Friday, October 27, 2017

Slayaway Camp: Butcher's Cut (PS4)

Blue Wizard Digital's horror themed isometric puzzle game is a hilarious homage to the horror movie classics of old. Particularly those of the 80's back when VHS tapes were a thing, and sneaking a late night peek at you parent's secretive viewing of such films was the cool thing to do. Featuring nods to some of everyone's favorites in both an optionally toned down PG version, and a more sinister R rated version you'll find killers that mimic legends such as Jason Voorhees, Jack Frost, Krampus, and many others. All of which are made playable back at the main menu which is set up like a movie rental store with related killer figures, and VHS covers that double as in-game features. It is the VHS tapes in particular that act as the stage sets which must be conquered through puzzle solving. The goal of the puzzles therein, which can be viewed isometrically, or top-down has the killer in your control at all times. You simply have to move him, or her via sliding, and guide them against barriers or walls into the victims, interactive objects, and triggered traps in order to ultimately rid the residents of the stages of their mortal coil. These murderous missions allow for rewinding, pausing, and fast-forwarding much like a VHS tape playing in a VCR would ...

You'll begin the game with access to the first "Slayaway Camp" film, and begin that playthrough immediately upon game startup. The playthrough will require that you successfully complete the several scene titled puzzle stages in order using your VCR tools in case you need to try again. Each of the tools are shown at the bottom of the screen, and have the assigned button pictured with them for easy understanding. All you really need to know is that you are the killer of the film, and you must kill every person on the stage. This puzzle solving progress is complicated by a maze-like layout of barriers, walls, traps, and interactive objects you can slide into, but only until you hit something. Beyond the intentional killing you'll also have to make it back to the pentagram you spawned from to complete the stage. The stages, as they were are sometimes straight killing puzzles, and sometimes puzzles with limited moves, or more difficult interaction setups. After each completed stage you'll have an opportunity to score some bonus killer koins in a sort of slide meter mini-game in which the goal is to press "X" when the meter's arrow slides over the designated area of red. Successfully clicking the button in time with the arrow slider will not only score you killer koins, but will also perform a fatality on the onscreen victim. Failing to do so will result in fewer killer koins, and a survivor. It goes without saying that the killer koins is how you add some flair to your frights.

The killer koins you earn can be spent at the main menu shop which sells different finishers, or "Gore Kits" for a price. The gore kits add a variety to the mini cutscenes that take place during kills within the stages. Death for the victims comes in all the usual horror movie means, and if the rating is right you'll get to witness some blood and gore along with them. As far as unlocking killers goes you'll need to playthrough each of the films, and their associated set of stages. This will grant you access to the unlocked killers at the main menu. When it comes down to unlocking the films you'll find that the films unlock in order at no extra cost. Along with that extension of gameplay you'll also be able to pay for special item chests that become available through playing the game. They can be opened with a set amount of killer koins, and will afford you rarer items. Aside from the features, and presentation the "OPTIONS" menu also harbors a few secrets. There's an entry option labeled "Killer Kodes" as well as a rating slider that allows you to push the R rating even further.

Visually,"Slayaway Camp: Butchers Cut" is a sort of blocky, and childish visual tribute to horror films. While it does have it's childish comical side it does also harbor fatalities, blood, and gore. It's a game that is no doubt geared towards adults, especially those who enjoyed horror films back in the 80's. It should also be noted that there are plenty of blood curdling screams along with other horrific sound cues that give yet another nod to a genre that is still going strong to this day.

The Verdict ...

I liked my playthrough of "Slayaway Camp: Butcher's Cut". I really enjoyed it. It made me think about the puzzles, and had me laughing as I recognized what the developer was poking fun at. There were ton of nostalgic elements included, and the main menu itself brought back memories of the old video rental stores I used to frequent as a teenager. For the price I think you are getting a game worth your money. It is a "Director's Cut", so you get plenty of extras not included in the original PC release. There are more stages, and more unlockables at your disposal for a set price. Be sure to pick this one up for Halloween! It would make for a good party focus!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Looking forward to what you have to say. Keep it clean, and keep it real. I will reply as soon as I can. Thanks for stopping by!!!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.