Horror Hesitation: The Disappointing Lack of Chills in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Game Isn’t Scary, Unfortunately

by Ashley Bardhan

Published 2 hours ago

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game, based on the iconic 1974 movie, is cleverly designed and atmospheric, but it falls short in delivering genuine scares, according to a review by Ashley Bardhan in Kotaku. Bardhan notes that the game faithfully interprets the movie’s setting and aesthetics, but in its dedication to the source material, it fails to provide an engaging gaming experience.

The game attempts to set itself apart with its prequel-like story, which adds some background to the slasher series. However, Bardhan finds that the story is barely relevant during gameplay. The focus of the game is on its asymmetrical gameplay, where players can choose to play as either Victims or Family members, each with their own unique abilities and qualities. The interplay between characters in-game reveals more narrative, but with an average match lasting around five minutes, there is not enough time to delve into the underlying story. Bardhan suggests that a more intimate knowledge of the game’s three maps and more effective strategizing could potentially improve the overall experience.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre relies on filling meters for various interactions, such as escaping from a meat hook or acquiring tools from locked boxes. While this system adds some tension, Bardhan finds that after playing several rounds, the gameplay becomes predictable and loses its initial impact. The review also points out that the game fails to capture the visceral, terrifying nature of the movie, which is known for its disturbing depiction of violence and its exploration of greed and selfishness. The multiplayer aspect of the game, with online interactions and interruptions, detracts from the intended immersion and atmosphere.

Despite its shortcomings, Bardhan highlights that the game still has moments of tension and beauty, particularly in its visual design. The hope is that future updates and the involvement of skilled players will enhance the overall experience and make it more enjoyable.

Overall, the review suggests that The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game falls short of delivering a truly scary experience and lacks the depth and immersion of its source material. It emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between faithfully reproducing a movie’s aesthetics and creating engaging gameplay that captures the essence of the horror genre.