The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
- August 18, 2023
- Sumo Digital
- 40h median play time
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre proves itself as an engaging, intense thrill ride - and one of the best multiplayer games of this generation.
"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" is a survival horror game that follows the film's storyline, allowing players to experience the terror of being pursued by the deranged Sawyer family. The game is a faithful recreation of the 1974 classic, featuring iconic locations, weapons, and characters. Players must escape the relentless pursuit of Leatherface and his chainsaw while uncovering the dark secrets of the Sawyer family's farm.
Reviews
- The game captures the atmosphere of the original 1974 movie beautifully, with impressive graphics and sound design.
- Gameplay is intense and thrilling, providing a unique experience for both victims and family members.
- The game is fun to play with friends, offering a variety of strategies and interactions.
- Matchmaking is often slow, with long wait times for lobbies and frequent disconnections, making it feel like a 'lobby simulator'.
- The game is heavily unbalanced, favoring family members, which can lead to frustrating experiences for new players.
- DLC characters and cosmetics are overpriced, leading to a pay-to-win perception and dissatisfaction among players.
- gameplay794 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" has received mixed reviews, with many players enjoying the core mechanics and the unique 3v4 asymmetrical setup, which adds depth and strategy to matches. However, numerous complaints highlight issues such as unbalanced gameplay, frustrating bugs, and a lack of meaningful updates, leading to a repetitive experience that can detract from overall enjoyment. While the game shows potential, especially in its immersive atmosphere and character abilities, many players feel that significant improvements are needed to enhance gameplay balance and fix technical problems.
“The gameplay is fun at first but it is janky as hell, even more than Dead by Daylight, and with 1000+ hours in that game, I can say DBD is jank as hell.”
“The gameplay is a thrilling cat-and-mouse game, filled with brutal encounters and heart-stopping moments whether you're the hunter or the hunted.”
“The core gameplay is pretty damn good.”
“This game is just full of unfair mechanics.”
“The gameplay has unfortunately just become tedious and boring.”
“The core gameplay becomes stale very soon, and the character progression becomes excruciatingly slow after a couple of hours.”
- stability308 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The game's stability is widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly detract from the overall experience. Common problems include game freezes, disconnections, and unresponsive mechanics, leading many to describe it as a "buggy mess." While some players still find enjoyment in the core gameplay, the persistent technical issues and lack of timely fixes from the developers have left many feeling frustrated and disappointed.
“Overall, the game is good; from my experience, it's not buggy or laggy. The gameplay is pretty fun, and you can play multiple sorts of gameplay.”
“Runs great on Lenovo Legion Go!”
“Love this game; it's better than DBD and most other games of its kind. It's only been out for 2 days, and yet it's in better shape than most games—no lag, no glitches, and I'm getting full lobbies.”
“Doors not opening or closing (that one is there since the launch and well known), graphical glitches, camera noclipping through the ground so you can't see a thing, someone disconnects and you can't hear anything with the cook because for some reason the survivor that disconnected is treated as a generator, but that's not even the major issue when you see that the family is so broken...”
“The game is chock full of bugs and glitches which are known to exist for months (basically the beginning of the game), yet guess what, they are not fixed :) (the devs said they will fix most of them, however I can't vouch for the longevity of the game, if it takes them this much time to fix things that are 2 months old)”
“This game is an unfinished, buggy, sad excuse for a finished game.”
- graphics271 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals, immersive atmosphere, and faithful recreation of the original film's aesthetic. Many players highlight the game's impressive character design and environmental details, although some report performance issues and bugs that can detract from the experience. Overall, while the graphics are often described as top-notch, the game's optimization remains a concern for some users.
“The graphics are beautiful, the game runs smoothly (for the most part), the ambiance is great for a horror buff like me, and for someone who needed to study this movie in college, it gave me those nostalgia chills.”
“The graphics are amazing, and even on my gaming laptop, I can run everything in ultra without FPS stutters.”
“With graphics that border on photorealistic, this game sets a new standard for horror gaming visuals.”
“The controls were as responsive as a wall, graphics are so outdated I felt like I was playing on a relic.”
“It's 2023, and there's no excuse for such lackluster graphics in a horror game.”
“Despite its strong visuals and sound design, the game suffers from major technical issues, broken lobbies, bugs, and balance problems that ruin the experience.”
- atmosphere112 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" game is widely praised for its immersive and terrifying qualities, effectively capturing the essence of the original 1974 film. Players commend the stunning graphics, detailed environments, and haunting sound design that contribute to a suspenseful and oppressive mood, making it a standout experience for horror enthusiasts. However, some reviews note that while the atmosphere is initially captivating, it can become less impactful over time due to gameplay repetition and technical issues.
“The game excels in creating a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
“The atmosphere is excellent, the sound design is hauntingly effective, and the overall tension is palpable.”
“The intricate attention to detail in recreating the infamous Sawyer family's environment, along with the relentless pursuit of Leatherface, creates an atmosphere that keeps players on the edge of their seats.”
“Whoever designed the basement in Nancy's house did a wonderful job giving a visual backstory to Nancy and Johnny's characters, and created a really sickening and horrifying atmosphere.”
“The game's atmosphere is oppressively terrifying, thanks to meticulously crafted environments and sound design that would make Tobe Hooper proud.”
“It felt like the developers were more interested in making players jump out of their seats than in creating a genuinely eerie atmosphere.”
- optimization109 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 42 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with players reporting severe performance issues, including frequent crashes, stuttering, and long load times, even on high-end hardware. Many users express frustration over the lack of effective updates to address these problems, leading to a frustrating gaming experience that detracts from its potential. Overall, the consensus is that significant optimization improvements are needed for the game to be enjoyable and playable.
“The flawless optimization ensures that you're never ripped out of the immersive atmosphere due to technical glitches or performance issues.”
“From the moment I fired it up, I was hooked by its mesmerizing gameplay, flawless optimization, and jaw-dropping graphics.”
“Optimization is where this game truly shines.”
“Despite meeting the recommended specs, the game is poorly optimized with long load times and constant frame rate drops.”
“The performance and bugs are all over the place; sometimes the game randomly freezes, sometimes you can't pick a certain perk, sometimes hits don't register, and sometimes you get stuck in a wall. All of that is reflected in the patch notes where 75% of them are 'yes, we fixed this issue that was here since release.'”
“Game barely opens, terribly optimized and bugs everywhere; it's almost impossible to play the game.”
- story85 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story is primarily rooted in the lore of the 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre film, with players experiencing a mix of immersive visuals and character backstories that enhance the horror atmosphere. However, many players express disappointment over the lack of a dedicated story mode, feeling that the gameplay could benefit from a more structured narrative akin to other horror titles. While some appreciate the game's homage to the film's narrative, others criticize its execution and desire more depth and replayability through additional story content.
“The careful play style of the victims, all having their own backstory and goals, creates a rich narrative experience that enhances gameplay.”
“They did well creating a story purely through visuals and immersion, making players feel deeply connected to the game's atmosphere.”
“The game's storytelling is a highlight, staying true to the film while adding depth and context, making it a compelling experience.”
“A game based on the Texas Chainsaw Massacre could and should have been another exhilarating entry to the genre; instead, it has become something of a horror story itself.”
“Avoid this game unless you want your gaming experience to turn into a real-life horror story.”
“Perhaps the most infuriating aspect of the game was its story.”
- humor85 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a major draw, particularly when playing with friends, leading to many hilarious moments and interactions. Players appreciate the comedic elements, including funny bugs and absurd gameplay scenarios, although some express frustration with the game's balance and technical issues. Overall, the game is seen as a fun and entertaining experience, especially for fans of horror and chaotic gameplay.
“The game can be hilarious at times, which can help with the game.”
“When you've got your friends in on the action, it's an absolute blast– I've been laughing my head off.”
“It's amazing and the way you get 'stun' and the way you get stuck in walls and etc is just straight-up funny.”
- grinding54 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 81 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players describing it as tedious, boring, and excessively time-consuming. Many express frustration over long lobby waits, repetitive tasks, and a lack of meaningful rewards for their efforts, leading to a gameplay experience that feels more like a chore than fun. While some players find enjoyment in leveling up and appreciate the potential of the game, the overall sentiment is that the grinding mechanics detract significantly from the experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The gameplay has unfortunately just become tedious and boring.”
“The main gripe I have with this game though is the immense amount of grinding.”
“Game is way too grindy after you reach level 12-13, so if you don't get your leveled up character, you're playing with a garbage character and you're basically lost from the start.”
- monetization49 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 71 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, focusing heavily on overpriced microtransactions for cosmetics and DLC characters rather than improving gameplay or addressing existing issues. Many players feel that the developers prioritize profit over player experience, leading to a sense of disconnection from the community and a lack of meaningful content updates. Overall, the aggressive monetization model has significantly detracted from the game's enjoyment and longevity.
“Very fun and good looking game but gets stale quick unless you spend half your paycheck on in-game purchases.”
“While it successfully captures the essence of its source material with fantastic atmosphere and gameplay, its flawed progression system and reliance on microtransactions severely undercut its potential.”
“Hopefully, if the game can last long enough, they can offer a more elaborate system for unlockable outfits, characters, executions, etc. I understand that microtransactions can be a way to help support developers.”
“When I returned, I had hoped to see improvements (since, you know, it's been a year), but it appears the devs are primarily focused on microtransactions for skins rather than enhancing the overall player experience.”
“The game felt like it had so much soul in the beginning, but now it feels more like a cash grab... taking advantage of those who love the game so much they're willing to spend ridiculous amounts of money to support the developers.”
“Seems the developers care more about creating cash grab cosmetics than addressing the massive systemic problems the game has had since release.”
- replayability42 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the strategic depth offered by diverse character builds, skill trees, and map layouts, which encourage experimentation and teamwork. However, some reviewers note that the lack of additional content and game modes can lead to a sense of limited replayability over time. Overall, while the game provides exciting moments and varied experiences, its long-term appeal may be hindered by repetitive elements and a need for more content.
“There is strategy in and out of the game between perks, family selection, and map layout diversity, which adds a ton of replay value.”
“With its exceptional replayability, Texas Chainsaw Massacre promises countless hours of spine-tingling fun, ensuring you'll keep returning for more screams in the dark.”
“Games can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, sometimes you'll get a ridiculously easy escape and sometimes it will be a living nightmare trying to make your way to safety without being noticed-- this adds a lot of variety and replayability to the game, since you never know how each match is going to turn out.”
“And with them still not adding a higher level cap or a prestige system, neither game mode is made with replayability in mind.”
“The lack of variation reduces replay value, leaving players hungry for more challenges and settings to explore.”
“It might be fun with some friends for a few hours, but there is no replayability in this game.”
- music36 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its immersive and atmospheric qualities, effectively enhancing the overall experience and aligning well with the game's themes. While some users noted issues with repetitive or obnoxious tracks, many highlighted the chilling sound design and memorable soundtracks that contribute significantly to the game's tension and enjoyment. Overall, the audio team received commendations for their efforts, with several reviewers rating the music highly.
“The sound design and music do a great job at setting the mood for what the game is.”
“The atmosphere, music, noises and graphics are beautiful and horrifying!”
“Immersive background music and sound effects that fit the game's theme perfectly.”
“Instead of a carefully crafted, chilling soundtrack that could build tension, 'Dreadful Descent' relied on an annoying loop of creaky doors and generic jump-scare stings.”
“Music is a little obnoxious and I beg of anyone new to the game to turn that down because you will not hear a thing.”
“- annoying menu music asf ngl”
- emotional15 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with players experiencing a range of feelings from wholesome and heartwarming moments, such as family interactions, to frustration and disappointment over gameplay mechanics and updates. While some players appreciate the game's focus on compassion and cooperation, others feel that recent changes have detracted from their enjoyment, leading to feelings of anger and disillusionment. Overall, the emotional responses highlight both the game's potential for connection and the impact of gameplay issues on player satisfaction.
“Very wholesome family game about compassion and cooperation.”
“I watched Bubba pat his grandpa's head; that was sweet and heartwarming, then I got executed by his chainsaw.”
“Ah, 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' – a heartwarming tale of family values, cozy dinner parties, and DIY home improvement.”
- character development13 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is praised for its impressive design and attention to detail, with users highlighting the strong aesthetic and unique skills of the characters. The involvement of original film creators adds authenticity, enhancing the overall experience. However, some players feel that the developers need to improve aspects like balancing and progression to fully realize the potential of the character development.
“I love the character designs, and the gameplay.”
“Love that they brought on Kim Henkel, the original writer for the first film, to work with them on the character design; they even were able to have Edwin Neal come back to reprise his role as the hitchhiker. It's absolutely incredible.”
“All in all, the game is completely worth it... the developers just have a long way to go with nerfing, patching, skill and stat regulating, character development, etc. but even with all these things needing work.”
“The attention to detail in character design and environments adds a visceral layer to the horror.”
“This is truly all compliment to the dark environments, impeccable, spine-chilling sound design and grotesquely accurate character design (flesh and blood inclusive).”
Critic Reviews
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Review
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a joy to play, while there are some minor growing pains, it is more than worth your time and money.
80%The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Review
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game does not just use the horror franchise as an aesthetic but builds its core mechanics around the film's essence. The cinematography, music, and tone have been studied with religious fervor to recreate the macabre world Tobe Hooper created almost 50 years ago. Moreover, the gameplay and character progression give it the "just one more" feeling that is severely missing from other asymmetrical horror titles. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game transforms the iconic franchise into a terrifying experience that will haunt players for a long time.
95%The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Review - An Incredibly Faithful And Fresh Take On The Asymmetric Multiplayer Genre
Sumo Nottingham's fresh take on the asymmetric multiplayer genre is greatly welcomed. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre offers an intense horror experience when playing as the victims, and is equally as fun as chasing them down as the twisted Sawyer family. Faithfully capturing the iconic characters, and what made the original film so great, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a best in class of the genre.
85%