The horror genre in the world of video games has had its fair share of successes and failures. When it comes to translating iconic horror film franchises into interactive experiences, the results can be quite hit or miss. I had high hopes for “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” video game, especially after enjoying the “The Evil Dead” game. However, after spending some time with it, I can confidently say that my excitement was quickly replaced with disappointment.

The game starts with a promising premise: taking on the role of a survivor or a member of the infamous Texas Chainsaw Massacre family. It’s an asymmetrical game, which means that one player assumes the role of the killer, Leatherface, while others play as survivors trying to escape his relentless pursuit. On paper, this concept sounds intriguing, offering players the opportunity to step into the shoes of both victim and villain in the gruesome world of Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

My initial enthusiasm was driven by the desire for a fresh take on the horror gaming experience. The Evil Dead game had shown that such adaptations could work well, and I was eager to see what this new IP had to offer. Unfortunately, my excitement was unfounded, as “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” commits one of the worst sins an asymmetrical horror game can commit—it’s simply not fun.

As a survivor, the game fails to evoke the fear and tension that should accompany the desperate escape from a relentless killer. Running from the family members lacks the heart-pounding intensity I had hoped for, and there’s a noticeable lack of variety in the gameplay. The terror factor diminishes further when you realize that Leatherface’s appearances are limited to a handful of predictable killing animations. After encountering them a couple of times the fear factor fades away, leaving behind a sense of monotony.

Switching over to the family’s side doesn’t improve the situation. Playing as a member of the deranged family should be a disturbing and engaging experience, but it falls flat. Chasing survivors around the same map feels repetitive and uninspired. The thrill of being part of the infamous Texas Chainsaw Massacre clan quickly fades into boredom.

I must give credit where it’s due though. Playing as Leatherface himself does bring a bit of fun into the mix—initially. The first couple of times you wield the iconic chainsaw and terrorise the survivors can be exhilarating. However, this excitement is short-lived, as the lack of variety in gameplay mechanics and objectives becomes painfully apparent. The game’s potential for replayability is severely hampered by its limited scope.

One aspect that deserves acknowledgment is the commitment some players show to their roles as psychopaths. Upon entering my first lobby, I was greeted with a player who immediately told me to “kill myself,” emphasising the dedication to portraying the family’s dark characters. While this level of immersion can be commendable in a role-playing sense, it doesn’t compensate for the fundamental gameplay flaws.

In my experience, there really isn’t much to say about this game. It feels like a missed opportunity, a lackluster effort that falls short of delivering a truly captivating horror gaming experience. It’s as if the developers opted for the path of least resistance, failing to invest the necessary effort and creativity into crafting a robust and engaging game.

Considering the underwhelming gameplay, lack of variety, and the overall absence of a compelling experience, it’s genuinely difficult to justify the price tag that comes with “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” It feels more like something that should be free-to-play, with the hope of enticing players to spend money on microtransactions or additional content.

In conclusion, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” video game left me disappointed and wanting more. It’s a game that squanders its potential, offering little more than a few fleeting moments of enjoyment as Leatherface. With its repetitive and uninspired gameplay, it falls far short of what a horror game based on such an iconic franchise should be. Regrettably, I can only give it

3 / 10

Written by Luke.

Edited by Alexx.