Summary
- Xbox Game Pass subscribers can now play the new horror game The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
- The game has received mostly positive reviews, making it a safe bet for fans of the genre.
- The online-only multiplayer aspect of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre may worry some fans, but being available through Game Pass ensures a built-in player base.
The Xbox Game Pass offerings have been refreshed yet again, this time to add day one horror game The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Day one games are one of the main selling points of Xbox Game Pass, as they give subscribers the chance to play brand-new releases without having to pay more than what they do for their subscription.
August 2023 has been relatively light when it comes to day one Xbox Game Pass games, but it's finishing the month off strong. On August 29, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play retro RPG Sea of Stars, and on August 31, gamers in some regions will be able to play the highly-anticipated Starfield - assuming they're willing to pay $34.99 for the Premium Upgrade, that is. Before then, though, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can check out The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with their subscription.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a new asymmetrical multiplayer horror game that sees three killers hunting down four unlucky survivors on maps themed after the classic 1974 horror film. In contrast to similar games like Dead by Daylight or Friday the 13th: The Game, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has actually earned mostly positive reviews from critics so far. It seems like a pretty safe bet for fans of the genre, and with it available to play through Xbox Game Pass, subscribers really have no reason not to check it out.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game currently has higher review scores than Dead by Daylight, so it will be interesting to see if it takes off like its inspiration did. Something that could work against the game is the fact that The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has no offline options at all. The game is strictly an online multiplayer experience, which could alienate some potential fans that enjoy Dead by Daylight's use of bots.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre being online-only with no bots may make some fans worried that the game will eventually shut down if its population ever dwindles. There's certainly a risk of that happening, but The Texas Chain Saw Massacre being available through Game Pass should mitigate those fears somewhat. By debuting on Xbox Game Pass, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has a built-in player base out of the gate, which should go a long way in ensuring that it has at least a somewhat healthy population of players for its opening weekend.
Something else that could ensure The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has plenty of players this weekend is the marketing campaign behind the game. There was even a bizarre Texas Chain Saw Deathmatch on AEW Dynamite to help promote it, though it remains to be seen how effective it will be in drawing in players.