Gameplay

Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game (KKFOS) follows the trend of modern horror games with its asymmetrical gameplay. In KKFOS, each match pits three Klowns against seven humans. The Klowns aim to kill all humans or trigger the Klownpocalypse, while the humans strive to escape.

This setup may remind you of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, as both games share similar gameplay mechanics. However, KKFOS stands out with its more lighthearted approach to the killers vs. survivors dynamic.

Playing as a Klown in this game, your primary objective is to kill all the humans. There are several ways to achieve this. You can use your main weapon to turn humans into cotton candy cocoons, hang them up to be absorbed, and spawn some lackeys. Alternatively, you can use your secondary weapon to down the humans and perform a Klowntality. Lastly, you can simply delay the humans long enough for the Klownpocalypse to occur and kill everyone for you.

There are five different Klown classes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, the Tank is very slow but has a ton of health, while the Tracker has average health and strength but a good amount of stamina. Your choice of Klown depends on your preferred playstyle. Additionally, as you progress, you can unlock abilities such as a hypnotic lure, a balloon dog tracker, or an invisible car for quick travel.

The humans are trying to escape the Klowns by completing one of four objectives. Each objective requires you to gather two items: gas, spark plugs, a key, or a keycard. Once you've collected the necessary items, you need to find the corresponding objective, or sometimes the other way around. You can escape by boat, Klowntech portal, safety bunker, or by crossing a bridge.

These are the four traditional escape methods, but there is technically a fifth option. When things get dire and the Klownpocalypse is imminent, the Terenzi brothers will crash their ice cream truck through an exterior wall with 30 seconds left, allowing for a quick last-minute escape.

Humans also have their own versions of “classes” but they don’t seem to differ much other than slight health, stamina, and strength stats.

Graphics and Audio

The graphics in this game are surprisingly impressive, blending the charm of 1988 with modern technology in a way that's almost trippy. When you turn a human into a cotton candy cocoon, the animation feels like it was taken straight from the movie, rather than being entirely modernized. I can't help but love the Klowns—they look horrifying with the updated graphics, yet still retain the animatronic look that the Chiodo brothers brought to the big screen.

When it comes to the audio, I have to say I wish there was more of the instant classic theme, "Killer Klowns" by The Dickies. However, the existing score sounds like it’s straight out of the movie, so I don’t miss it too much. What really caught my ear were the sounds the Klowns make—the iconic, alien-like noises they use to communicate. That’s the real music to my ears.

Feedback

KKFOS is an asymmetrical horror game, and like many online multiplayer games, it faces server issues. These problems are often due to players' own internet connections.

With five playable maps and a good variety of Klowns, there's plenty of content to enjoy for now. Over time, I’m sure new escapes, Klown weapons, and maps will be added.

One thing I did notice is that on the more forested maps, Klowns can glitch out on small rocks and trees, causing them to either float or get stuck. So be sure to watch your step with those big Klown shoes.

Verdict

Killer Klowns From Outer Space is a fantastic addition to the growing market of asymmetrical horror games. It's just silly enough to call itself a horror game while still capturing the hilarity that made the movie a cult classic. With plenty of content right from the start, I don’t see this game getting boring anytime soon. Even for those with short attention spans, there's sure to be more refreshing content to come. I would easily recommend this game to anyone, especially those with large friend groups who enjoy big game nights.

So put on your klown shoes and prepare for the klownpacolypse, because the Killer Klowns are coming soon!