The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game is a homage to the 1974 film and includes references in a bundle. This is my first time playing this type of game, as I've never played Dead by Daylight, although now I do feel more intrigued to see what all the fuss is about. This game is so much fun to play with friends online - it even inspired me to go and check out the original film.

It does appear to be an online-only game, which could disappoint those wanting a solo story mode or campaign. The atmosphere really sets the tone, and the graphics are reasonable for the type of game we're investing in. You can either play as a victim or a family member hunting down their prey. The idea is simplistic but works; however, I can imagine that after a dozen or so hours, it may well become repetitive for the more serious gamer.

Everything that audiences loved about the films has been transitioned into the game, making it a very real and authentic horror experience. If you've ever wondered how you might cope with being trapped and isolated, chased down by crazed lunatics, or stuck in the family's basement trying to escape - nothing has come closer to that experience than this.

I love the Texas Chain Saw Massacre 1974 and this game is a fun addition to the lore of the old films.

Kane Hodder as Leatherface, can't go wrong there.

Scout Taylor Compton (RZ's Halloween) plays Julie and also serves as motion-capture for all of the female survivors. That detail is fun for horror fans like me because you can play as one of 3 fictional TCM scream queen (victims), and one is voiced by Scout herself.

The setting borrows the tunnels from the second TCM film & the house from the first film in a juxtaposition, of a familiar looking atmosphere to traverse, for the gameplay and navigation.

Victims start the match after hearing the audio of a harrowing mystery crime case that plays during the loading screens which continuously adds story context to the murder mystery all players are engulphed in.

Once the victim frees themselves the hunt and chase is on. As a survivor you have to scavenge for bone scraps, screwdrivers, and health bottles to make your way towards more key items that will unlock final exits for the victims.

All while Leatherface (a mandatory player for the Family side, 3 against 4, 3 killers, 4 survivors) and his "Family" is chasing victims through wall crevices, traps, and the chaotic scattershot of sandbox objectives in order to build an escape as a victim.

Now, I personally love Dead By Daylight, I enjoyed Resident Evil Resistance, couldn't really get in to Evil Dead The Game, and wished Friday the 13th got the help it deserved. So with that said, this game surprised me for being a film-tie-in.

Any online game like this takes time, practice, and patience before you get the hang of things. As much as I love Dead by Daylight, TCM the game makes it look rather dated and simplistic.

Though not perfect, the matchmaking is still rough. If not enough players join the lobby, it counts down anyway. Then Leatherface is required as one of the 3 Killers. Victims can be swapped amongst players, but unlike DBD nobody can share the same character per round. This makes for some dodgy Lobby experiences where you may not even get a Killer who wants to play Leatherface, or a D/c because someone didn't want to swap Victims. I hope matchmaking improves. They could also add more outfits & cosmetics.

With that aside, this game is a fun tribute game, I just recommend you research survival tips or at least learn the characters and the basics to ward off any instant frustrations one might have. Online games move rather quickly once everyone is up to speed.

This game packs a thrill that is designed with respect to the source material, right down to references about star signs. It echoes the lore in a presentation of previous murder mystery intended to broaden the universe. I'm surprised at how it manages to succeed, it will just be interesting to see if it's willing to survive.

I'm glad they spent some time on this to make it special.