Space Clowns Unleashed: A Comedic Horror Game Attempt – Falling Short of Laughter
In an era when nearly every notable horror property has morphed into an asymmetric multiplayer game, or at least been tossed into the mix with the genre kingpin, Dead by Daylight, IllFonic, known for tackling significant titles like Friday the 13th, Predator, and Ghostbusters, had to mine deep to unearth its latest project: Space Clowns Unleashed. This supposed video store “gem” remains unseen by most, despite its nostalgic allure.
Space Clowns Unleashed might not be breaking new ground as the hottest horror IP of 2024, but the real test is in the gameplay, isn’t it? Is IllFonic’s latest a delightfully chaotic ride or merely a pie-smashing flop? It’s time to delve into the bizarre antics of these cosmic jesters.
For those expecting Space Clowns Unleashed: The Game to weave intricate narratives, prepare for disappointment. The game skips a story mode entirely, embodying the essence of its title succinctly: killer clowns from outer space. That’s the entirety of the backdrop. While the narrative isn’t typically crucial for games of this genre, it’s still a letdown that it doesn’t capture even the quirky humor of the original film, which, though not a cinematic masterpiece, at least sparked genuine laughter.
The game presents a standard asymmetric multiplayer framework but tweaks the formula by adopting a 3v7 division between clowns and humans, reducing the usual drama between roles. Clowns aren’t overpowering, and humans aren’t mere sitting ducks. Humans start bare-handed but can gather items like snacks and energy drinks to enhance their abilities, or even weapons for defense. They boast agility, navigating obstacles to evade their bizarre pursuers.
The clowns, slow and clumsy, are alerted to humans by noises from rapid movements or gunfire. Stealth is crucial for humans, while clowns must listen carefully. Equipped with a melee weapon or a gadget that traps humans in candy floss cocoons, clowns can also summon AI minions to secure areas. These clowns can respawn, giving them a persistent edge over humans, who have limited revival chances.
Objectives vary: humans seek escape through various exits (boats, bunkers, portals), each fitting only a few survivors, necessitating strategic team play. Clowns aim simply to annihilate. The game tries to balance these elements well, with cotton candy blockades and a last-ditch escape route for humans to counter the dreaded Clownpocalypse—a devastating event meant to ensure a clown victory by eliminating any remaining humans.
In this crowded niche of asymmetric multiplayer games, does Space Clowns Unleashed stand out? Not quite. The thrill of playing a clown feels too routine despite frequent opportunities, lacking the exhilaration found in rarity. Beyond its core gameplay, the game suffers from rough edges. Combat feels underwhelming, with ineffective ranged attacks and chaotic melee. Visually and audibly unappealing, the game is plagued by technical issues like bugs and frequent crashes.
Moreover, content is sparse at launch, with only five maps and a single mode. Despite random elements, these environments become familiar too quickly, and the $40 price tag feels steep for what’s offered, given the thin source material. IllFonic has hinted at future content, but whether it can sustain player interest remains to be seen.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 14th July 2024