep into the heart. It's visceral and understandable, even if one doesn't want to comprehend it. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game, however, seems caught between its unsettling narrative and a distant reverence for the movie, resulting in gameplay that is all too brief and predictable.
This disconnection fails to resonate with fans like myself. The appeal of Texas Chain Saw Massacre isn't solely rooted in the quality of its characters or its set pieces but in its audacious willingness to expose the raw facets of human greed and selfishness, laid bare on the table like a macabre feast.
Yet, achieving this unsettling atmosphere becomes challenging in a crossplay-compatible multiplayer setting, especially when a disruptive Xbox username like "xFartSupreme1989" enters the voice chat, disrupting the carefully crafted atmosphere. Despite this, the game manages to retain moments of tension and surprising beauty. Playing on both PC and PS5, I marveled at the marmalade-colored sunsets, only to gasp when I realized a Family member was silently watching me from the shadows.
One can't help but hope that future content additions and the emergence of skilled players might breathe new life into Texas Chain Saw Massacre, adding a layer of macabre enjoyment to its gameplay. Dying and reviving under a searing, neon sun is a unique experience, and from the safety of my console, I yearn to savor it more fully, even if it means sacrificing some of the terror that made the original movie an unforgettable masterpiece.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game Story Line
The heart of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Game's narrative is woven around its victims, with a primary focus on Ana Flores, who embarks on a harrowing mission to find her missing sister, Maria. This narrative foundation lays the groundwork for the intensely suspenseful and chilling survival horror experience that the game pledges to offer.
Ana's quest to locate her sister within the nightmarish world of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Game sets the stage for a relentless and heart-pounding journey. Players are thrust into a grim and unforgiving environment where the line between life and death is razor-thin. The menacing killers, iconic figures from the franchise, become a constant, looming threat that players must confront.
To survive in this nightmarish realm, players must rely on their wits and form alliances with others. Teamwork becomes not just a strategic choice but a vital necessity as they navigate the twisted and deadly landscape. The game's narrative is a dark and suspenseful tale of survival, where every choice, every move, and every moment could mean the difference between life and a gruesome demise.
As Ana Flores and her fellow victims venture deeper into the horrifying world of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Game, they must unravel the mysteries surrounding their tormentors and uncover the truth behind the atrocities they face. This story-driven experience promises to immerse players in a chilling and suspenseful journey, where fear, tension, and the relentless pursuit of formidable killers are the driving forces behind every decision and action.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game Characters
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Game offers players a diverse lineup of five different killers, each with their own unique characteristics and abilities:
Leatherface (Lex Lang): The iconic antagonist of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series, Leatherface is a central figure in the game. Lex Lang provides the voice for this character known for his gruesome appearance and chainsaw weapon.
The Cook (Troy Burgess): Another member of the murderous family from the franchise, The Cook brings his own brand of terror to the game, likely using culinary-themed elements in his attacks.
The Hitchhiker (Edwin Neal): Edwin Neal reprises his role as The Hitchhiker from the original 1974 film. This character's presence adds an extra layer of authenticity and nostalgia to the game.
Johnny (Damian Maffei): Johnny is one of the new family members introduced in the game. Players can expect a fresh and potentially unsettling experience when encountering this character.
Sissy (Kristina Klebe): Sissy, another new addition to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, is likely to bring her own distinctive brand of horror to the game.
On the other side of the conflict, players will also encounter a roster of victims:
Ana Flores (Jeannie Tirado): Ana serves as one of the central characters in the game, as the story revolves around her quest to find her missing sister, Maria.
Connie Taylor (Bryarly Bishop): Connie is one of the victims players will encounter in the game, facing the horrors inflicted by the family of killers.
Julie Crawford (Scout Taylor-Compton): Julie's character is another unfortunate victim who must contend with the terrifying killers.
Leland McKinney (Matt Lowe): Leland becomes part of the gruesome narrative as he navigates the harrowing world of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Sonny Williams (Zeno Robinson): Sonny, like the others, becomes embroiled in the chilling events of the game, facing the terror of the killers.
Platforms of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game was officially released on a variety of gaming platforms on August 18, 2023. These platforms include:
Microsoft Windows: The game is available for players on the Microsoft Windows operating system, making it accessible to PC gamers.
PlayStation 4: Players with a PlayStation 4 console can experience the horror and suspense of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game on this eighth-generation Sony gaming platform.
PlayStation 5: The game is also available for PlayStation 5 owners, providing enhanced graphics and gameplay experiences on the ninth-generation Sony console.
Xbox One: Gamers using the Xbox One console can join in on the horror with this eighth-generation Microsoft gaming platform.
Xbox Series X/S: The game is optimized for the Xbox Series X/S, offering next-generation gaming experiences to those who own these ninth-generation Microsoft consoles.
Notably, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game was also made available on Xbox Game Pass on the same day as its official release. This inclusion on the Xbox Game Pass platform allows subscribers to access and play the game as part of their subscription, expanding its accessibility to a broader audience.
By launching on multiple platforms and being part of the Xbox Game Pass library, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game aims to reach a wide range of players across different gaming ecosystems, ensuring that fans of the horror genre can enjoy the game on their preferred gaming device.
Gameplay of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Game offers players a distinctive gameplay experience divided into two separate roles: the Family and the Victims. Within this unique framework, players navigate a world of horror and survival, each side offering its own set of challenges and strategies.
Family Gameplay
The Family gameplay revolves around three core members, including the iconic Leatherface. Players will always find Leatherface within the Family trio, along with two other members. Each Family character brings a distinct gameplay style to the table. For example, the Hitchhiker focuses on setting traps throughout the house, while Sissy employs a poison-spraying ability to flush out hiding Victims.
The primary objective for the Family members is to locate and eliminate the Victims. The initial stages of the game involve setting up traps, barricading the house, and providing sustenance to Grandpa, the family's patriarch. By feeding blood to Grandpa, Family members gain the ability to detect distant outlines of Victims, making it harder for them to hide. This emphasis on strategy and cooperation among Family members adds depth to the gameplay experience.
Victim Gameplay
The Victim gameplay centers on survival and escape. Players start tied up in the basement and must navigate a skill-based system to escape without attracting the attention of the Family members. This requires a balance between speed and noise generation. The tension is heightened by the unique special abilities of each Victim. For instance, Sonny can focus to see outlines of all players left on the map, while Connie can instantly unlock doors or gates using her special ability.
A distinguishing feature of Victim gameplay is the range of options available for escaping, providing a variety of thrilling opportunities for victory. Compared to similar games like Dead by Daylight, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre offers a more intricate system for escaping, making each escape attempt as exhilarating as the first.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game Isn't Scary, Unfortunately - FAQs
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game is a survival horror multiplayer video game based on the iconic horror film franchise. It plunges players into the terrifying world of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, where they must survive while being pursued by the deadly Leatherface and his deranged family members.
The game is available on various gaming platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Players can enjoy the nightmarish experience on their preferred gaming system.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game primarily emphasizes multiplayer gameplay. It encourages teamwork as players take on the roles of victims trying to survive against the relentless killers. While it has a multiplayer focus, there might be single-player components or modes available.
The gameplay revolves around survival horror elements. Players must work together to escape the clutches of Leatherface and his family, using tactics, stealth, and teamwork to outwit and outrun their pursuers. The game aims to create a tense and suspenseful experience reminiscent of the movie franchise.
The game strives to capture the essence of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre films, providing a faithful adaptation of the horror and suspense found in the movies. Players will encounter familiar locations, characters, and the relentless pursuit of Leatherface, offering an authentic experience for fans of the franchise.