Killer Clowns (2016)

"Killer Clowns" is a single-player shooter game with a spooky comedy theme, drawing inspiration from classics like DOOM and DUSK. The game features stunning "1993 cutting-edge graphics," appropriately violent gameplay, and a captivating 30 minutes to 1-hour campaign. With a quirky soundtrack by JellyAvi, hidden levels, and unique 'Clowncyclopedia,' this game offers a memorable and immersive experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 14,581 reviews

music1,197 positive mentions

stability29 negative mentions

music
2,289 mentions
52 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in "Dusk," composed by Andrew Hulshult, has received widespread acclaim for its dynamic and immersive quality, effectively blending heavy metal with atmospheric elements to enhance both combat and exploration. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack's ability to shift from eerie ambient tracks during quieter moments to adrenaline-pumping metal during intense battles, creating a compelling audio experience that complements the game's fast-paced gameplay and retro aesthetic. Overall, the soundtrack is often described as one of the standout features of the game, elevating it to a must-play for fans of the genre.
- “The soundtrack, composed by Andrew Hulshult, is a love letter to the heavy metal and industrial music of the '90s, perfectly complementing the frenetic action on-screen and enhancing the overall experience.”
- “Andrew Hulshult's music for the game adds so much to this experience, with a surprisingly nuanced blend of ambience and adrenaline that is the perfect accompaniment to slaughter evil hordes of Lovecraftian nightmares.”
- “The music that accompanies your bloody exploits is pitch-perfect, building tension with ambient synths while you explore and then getting your blood pumping with industrial rock as fights kick off.”
- “I find it somewhat repetitive and boring, though the setting and music are interesting enough for me.”
- “The music choice, specifically the Doom 2016 styled EDM pretending to be heavy metal that plays during the action, is extremely out of place and is already dated.”
- “I just expected such a well-directed game to care more about being unique in its music department.”
gameplay
1,770 mentions
43 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Dusk is widely praised for its fast-paced, fluid mechanics reminiscent of classic first-person shooters like Quake and Doom, combining nostalgic aesthetics with modern gameplay elements. Players appreciate the tight controls, satisfying gunplay, and engaging level design that encourages exploration and skillful movement, including mechanics like bunny hopping and wall climbing. While some reviewers note occasional frustrations with level design and certain mechanics, the overall consensus highlights Dusk as a standout title in the retro FPS genre, delivering a thrilling and addictive experience.
- “Gameplay is tight, fast, and every enemy is compelling and fun to fight.”
- “The gameplay is lightning-fast, and the emphasis is firmly placed on skill, reflexes, and mastering the mechanics.”
- “Dusk expertly combines 90's and contemporary FPS themes and gameplay.”
- “Some mechanics are not being explained properly and level design got me frustrated every once in a level, where I can't understand what the game wants from me and what I should do (you know, when there is a small lamp somewhere in the edge of the arena).”
- “For a game that has its entire gameplay revolve around having a lot of guns and magdumping with them, you'd think there'd be some synergy, some cool stuff you can do, etc. you'd guess wrong, you can rocket jump, you can do a weird lesser jump with the crossbow.... you can flip mid-air.... the crossbow pierces infinitely.... the sword can deflect attacks as long as you have morale.... that's about all of the 'unique' features there are in the whole game.”
- “The gameplay is very repetitive, tedious and lackluster, and it also lacks the general charm a lot of other games of this genre have, or their much more intricate gameplay elements.”
graphics
1,442 mentions
29 % positive mentions
68 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The graphics of *Dusk* are intentionally retro, emulating the low-poly aesthetic of 90s first-person shooters like *Quake* and *Doom*, which many players find charming and nostalgic. While some criticize the simplistic visuals as outdated, others appreciate how they enhance the game's atmosphere and gameplay, allowing for smooth performance even on lower-end systems. Overall, the graphics serve as a love letter to classic FPS titles, with customizable options that cater to both retro enthusiasts and modern players.
- “Dusk is gracefully not even a little bit self-conscious about its premise, instead putting a sincere effort into emulating the game design, graphics, and cheesy atmosphere of 90s shooters.”
- “This game entirely makes the case for legacy FPS aesthetics and design, not simply as an homage to the classics but a starting point for building something new upon those hallowed foundations.”
- “Dusk perfectly replicates the formula of classic FPS games like Doom, and expands upon it with better graphics, more interesting environments, new weapons, enemies, and much more.”
- “The only thing that prevented me from trying the game until now were the visuals, which were a bit too 'old school' for me.”
- “The graphics are awful and very low poly.”
- “I have a feeling that if Blood 2 ever received a bug fix/remaster patch, I would rather play that, as Dusk's graphics are that bad.”
atmosphere
1,127 mentions
57 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Dusk" is widely praised for its immersive and eerie qualities, effectively blending elements of horror with the fast-paced action typical of 90s first-person shooters. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to create a sense of dread through its dark visuals, haunting sound design, and a dynamic soundtrack that shifts from atmospheric to adrenaline-pumping metal during combat. Overall, the game successfully captures the essence of classic shooters while establishing a unique and compelling atmosphere that keeps players engaged and on edge throughout their experience.
- “The atmosphere is incredible, and having the old retro feeling of Doom/Quake makes it an enjoyable experience, also like Quake, making you find your weapons again on each chapter.”
- “The atmosphere is amazing and very immersive; the game is outright spooky at times.”
- “Dusk is a horror game with guns, lots of guns, and it legitimately knows how to create an atmosphere that will leave you creeped out, and checking around every corner.”
- “The atmosphere is so thick you can touch it with your bare hands.”
- “The atmosphere, especially later in the game, is impeccable; while the game was going for a retro throwback look at first, it quickly veers into something far more unique and likable.”
- “The atmosphere is genuinely unnerving at times, and there are some enemies (which I will not spoil) that provide a thrill every time I fight them.”
story
865 mentions
25 % positive mentions
71 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The story in "Dusk" is minimalistic and often serves as a backdrop to the fast-paced gameplay, with much of the narrative conveyed through environmental storytelling rather than cutscenes or extensive dialogue. Players encounter a Lovecraftian horror theme as they navigate through various levels filled with cultists and supernatural elements, piecing together the plot through atmospheric cues and subtle hints. While some players appreciate the simplicity and focus on action, others find the story lacking depth, making it clear that the primary draw of the game lies in its gameplay rather than its narrative.
- “The game has amazing environmental storytelling through the layouts of the maps and the look of said maps as well.”
- “Dusk is an old-school FPS with a primitive plot and hordes of enemies, but it does an amazing job of standing on its own since it does a great job with atmosphere and environmental storytelling.”
- “The story flows perfectly through the levels, and the combination of player catchphrases, clever level design, and little haunting communications on the walls and from the demonic announcer all combine to make you want to progress and give you an understanding of the overall story.”
- “Dusk's story is painfully simple, but if you came to this sort of game for in-depth storytelling, then you're in the wrong place.”
- “The story is almost nonexistent, but it's enough to keep you engaged, whilst not detracting from the main selling point: the shooting.”
- “The story is lacking a bit, though I know you don't come to these kinds of games for story; I didn't understand exactly why I was going to these locations or what was really being achieved besides just killing all of the enemies.”
humor
155 mentions
97 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The humor in "Dusk" is a standout feature, blending dark, edgy jokes with absurd and slapstick elements, such as throwing soap at enemies and quirky boss fights. Players appreciate the game's self-aware, campy tone, which evokes nostalgia for classic shooters while delivering genuinely funny moments and clever easter eggs. Overall, the humor enhances the fast-paced gameplay, making it both entertaining and memorable, though some may find it hit-or-miss depending on personal taste.
- “Dusk is a funny retro shooter game, which unfortunately has not added something interesting to the genre.”
- “The developers occasionally visit the forums, too, and their sense of humor is a refreshing change.”
- “The physics are hilarious, the weapons are ridiculous, and the enemies are relentless.”
- “The themes are edgy, paralleling games like Blood, but the art style is hopefully intentionally bad in an unfunny way.”
- “I've been jumpscared by rats seven times now, and it's not funny.”
- “I felt that it became better the more the game went on, but due to my lack of wisdom, I find the game to be 'not funny at all.'”
replayability
144 mentions
41 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability through various modes, including an arena mode, numerous secrets to discover, and user-generated content via a workshop. Players can engage in speedrunning, seek achievements, and explore different difficulty levels, enhancing the overall experience. While some reviewers noted limited replay value, many praised the game's design and mechanics, suggesting it remains enjoyable for multiple playthroughs.
- “The game also brings a lot of replay value to the table such as the arena mode where you kill endless hordes of enemies, the countless amount of secrets there are to discover, and even the workshop bringing in custom, user-made levels for you to play.”
- “The modding community has embraced Dusk, creating everything from new levels to total conversions, extending the game's lifespan and making it endlessly replayable.”
- “The sheer amount of replayability and mountains of content on display here is incredible.”
- “It's not super flashy like Ultrakill, it doesn't have the combat depth of Doom Eternal, it doesn't have the replayability of DRG, nor does it have the story of something like Titanfall 2.”
- “My only gripe with this game is the lack of replayability, but that is still understandable.”
- “The first playthrough is fun but there's no replay value.”
optimization
61 mentions
43 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization receives mixed feedback, with many players praising its smooth performance and ability to run well on low-end devices, while others report issues like stuttering and tearing, particularly on high-end PCs. Recent updates have improved performance significantly, but some users still experience technical hiccups. Despite these inconsistencies, the game is generally regarded as well-optimized for a retro FPS experience, offering a variety of graphical settings to enhance performance.
- “The game runs smoothly even on low-end devices and the combat is fast as all hell, and the level design is like nothing I've experienced before, and can be anything from a classic hillbilly cabin to psychedelic horror madness.”
- “You can easily note how much effort the team behind the game put in to perfect the experience: the controls are smooth, performance is surprisingly stable even on old machines, and enemies behave differently instead of being just mindless targets.”
- “I love this game, it has all the style of a retro boomer shooter but it is so well optimized to make the gameplay super fast, fluid, and fun.”
- “This literally just feels as though it was collecting dust on a floppy since the 90's and was just released with optimizations for new OS.”
- “Performance on a high-end PC was terrible with a lot of headache-inducing stuttering.”
- “It's crafting a game that would be limited by technology and game engine performance in the 90's, but had to be 'held back' and kept at a specific level artificially using Unity.”
stability
45 mentions
33 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
64 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed, with some players reporting a smooth experience with minimal glitches, while others encounter significant issues such as crashes and graphical glitches, particularly in multiplayer modes. Many users noted that it runs well on various hardware, including low-end systems, but some experienced frustrating bugs that detracted from gameplay. Despite these inconsistencies, several players praised the game for being relatively stable compared to other recent releases.
- “Gameplay is super smooth and satisfying, runs great and looks good, the story is good (but stays out of the way, lets you figure things out yourself).”
- “Runs great on low-end hardware (Intel 4600 iGPU), and it also works flawlessly on Linux.”
- “Amazing level design, authentic (and very customizable) look and feel, runs great without any hiccups.”
- “The multiplayer is dead, and had many glitches.”
- “This game is buggy as **** and literally crashes my entire computer but I still play it.”
- “But there are a fair amount of bugs and glitches that I am experiencing currently that kind of ruin the game.”
emotional
37 mentions
97 % positive mentions
-5 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of feelings, from nostalgia and empowerment to fear and chaos. Players report being deeply moved by the game's atmosphere, music, and fast-paced action, often feeling both powerful and terrified simultaneously. However, some also experience discomfort, such as motion sickness, which detracts from their overall emotional engagement.
- “A deeply emotional, thought-provoking experience.”
- “There has never been a game that made me feel so empowered and yet so fearful.”
- “I want to cry for all the years of my life I lost not playing Dusk.”
- “The emotional moments felt forced and didn't resonate with me at all.”
- “I found the character development lacking, which made it hard to connect emotionally.”
- “The attempts at emotional depth fell flat and felt more like a checklist than genuine storytelling.”
grinding
37 mentions
16 % positive mentions
19 % neutral mentions
65 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often detracting from the otherwise enjoyable gameplay. Many reviews highlight the slow navigation, limited ammo, and backtracking as significant sources of frustration, leading to a desire for more streamlined experiences. While some levels offer engaging mechanics, the overall sentiment is that the game can become a slog, especially during extended play sessions.
- “At first, it's just what you'd expect from a game like this, although it isn't tedious in the slightest; however, as you progress to about halfway through the game, dusk decides to change things up a little.”
- “Secrets are fun to find and not tedious; can't recommend enough.”
- “Don't worry, it's simple, no tedious cutscenes, you'll still be on the go and not miss a beat.”
- “The slow and tedious navigation cannibalizes the thrilling pace of the gunplay.”
- “It's a very repetitive, tedious, and lackluster gameplay experience that also lacks the general charm a lot of other games of this genre have, or their much more intricate gameplay elements.”
- “But as you continue the levels, the charm is gone and quickly it becomes tedious.”
monetization
21 mentions
10 % positive mentions
19 % neutral mentions
71 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is praised for its absence of microtransactions, loot boxes, or any modern monetization tactics, distinguishing it from many contemporary titles. Reviewers emphasize that the game offers a genuine homage to classic FPS games without resorting to cash grab strategies, providing a complete and engaging experience without additional costs. Overall, it is celebrated for focusing on gameplay quality rather than profit-driven models.
- “Dusk should get a Game of the Year award, with various enemies to fight against, a soundtrack that you can bang your head to for hours at a time, no microtransactions of the sort, really good art design, options to optimize your game to your liking, levels that have really cool gimmicks, superb gunplay, and much more to offer such as Dusk multiplayer.”
- “No loadouts, no experience system, no microtransactions, nothing.”
- “Overall I don't know how dedicated these guys are about making a proper game, but this feels like a cash grab trying to not look like one.”
- “This isn't some cash grab aimed at people who yearn for the days of Quake; this is a genuinely great FPS that feels ripped right out of that time period.”
- “No loot boxes or other microtransactions, no other modern AAA game nonsense, multiplayer mode, an upcoming co-op mode, and amazing boss fights.”
character development
5 mentions
60 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is primarily focused on enemy design, with each enemy featuring unique functions and distinct, recognizable designs that enhance gameplay. However, players seeking deep, layered character development and narrative-driven storytelling may find the game lacking in these areas. Overall, while the visual and functional aspects of characters are well-executed, the depth of character development is minimal.
- “Incredible level and character design.”
- “Character designs were purposefully chunky, polygonal, and crude; however, they read really well, and you will instantly know how to deal with each monster type the second you see them.”
- “Everything from the character design to the level design and even the soundtrack is beyond amazing.”
- “If you are looking for a single-player story game with layered character development and scripted story sequences with dialogue, you will not find it here.”