IllFonic is slowly perfecting the asymmetrical multiplayer genre, with each of their games bringing entertaining tweaks, clever innovations, and a deeper understanding of what makes this genre so engaging. Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game encapsulates these qualities, making it one of IllFonic’s best entries in the asymmetric gaming space.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game presents a familiar gameplay loop. Seven human players must quickly find an escape route, gather necessary tools—like a gas can and spark plug for a motorboat—and complete skill checks to exit the map, all while being hunted by three Klown players.
As humans scramble to evade their pursuers during ominous giggles and popcorn-spewing guns, the matches start calmly before descending into chaotic hilarity.
While the core mechanics are typical for this genre, Killer Klowns from Outer Space is different due to its excellent balance between the competing roles.
Humans can search for weapons, useful tools like a compass, and health items to gain an advantage over the Klowns. Their smaller size allows them to move quickly, sneak through windows, and hide easily after breaking a Klown’s line of sight.
On the other hand, the Klowns always pose a significant threat. They are usually sturdier than humans, have strong abilities, and benefit from a time advantage—if humans don’t come out within 15 minutes, the Klownpocalypse explosion will ensnare them.
Klowns can hasten this process by encasing humans in cotton candy cocoons and hooking them up to Lacky Generators scattered around the map, ending the match early.
This balance extends to their differing objectives. Klowns can block escape routes with cotton candy, which humans must clear to interact with them.
Humans need to be meticulous, as failing skill checks or making noise alerts the Klowns. But death isn’t always permanent; humans can use a resurrection machine to bring teammates back once per match.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space excels in keeping matches fair and engaging, all thanks to its different yet related mechanics.
As players discover new gameplay, the balance may shift, but for now, no role dominates when playing with a full lobby, making it one of the most entertaining asymmetrical games. Hunting humans and using Klown abilities like an invisible car or a balloon dog to track them is consistently fun.
Similarly, eluding Klowns as a quick-footed human is exhilarating. Completing a skill check as the last player standing while hearing Klowns nearby is a heart-pounding experience.
Facing a Klown with only one bullet left and aiming for their weak spot—the rubber nose—adds to the thrill. Even in defeat, the comical nature of the game ensures laughter rather than frustration.
Visually, Killer Klowns from Outer Space is a treat for movie fans, with vibrant ‘80s aesthetics permeating its five well-designed maps.
The humans look decent, especially with unlockable cosmetic options, but the Klowns steal the show with their creepy yet impressive designs, faithfully recreated from the film. Their cinematic Klowntatities, special finishing moves that recreate iconic movie moments, add to the game’s charm.
Despite its many strengths, the game does have issues that prevent it from reaching its full potential. In its current state, Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game is a solid asymmetrical multiplayer game.
Its balanced mechanics reflect IllFonic’s growth in the genre, and its humorous nods to the film, along with impressive graphics, show a deep respect for the source material.
If IllFonic can remove the bugs and provide strong post-launch content, Killer Klowns From Outer Space has the capability to become a unique title in its genre.
