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
- gameplay1,564 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" offers a mix of intense, asymmetrical horror mechanics that can be engaging and fun, particularly when played with friends. However, many players report significant issues such as unbalanced gameplay, bugs, and a lack of content variety, leading to a repetitive experience over time. While the core mechanics and atmosphere are praised, the overall execution suffers from technical problems and questionable design choices that detract from the enjoyment.
“The core gameplay is pretty damn good.”
“The strategic depth and variety in gameplay ensure that no two matches are the same, keeping you hooked for hours.”
“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 game has now gone through two different developers and the newest patch, which was to be a minor one released today, has led to majorly broken gameplay and lots of new bugs.”
“The gameplay gets stale due to its lack of content.”
“The core gameplay becomes stale very soon, and the character progression becomes excruciatingly slow after a couple hours.”
- stability599 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous players reporting persistent bugs, glitches, and crashes that severely impact gameplay. Many reviews highlight issues such as game freezes, connection errors, and unresponsive mechanics, making the experience frustrating and often unplayable. While some players still find enjoyment in the game, the overwhelming consensus is that it remains in a very buggy state, necessitating urgent fixes from the developers.
“Runs great on Steam Deck, super fun fresh game.”
“It's been 2 days since launch and there have been a few expected launch bugs with lag and matchmaking errors, but overall it looks and runs great.”
“Love this game! It's better than DBD and most other forms of these games. The fact it's only been out for 2 days and yet it's in better shape than most games—no lag, no glitches, I'm getting full lobbies. The game is amazing!”
“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)”
“It's just riddled with bugs and glitches that just make the game damn near unplayable and even when you can play they make you want to just delete the game because it isn't enjoyable.”
“The game is plagued by bugs, glitches, and poor design choices that make it frustrating and boring to play.”
- graphics533 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 and immersive atmosphere, effectively capturing the essence of the original 1974 film. Many players highlight the game's detailed character models, well-designed maps, and realistic animations, although some report performance issues and high system requirements that can hinder gameplay. Overall, while the graphics are often described as top-notch, there are concerns about optimization and technical bugs that need addressing.
“The graphics are well done, the best graphics of all asymmetrical horror games out there.”
“Graphics and atmosphere here are gorgeous, very well complemented with the animations for both the victims and family members.”
“The graphics, sound design, character animations, music, level design, and atmosphere are all fantastic and faithful to the original 1974 film.”
“The controls were as responsive as a wall, graphics are so outdated I felt like I was playing on a relic.”
“First and foremost, the game's graphics were shockingly subpar. In an era where photorealistic visuals are the standard, 'Dreadful Descent' felt like a throwback to the early 2000s.”
“Despite its strong visuals and sound design, the game suffers from major technical issues, broken lobbies, bugs, and balance problems that ruin the experience.”
- atmosphere224 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" game is widely praised for its immersive and oppressive qualities, effectively capturing the eerie essence of the original 1974 film. Players commend the detailed environments, haunting sound design, and the overall tension that keeps them on edge, creating a chilling experience reminiscent of classic slasher horror. However, some reviews note that while the atmosphere is strong, gameplay issues and repetitiveness can detract from the overall experience.
“With its intense atmosphere and relentless tension, this game successfully captures the essence of terror.”
“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.”
“The game's atmosphere is oppressively terrifying, thanks to meticulously crafted environments and sound design that would make Tobe Hooper proud.”
“The game's graphics are gritty and unsettling, effectively immersing players in the eerie and decaying atmosphere of rural Texas.”
“It felt like the developers were more interested in making players jump out of their seats than in creating a genuinely eerie atmosphere.”
- optimization217 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 42 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with players reporting severe performance issues such as frequent crashes, stuttering, and low frame rates, 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. While some players have noted improvements, the overall consensus is that the game requires significant optimization to be playable and enjoyable.
“From the moment I fired it up, I was hooked by its mesmerizing gameplay, flawless optimization, and jaw-dropping graphics.”
“The flawless optimization ensures that you're never ripped out of the immersive atmosphere due to technical glitches or performance issues.”
“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.”
- humor170 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a significant highlight, often leading to hilarious moments, especially when playing with friends. While some players find the game frustrating due to bugs and balance issues, many still enjoy the comedic aspects, such as funny character interactions and unexpected gameplay scenarios. Overall, the game is described as a fun and entertaining experience, particularly for fans of horror and chaotic multiplayer gameplay.
“You might find yourself laughing along… and then questioning your own sanity.”
“Makes for some hilarious moments!”
“When you've got your friends in on the action, it's an absolute blast– I've been laughing my head off.”
- story168 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story is primarily rooted in the narrative of the original 1974 film, with players experiencing the horror through the perspectives of both victims and the cannibalistic family. While some players appreciate the visual storytelling and lore integration, many express disappointment over the lack of a dedicated story mode and the game's reliance on multiplayer mechanics, which detracts from a more immersive narrative experience. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a highlight for some, but many feel it could benefit from deeper character development and additional content to enhance replayability.
“The game's storytelling is a highlight, staying true to the film while adding depth and context.”
“They did really well to recreate the story; it actually feels like you're in it!”
“All the little easter eggs calling back to the movie are always amazing, and the lore that is intertwined with the game makes me feel more connected to it on a different story level than just only attributing the game solely to the movie.”
“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.”
“Perhaps the most infuriating aspect of the game was its story.”
“It fails on almost every level, from its lackluster graphics and sound design to its incoherent story and frustrating gameplay.”
- grinding105 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 16 % neutral mentions
- 81 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players describing it as tedious, time-consuming, and lacking in satisfaction. Many reviewers express frustration over the extensive time required to level up characters, compounded by long lobby waits and a convoluted skill tree system that detracts from the overall enjoyment. While some players find enjoyment in the grind and appreciate the potential for character unlocks, the general consensus is that the grinding mechanics significantly hinder the game's fun factor.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“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.”
“The leveling and character selection is incredibly tedious and if you aren't prepared to grind to max out at least 3 characters you'll be forced to play with 0 skills and level 1 default perks.”
- monetization95 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 26 % neutral mentions
- 72 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with players expressing frustration over high-priced DLC characters, aggressive microtransactions, and a lack of meaningful updates or content. Many reviewers feel that the developers prioritize profit over player experience, leading to a perception of the game as a poorly executed attempt to exploit its fanbase. Overall, the reliance on monetization has detracted from the game's potential and enjoyment, leaving players disillusioned.
“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.”
“I love this game, I just hope they won't kill it with the monetization in the future.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Seems the developers care more about creating cash grab cosmetics than addressing the massive systemic problems the game has had since release.”
- replayability85 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its strategic elements, diverse character builds, and skill trees that encourage experimentation, leading to enjoyable and varied gameplay experiences. However, others criticize its limited content and lack of new game modes, which can diminish long-term appeal and leave players wanting more. Overall, while many find it fun and replayable, concerns about content exhaustion and the need for additional features persist.
“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.”
“The game as of now is not focused on replayability, which is a huge turn-off for me.”
“The lack of variation reduces replay value, leaving players hungry for more challenges and settings to explore.”
“The game's limited replayability may be a drawback, as players may exhaust the available content relatively quickly, potentially reducing its long-term appeal.”
- music72 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its immersive and atmospheric qualities that enhance the overall experience, particularly in evoking tension and horror. While some users highlight the effective sound design and memorable tracks, others criticize certain repetitive elements and menu music as annoying. Overall, the soundtrack is generally regarded as a strong aspect of the game, contributing significantly to its chilling ambiance and connection to the original film.
“The sound design and music do a great job at setting the mood for what the game is.”
“The atmosphere and music give you goosebumps whenever the killers are near you.”
“The soundtrack and scenic backdrop are incredibly immersive, and the open mics are amazing for teamwork on both sides.”
“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”
- emotional30 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is described as a mix of heartwarming moments and darker themes, with players experiencing both wholesome interactions and intense gameplay. While some find joy in the game's family-oriented themes and community, others express frustration over gameplay mechanics that detract from their emotional investment. Overall, the game elicits a range of feelings, from warmth and compassion to disappointment and anger, particularly following updates that disrupt established playstyles.
“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 Chain Saw Massacre' – a heartwarming tale of family values, cozy dinner parties, and DIY home improvement.”
- character development25 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 28 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is praised for its impressive designs and attention to detail, contributing to a visceral horror experience. Players appreciate the unique skills and progression systems, as well as the involvement of original film creators, which enhances authenticity. However, there are calls for more voice lines and improvements in balancing and character progression to fully realize its potential.
“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.”
“This is truly all compliment to the dark environments, impeccable, spine-chilling sound design, and grotesquely accurate character design (flesh and blood inclusive).”
“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%