By Dean Moses
Game: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Rating: M for Mature
Cost: $39.99 (Free on X-Box Game Pass)
A horror masterpiece that has been equal parts studied, celebrated and reviled is now a major video game hitting consoles and PC.
The 1974 slasher The Texas Chainsaw Massacre that shocked audiences with its portrayal of an unhinged, cannibalistic family is aiming to bring that same impact to players in 2023 through a multiplayer only survival horror video game. While it does not have a single player experience or offer any kind of traditional narrative, players will instead undergo their own journey as either an unrelenting killer or a desperate survivor.
Each round consists of three members of the murderous Sawyer family hunting four survivors. The killers start by searching for their prey through iconic locations taken directly from the movie, including the gas station where the ill-fated youths first arrived and the house where the epic dinner scene took place.
Starting in the basement of each level, every selectable survivor has a unique ability that can be used to help them escape, from Leland who can briefly shoulder tackle attackers to Connie who can swiftly pick locks faster than the others. All this comes in handy with the ultimate objective to flee, which can be done through multiple exits on the stage. Gamers can unlock a main gate, use a valve to open a door, or turn the power on a fuse box to make a getaway through the basement. However, each escape plan will require a specific tool to achieve.
While survivors can hide in long grass or closets in hopes of avoiding certain death, the killers will also be on the lookout, ready to strike at any time. The likes of fan-favorite, chainsaw wielding Leatherface, the deranged Hitchhiker, and the family leader known as the Cook. Each of these sadistic attackers can use their own special abilities to try and stop their foes from escaping by setting traps, and even following footprints. The killers can also power up the family’s “grandpa” by feeding him, allowing him to highlight the survivors if they move too fast.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is at its best when played with friends online. There is nothing like screaming in a startled panic in a attempt to warn friends as the sound of a revving chainsaw follows you down a corridor, or coordinating with allies as you try and track down your last remaining victim.
Overall, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre graphics, harrowing atmosphere, and interactive gameplay creates hours of “bloody” fun for gamers. Hopefully there will be Downloadable Content (DLC) in the months to come.
