Killer Klowns From Outer Space Provides Surprising Solutions To Dead By Daylight's Formula: Review

When it comes to the recent slew of classic horror films turned multiplayer-games, probably wasn't at the top of anybody's list. It's closely based on the 1988 film of the same name, in which a gang of rubber mask-wearing, murderous alien clowns descend on the small town of Crescent Cove. The game adaptation matches its energy well, with voice actors delivering stilted imitations of '80s teens as they try to avoid ridiculous Klowntalities. But making a good midnight movie and making a good multiplayer game are two very different things.

follows an asymmetric multiplayer formula familiar to anyone who's indulged in a few rounds of . Before each match, players are semi-randomly assigned to one of two teams: humans or Klowns. Seven humans aim to escape through stealth, cunning, or violence, while three Klowns try to turn them into cotton candy cocoons. But true to its nature, surprises by bringing a lot of fresh ideas to the table. These new mechanics provide creative solutions to inherent problems with the formula. The result can be a lot of fun, as long as everything works.

It may be a clone, but isn't unoriginal. As a matter of fact, it introduces some uniquely mechanics that more asymmetric horror games could stand to learn from. For one thing, allows for bigger team sizes. Where, in, it's always one killer versus four survivors, the eponymous Killer Klownscan form teams of up to three.

As a result, teamwork becomes a virtue for both humans and Klowns. In the absence of a detailed tutorial, an experienced Klown can help a new player learn the ropes. A well-armed human can be a nuisance for one Klown, but with backup, it's a much more even fight. More seasoned and communicative players can even plan out detailed strategies to corner and ambush humans, instead of just relentlessly pursuing them until they're out of options. When multiple different Klowns, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, are able to work together, an interesting metagame can arise.

A