Asymmetrical horror fans have already begun enjoying the early release of Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Video Game. The game has received mixed reviews to date. Some reviewers have claimed long queue times and copious amounts of bugs while others have claimed the IllFonic game is a total blast for killer and survivor. Others are keenly waiting for June 4th to see if the kinks are worked out of the system.
A question that may arise when discussing this game’s creation is why Killer Klowns from Outer Space was chosen over other horror franchises. Aren’t there better horror franchises more worthy of a game? Jason Voorhees appeared in three games with an upcoming appearance in Multiverses. Texas Chainsaw Massacre has its own asymmetrical game. Dead by Daylight features many of the Horror Hall of Fame with Freddy Kruger, Pinhead, Chucky, Xenomorph, and others. Why Killer Klowns from Outer Space? The reason is simple.
A Cult Classic
Originally titled Killer Klowns, the portion about being from outer space was added later as audiences originally thought the movie would be a slasher film. The movie debuted in 1988 followed by a VHS release in 1989. At first, the movie was not initially well received and only worthy of being featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000. Killer Klowns has since become a cult classic and enjoyed a resurgence in recent years.
Universal Studios has featured Killer Klown sets during Halloween Horror Nights. Various merchandise from Funko Pops, drinking glasses, and clothing have been released. As horror has become more marketable, the Klowns have been one of the franchises leading the way into the collectibles market.
None of this would have been possible had the movie not been able to endear itself into the hearts of audiences. Killer Klowns from Outer Space is part of horror movies’ B-movie (i.e., low-budget) genre. The only real star power featured in the film is John Vernon of National Lampoon’s Animal House playing Officer Curtis Mooney. But it is not star power that makes the movie endearing. It is something else entirely.
Fear of Killer Klowns
A study performed in 2023 asked 987 participants whether or not the participant had a fear of clowns and to what degree. Over 50% expressed some fear of clowns while 5% admitted to being “extremely afraid” of them. Reasons for this fear ranged from the makeup hiding humanity or hiding true emotions to the exaggeration of facial expressions and unpredictability of movement. Clowns, to many, are to be feared.
The killer Klowns in this movie are no different. Every clown looks somewhat unsettling with white grease paint-colored skin with red highlights around the mouth which curls up to rose-colored cheeks to create a supposed smile. This is enough to develop a sense of dread within the audience as these creatures are hideous but create a false sense of security in the movie’s setting in the human characters.
A female child almost becomes a victim as one Klown, ready to bash the child with a mallet, coyly encourages her to exit the fast-food restaurant she’s in. One middle-aged woman becomes a victim as she is greeted at her front door with a box of chocolates and a smiling alien. Moments later, she turns around to ask her husband if the chocolates are from him and is transformed into “cotton candy.” Killer Klowns from Outer Space takes these fearful motivations and translates them well into the movie.
In Space, No One Can Eat Ice Cream
Some promotional posters and VHS box art feature this tagline. This reminds the viewer of one simple fact. Killer Klowns refuses to take itself seriously. Despite the disturbing aesthetic of the clowns, the movie is more comedic overtones than serious ones.
That is not to say there is no gore or moments of horror. A biker is beheaded by one klown and a security guard is melted to nothing but both instances are met with humor. Moments before the biker’s block is knocked off a small clown, named Tiny, poses for fisticuffs while a small voice squeaks in a New York accent, “Put up your dukes!” The security guard looks at a group of Klowns holding the weapons of his destruction and utters the line, “What are you gonna do with those pies boys?”
Not every joke is funny, and some moments make characters seem more idiotic than humorous. Most jokes, comedic deaths, and quips will usually lead to at least a smirk. What else would one expect from Killer Klowns?
These are just a few reasons why Killer Klowns is receiving video game immortalization. Sadly, Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Video Game seems to be the only follow-up to the series that any fan will get. Rumors of sequels, television series, and other media have been in circulation for years. It seems any attempt to revitalize the series gets stuck in production purgatory without any hope of escape.
Hopefully, the video game will not fall into the same problems that have befallen most asymmetrical horror games allowing a second medium to enjoy. Regardless of what happens, Killer Klowns from Outer Space is, as of the writing of this article, free to watch on Tubi and other streaming platforms. Be sure to give Killer Klowns from Outer Space a watch before playing the game!
