Ever since the success of Dead by Daylight and Friday the 13th: The Game, we’ve seen many asymmetric multiplayer survival horror games. While most of these are centered around major properties like Predator, Evil Dead, and Texas Chain Saw Massacre, the latest is decidedly more niche and has plenty of personality as a result. A total love letter to fans, Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is a blast to play and offers some great new spins on a familiar formula.
The basics will be quite familiar to fans of the genre. Players are split into two groups — the titular killer klowns or the humans. However, what’s most unique and what immediately changes the format is that there are three klowns versus seven humans rather than all of the survivors going up against one overpowered villain. This paves out for a far more unique gameplay experience as playing as the killer requires teamwork as well, and the villains are much more vulnerable rather than being unstoppable killing machines.
As is typically the case in these games, it is more fun playing as the killer than a survivor, and there’s a better chance of getting that, given there are three per game. Both are enjoyable and different enough experiences, though, so you don’t feel disappointed if you wind up a human. Klowns have multiple weapon types (including the very deadly popcorn bazooka from the movies), and you can either go for weapons that simply damage and kill humans or others that can turn humans into cocoons that can power up generators and, in turn, generate lackeys. They aren’t unstoppable enemies, though, so it’s important to deploy a strategy with the other clowns, whether that is cornering a human or trying to power all of the generators to trigger the Klownpocalypse.
Finding success as a clown is pretty immediate, as humans are generally pretty vulnerable if they haven’t found a gun or melee weapon yet. However, survivors are far from useless as they collect items that can help them escape, ranging from key cards to sparkplugs and health items as well. Figuring out how to escape takes a few runs, but you’ll soon be recognizing exactly what you need to do, which makes matches a fun race between the humans and the klowns.
There is definitely a learning curve for players, and likely even for the developers as the popcorn bazooka seems overpowered, but Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game winds up being really rewarding the more you play. Learning the maps, different character classes, recognizing the different escape route types, and developing strategies to either escape or murder are all a fantastic time. One smart addition that helps is that dead or escaped players have a reason to stay in the game, as they can play mini-games and give low-level items to the remaining humans — it’s a great way to cheer on your friends if you die early. This is definitely the type of game you have a blast in with friends, no matter if you’re winning or losing, and it helps that you’re always gaining experience that unlocks cosmetics, weapons, and more.
There are also a shocking amount of Easter eggs in the game. As a fan of the 1988 film, it’s surreal to see such a polished and fun video game based on the series. There’s so much care and attention to detail that it shines. That charm is probably the game’s biggest asset, as it gets the goofiness of the original movie and spreads it out in a loving manner.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game Review: Final Verdict
If you are a fan of the cult classic movie then Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is a no-brainer purchase. If you’re just a fan of multiplayer horror games, then it’s also an easy recommendation as you’ll get to learn about a fantastic property that has been underserved and have a great time doing so. An extremely polished and thought-out experience, IllFonic and Teravision Games have a clear reverence for the source material that creates a great gaming experience.
SCORE: 8.5/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8.5 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a PlayStation 5 copy for our Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game review. Reviewed on version 1.005.000.
