I took an extensive break from the asymmetrical horror genre following the overall toxicity of the Dead by Daylight community blossoming month after month. For a short while, it was the most fun I had playing online. Then, Killer Klowns From Outer Space entered the scene, promising a wackier experience overall within the very same genre. Does it deliver?
Bring On the Klownpocalypse
Following along with the same overall premise as the cult-classic horror film from the ’80s, Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game places you in the oversized shoes of either the Killer Klowns as they invade Earth or as one of the Human survivors attempting to stave off the Klownpocalypse and survive the invasion. In each round, there are seven Humans and three Klowns, making for a lopsided match. But it all works out, as the Klowns have access to space-age technology and weaponry that make hunting down survivors easier. Humans must rely on teamwork and ingenuity to survive.
Therein lies one of the most significant issues with Killer Klowns From Outer Space. Overall, it’s a fantastic game, with so many unique and fun moments in each round, but the asymmetrical horror genre, for whatever reason, attracts the most toxic of people. They’ll shout slurs, body block, and do everything in their power to screw you over if it means they grab one additional Popsicle. It’s a shame, especially considering the overall game is an absolute hoot!
But if you ignore the community altogether, turning off voice chat especially, you can still work as a team with those willing to lend a helping hand. I managed to save numerous players, and they repaid the favor in kind. Then, there’s the Hand of Fate mechanic, which allows you to play a short mini-game during your death phase. If you win, you’ll receive an item that you can gift to surviving players, allowing them to have a fighting chance.
Developer IllFonic clearly wants us to work together as a team. It’s easier to power up an escape route if you work together, and likewise, it’s easier to bring about the Klownpocalypse together.
Speaking of the Klownpocalypse. I had the most fun playing Killer Klowns From Outer Space while playing as a Klown. They have access to unique tools, like cotton candy rayguns and giant mallets, that make for a more entertaining experience overall. Sure, Humans receive a handful of tools to help them survive, but they’re grounded in reality. Boring! I want laser beams that shoot sugar and colorful beams!
A Carnival Tent Full of Fun
I could see the overall gameplay loop wearing thin after twenty or thirty hours without a satisfying progression system in place. Thankfully, IllFonic thought ahead and offered us countless unique and interesting cosmetics, unlockable by playing the game. You’ll unlock additional clothing items, outfits, and equipment by leveling up. Even if you lose the round, you’re earning experience points towards your next level.
It’s a satisfying, rewarding gameplay loop that embodies the “one more round” playstyle because you’re so close to your next level—your next reward!
It also helps that each round plays out similarly but uniquely enough to warrant jumping straight into a second match for the evening. You might wind up playing Humans for a second or third time in a row, but the route, the loot, the escapes, and the team randomizes to help keep you on your toes. If you never know what’s around the next corner, whether it’s a Klown or an escape route waiting with open doors for you, it’s borderline addicting—a thrill ride that will see numerous hours pass by in the blink of an eye.
Overall, I would say that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time playing Killer Klowns From Outer Space. I’ve encountered zero bugs or glitches during my time in Crescent Cove, which is always nice. But my biggest concern is one that many have. How will Killer Klowns From Outer Space differentiate itself enough within the genre to stave off Dead by Daylight? Unfortunately, it can’t and likely won’t. The monolithic asymmetrical horror game boasts over 45,000 more players daily already, and that’s just on Steam.
As such, I fear Killer Klowns From Outer Space will only remain popular with a niche crowd, like Friday the 13th or The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and this will lead to long wait times to fill lobbies across all systems.
In the meantime, I recommend playing while the community is still in its infancy and enjoying the unique aesthetic now!
