Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is all laughs but no substance

Killer Klown from Outer Space: The Game is the latest asymmetrical multiplayer experience from developer Illfonic. After dabbling in the world of Jason Voorhees and the Ghostbusters, the studio’s latest effort aims to bring something more comedic and silly to the gaming world. 

Based on the ‘80s cult classic movie, Killer Klown from Outer Space: The Game is true to its source material. Set in the quiet suburban town of Crescent Cove, it taps into the same bizarre blend of horror and comedy and provides a survival experience that will have players on the edge of their seats. 

However, there are a few clunky elements that weigh the game down, making it less desirable than its online multiplayer rivals. Even though it can be fun with the right party, the dull combat and awkward controls are off-putting. 

Nevertheless, Killer Klowns is still a fun game to play when you're in the mood for it. If you love horror games or just want an entertaining multiplayer experience, read my Killer Klowns from Outer Space review to find out why it’s absolutely kooky (in the best way).

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Basics 

• What is it? Killer Klowns from Outer Space is an asymmetrical multiplayer horror based on the iconic ‘80s movie that pits three killer Klowns against seven humans in Crescent Cove. Your goal is to harvest humans or escape to safety with your teammates.  
• Who is it for? Fans of the horror genre will love this, but anyone seeking a fun multiplayer experience to play online will appreciate its collaborative gameplay. 
• What's the price? The standard edition of Killer Klowns is $39, while the deluxe edition is $59. The Deluxe Edition includes extra humans, additional Klown skins and a digital art book/soundtrack.  
• What other games has the developer made? IllFonic is the developer behind Predator: Hunting Grounds, Friday the 13th: The Game, Dead Alliance, and Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed. 
• What games is this similar to? Killer Klowns is similar to other multiplayer horror games such as Friday the 13th and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.    

A funny survival horror

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is another asymmetrical multiplayer experience in a gaming market full of them, but it does stray from its contemporaries in some key aspects 

Multiplayer matches cast you as a human survivor or a Killer Klown in a 7v3 hide-and-seek game. One side is the aggressor (naturally, in this case, it’s the Klowns), while the other is desperately hoping to avoid capture while also looking for a means of escape. This PvPvE (player vs. player vs. environment) setup is hardly new, but the format works well here. 

As a human, you must work with other players to escape the map. You can do this by boat, bridge, bunker, portal, or the Terenzi brother’s ice cream truck. Unlocking an escape method requires special items that are randomly hidden around the map. However, the ice cream truck functions as a last resort, and only appears in the final 30 seconds of the match. Locating the colorful truck with just moments to spare and making a last-ditch exit is always a thrilling experience. 

Meanwhile, the Klowns must harvest the humans by turning them into cotton candy and placing these freshly cocooned survivors on generators. There are four generators in total that need six cocoons each to trigger the Klownpocalypse. These generators also spawn lackeys (helpful little aliens) that patrol the area and alert you to nearby humans. 

On average, matches last around 10-15 minutes. While this might seem short, it’s enough time for the team of humans to get their bearings, scavenge the map for key items, and find a nearby escape route. On the other hand, Klowns have it easy considering they just need to track down the humans, and if they run out of time, the Klownpocalypse wipes out any remaining survivors who haven't escaped. And yes, the Klownpocalypse happens no matter what, but Klowns can speed up this destructive event by filling up every generator. 

Despite the fun gameplay, there are a few noticeable issues. For starters, the rudimentary combat is extremely repetitive when playing as both a human and or a Klown. As a human, you can only hit or shoot a Klown until it's temporarily stunned, before stabbing it in the nose with a sharp object. This action will kick the enemy out of the game for 45 seconds before they respawn. On the other hand, Klowns have access to a cotton candy laser and various melee weapons. Once a Klown has downed a human player, they can eliminate them with a finisher animation known as the “Klownality.”

These action sequences are novel at first but grow increasingly stale after only a few play sessions. The game would be more engaging if there were additional combat options, like hacking the lackeys to turn against their masters or even having one hard-to-find item that could permanently kill a Klown.

The generally stiff gameplay isn’t helped by controls that feel awkward when trying to move or attack something quickly. Sometimes I found myself face-to-face with an opposing player only for us both to strike nothing but air as our wild swings failed to connect. 

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game does have its share of whacky and memorable moments, such as when you manage to escape the clutches of a Klown or finally track down a human that has been evading you for several minutes. However, the repetitive combat and clunky controls are a persistent problem, and will likely hurt the game’s longevity. 

Just clowning around

Of course, what kind of multiplayer game would Killer Klowns be if it didn’t have plenty of customization options? The wealth of ways to dress up each character is one of my favorite aspects of the game as it allows you to tailor your look to suit your preferences. 

The customization menu lets you select funky outfit choices, ridiculous weapons, and finisher animations. These are all unlocked by earning in-game XP. The game’s extensive customization options ensure that every player looks different, and it’s your choice just how colorful you want to appear. 

Although you will earn XP, meaningful progression is lacking. Leveling up earns you more character skins, finishers, weapons, and Klowns, but that’s pretty much it. Some players may enjoy this streamlined progression, but having more to unlock or skills to upgrade would greatly help the game’s longevity. 

Suburbs, circuses and summer camps

If you asked me to choose my favorite map in Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game, I wouldn’t be able to. The map design is excellent, offering a selection of arenas bursting with vibrant details that beg to be fully explored. At launch, there are five maps available with settings including an amusement park, hillside forest, downtown Crescent Cove, the suburbs, and clown summer camp. 

The clown camp is a highlight with some of the best details. It’s filled with circus tents, campfires, and eerie trails in a dark forest. I was always excited when this map appeared in the rotation because there was more to survey at the beginning of the match. The map offers humans extra hiding spots in bushes and tents while Klowns face the challenge of navigating tight trails. 

Most of all, the maps stay true to the movie version of Crescent Cove. It’s a college town in California with everything a teenager needs, such as arcades, carnivals, biker bars, and beaches. Each map manages to convey this type of town perfectly while adding fun elements like giant candy clusters blocking exits and stray cocoons containing residents who fell victim to the Klowns.

Teamwork makes the dream work

If you die, many multiplayer games will have you spectate the remaining survivors until the match is over. However, Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game bucks this trend by having you play minigames while you spectate. These fun little games aren’t meaningless time wasters either. Successful play rewards you with gifts that you can either keep for yourself (in case you’re revived) or can be shared with other survivors to assist them in escaping from the Klowns. 

Known as “Hand of Fate” games, there are five in total: Balloon pop, whack-a-klown, repeat the beat and hot shot. Each one takes less than a minute to complete and they’re all very easy on the whole. Completing one of these mini-games lets you pick a card from the “Hand of Fate” deck, and each card is tied to an item.  

While these minigames are fun at first, they eventually become repetitive. IllFonic could benefit from adding a feature that allows you to fail the game, as it ensures you’re not constantly giving players random items. Talking about random items, if the player’s inventory is full and you give them an item, it will immediately drop to the ground. During one match I attempted to give another player a rare escape item, only for them to completely miss it as it landed behind them. 

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game verdict 

Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game is a refreshingly fun game that isn’t afraid to do something different in the asymmetrical multiplayer genre. The core gameplay is packed with entertaining action, and the stunning environments stay true to the iconic ‘80s movie. 

However, a few issues blight the experience, including the repetitive combat, simple progression, and clunky controls. For now, Killer Klowns is fun with friends, but you’ll want to play in short bursts to avoid getting bored quickly.