Based on the cult classic film of the same name and developed by seasoned asymmetrical multiplayer game studio IllFonic (Friday the 13th, Predator: Hunting Grounds, Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed), Killer Klowns from Outer Space is just the (arcade) ticket for fans of the ’80s film that are chomping at the bit for a sequel.
The game is designed much like its peers – it pits a group of humans against a team of antagonists (in this case, the titular Klowns) and tasks them with surviving whilst either eliminating their foes or stealthily sneaking to and unlocking a variety of exits. While most types of these games are 1v4, in the ratio of the killer to survivors, Killer Klowns from Outer Space is 3 Klowns vs 7 Humans. Humans can win by either helping each other escape by collecting items from around the map to fend off the Klown invasion, or by being selfish and exiting the map themselves. Klowns can be victorious by harvesting all humans (before they can resurrect their companions) using a host of fun, wacky, and source-material-appropriate weaponry or by triggering the Klownpocalypse. Although the gameplay is nothing completely new in this popular subgenre, the presentation, balance, and replayability are incredibly likeable and intoxicating, bringing players back for match after match and having it not feel boring even though there are, at the time of release, a minimal selection of maps. In each match, you are randomly assigned a team, meaning that wait times are low, and it encourages players to expand their skill set and playstyle, even if they prefer Klown or Human, or vice versa.
Like most games that are online multiplayer only, it contains some bugs that lead to moments of infuriation when attacks do not connect or glitch through objects in the world. However, that minor gripe does not deter from the fact that this game is highly addictive and will have fans of the cult movie smiling from ear to ear – and wanting a sequel to the film even more than before!
PLATFORM: PC / PS5 (REVIEWED) / XBOX SERIES | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
