The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: A Bone-Chilling Journey into Terror

Horror games used to be primarily single-player experiences, but in the past decade, the rise of asymmetrical multiplayer horror games has changed the landscape. Dead By Daylight, developed by Behaviour Interactive, has become immensely popular, and Friday the 13th: The Game also saw some success. Now, Sumo Digital and Gun Interactive, the publishers of Friday the 13th, are taking on the genre with their adaptation of the iconic 1974 horror film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

The original Texas Chain Saw Massacre, released in 1974, holds a significant place in horror movie history. It has influenced numerous imitators and established tropes that continue to be seen in slasher films today. Recreating the film's legacy in a video game is quite a challenge, but Sumo Digital has managed to capture the gritty horror of the movie in an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game. The gameplay is reminiscent of Dead by Daylight but with even higher production values and a more cinematic experience.

Most asymmetrical multiplayer games typically follow a 1v4 format, wherein a single player assumes control of a remarkably formidable character, while the remaining four participants portray comparatively vulnerable survivors. In contrast, the Texas Chain Saw Massacre game adopts a distinctive 3v4 arrangement, pitting Leatherface and two of his deranged family members against a group of four unsuspecting victims.

In The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game, there are three maps available: the family's house, the gas station, and the slaughterhouse. Each map starts in a dark underground area that leads to one of the mentioned structures. Survivors must escape these structures and clear one final area in order to win the game.

Among the maps, the family house stands out as the most impressive, offering horror enthusiasts the opportunity to explore a highly recognizable location from the 1974 film. The attention to detail in recreating this iconic setting is truly remarkable. Additionally, the family house is the easiest to navigate, minimizing confusion for players. On the other hand, the slaughterhouse can often feel like a confusing maze, causing matches to unnecessarily drag on as both killers and victims struggle to find the exit.

As victims, players must search for tools to unlock exits while evading the killers and potentially crafting a shiv to stab Grandpa. They can also solve puzzles to access extra exits or fulfill other conditions necessary for their escape. Meanwhile, the killers' primary objective is to prevent the victims from fleeing, but they can also gather blood from buckets scattered around the map to subsequently feed to Grandpa.

Grandpa, a character in the Texas Chain Saw Massacre, adds to the creepiness of the game. Every time the victims wake him up, he suddenly appears on the screen, causing a jump scare and ensuring his presence is known. Once awake, Grandpa uses a form of echolocation to reveal the victims' whereabouts as they sneak around the map. If Grandpa is fed blood, his echolocation abilities improve, making it even harder for the victims to hide.

When playing as a victim in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game, it is incredibly enjoyable, especially with a good group of friends. The game effectively creates tension and creates long-lasting, terrifying moments. When discovered by the killers, intense chase sequences ensue, where one mistake can lead to a graphic and brutal death. Conversely, successfully outsmarting the Slaughter family and escaping is an incredibly satisfying and exhilarating experience.

Each victim possesses a unique ability that grants them an edge over the killers. For instance, Connie's extraordinary Focused ability enables her to pick locks with remarkable speed and minimal noise compared to her fellow victims. Moreover, Ana has an ability that enhances her endurance beyond that of other characters, while Leland's skill allows him to incapacitate the assailants. Sonny and Julie, on the other hand, contribute less to the team's survival efforts. While Sonny possesses the ability to detect sounds, Julie can temporarily conceal herself from the killers. Undoubtedly, Connie's unparalleled Focused ability remains the most valuable skill in the game, making her an indispensable asset for any team serious about their chances of escaping alive.

In The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, the killers possess unique abilities, such as the Hitchhiker's freedom of movement and trap-setting skills, as well as Leatherface's chainsaw that can demolish obstacles and doors, limiting the victims' hiding places. Regrettably, playing as the killers in the game is not as enjoyable as playing as the victims.

Compared to the victims, most killers have restricted movement, which can increase frustration while navigating the complex maze-like sections of the maps. The thrill and anxiety experienced by playing as a victim are absent when playing as the killers, significantly diminishing the overall entertainment value of the game. For players not controlling Leatherface, the beginning of matches can be particularly dull as the other family members typically begin above ground and often have to wait for the victims to surface before actively engaging in the match.

The experience of playing The Texas Chain Saw Massacre can be highly entertaining when taking on the role of the victims. However, it becomes quite monotonous when assuming the identity of the killers. Regrettably, even playing as the victims becomes tedious over time, as the maps are memorized and the element of fear stemming from the unknown is lost. The game no longer offers a fresh and unique horror experience, but instead transforms into a standard asymmetrical multiplayer game. The main motivation to continue playing lies in leveling up characters and exploring different builds. The addition of new maps could greatly enhance the longevity of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game, although it remains uncertain how much support it will receive post-launch.

Fans may hesitate to invest in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre without a clear roadmap. Additionally, the game lacks offline options, such as bots or playable tutorials. If the player base diminishes, the game could become unplayable. However, there is one aspect in favor of the game that may prevent this worst-case scenario.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is available on day one for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, who can play it without any additional cost beyond their regular subscription fee. This feature has helped maintain a healthy player population since launch and encourages new players to give it a try.

At release, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre stands out as one of the most visually impressive and refined asymmetrical multiplayer games in the current market. It expertly captures the disturbing atmosphere of the iconic 1974 horror film, flawlessly translating its themes into an immersive gaming experience. Engaging in multiplayer sessions as the victims alongside a group of friends proves to be a thrilling and enjoyable endeavor, although playing as the killers lacks the same level of excitement. Unfortunately, the game's limited selection of only three maps upon launch and the absence of offline options are underwhelming aspects. Nevertheless, we hold high hopes that future updates will transform The Texas Chain Saw Massacre into an even more exceptional horror game than what it currently offers.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Based on the influential 1970s horror film, Sumo Nottingham presents The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, an engaging PvP game where a group of victims confronts a representative from the infamous Slaughter Family. This thrilling experience includes memorable characters such as Leatherface, The Hitchhiker, and Grandpa from the original movies.

Available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, Game Rant received a PC code to review The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.