In a bizarre twist of fate, the iconic horror flick, Killer Klowns from Outer Space has received it’s very own adaptation. With titles such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Friday the 13th having already received the same treatment, it seems that bringing cult classic horror movies back in the form of asymmetrical multiplayer horror games is the new trend – and I, for one, am certainly on-board.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space is as Krazy as Ever
Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is as bonkers as the movie and quite possibly even more so. Going slightly against the grain for games of this ilk, Killer Klowns pits three clowns against seven humans, as opposed to the tried and tested one on four. This new dynamic means there is more happening due to the proximity of enemy and friendly players and gives the sub-genre a much needed freshness that makes the game so much more enjoyable to play.
However, it’s not this unique approach that makes Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game so fun. That’s all down to the outright goofiness of the game. Fitting perfectly with the cheesy tones of the classic movie, the game adaptation goes all out to encapsulate the outlandish vibes of 1980’s horror cinema.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game – Gameplay
If you’re lucky enough to be playing as one of the three klowns, your objective is to cocoon the human team in candy floss before capturing them in giant fair light bulbs and harvesting them using a machine in the center of the map. To assist you in your dastardly deeds, you are armed with an arsenal of comical weaponry and classic kills from the movie in the guise of fatalities that will treat you to a short cut sequence, as you take your opponents out in varying clown-themed acts of carnage.
Playing as a human isn’t half as fun but still offers some great gameplay. Your primary focus here is to find key cards and use them to escape the map from any of the four exits. However, all the while you will be hunted down by the killer klowns who seek to harvest your body. While klowns can be attacked, they are far stronger than the mere mortals, leaving the best option for survival flight over fight.
If one of your fellow humans are left on the map as you retreat safely, you can assist them in their endeavours by completing carnival based mini-games such as “Whack a Klown” and a balloon bursting variation. Successful completion will give the surviving player power-ups such as energy drinks, weapons and even key cards. This isn’t something I’ve ever before seen in an asymmetrical multiplayer horror title and having the ability to help in-game players instead of just observing them is an excellent touch. I hope we see more of the same in upcoming genre additions.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game – Summary
Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is perhaps the only asymmetrical multiplayer game that I’ve every truly enjoyed. As a fan of the cult movie, I was expecting to be bitterly disappointed by the game adaptation. I mean, let’s face it, there isn’t exactly a great history of movie adapted video games but instead found myself lost for hours, bathing in the nostalgic waters that the game so abundantly offers.
However, I can’t see the game earning a permanent spot on my hard drive. Despite its many charms and KKfoS Easter eggs, there’s no doubt that the rinse and repeat approach will soon become repetitive. For this reason, I’m finding it hard to justify the current price tag of $60 but would recommend looking out for it in future sales.