Review: Terrifier The ARTcade Game (PlayStation 5)

I went in with no idea what I was doing with Terrifier: The ARTcade Game, and that was all part of the fun. Most of these video game adaptations of horror films are completely by-the-numbers: you get a few jumps, you get a retelling of the film’s story, and that’s it. This game, by contrast, throws you straight into a whirlwind. Literally. You’re right in the ARTcade, and Art himself runs the whole shebang.

The first thing you notice, of course, is the world. The world of ARTcade is alive in a weird sort of way. There are flickering lights, malfunctioning signs, and every corridor and/or room seems to be just a little bit askew, as if the arcade itself was watching you. Some of the stages are like dirtied-up alleys, some are like busted carnival funhouse scenes, and a few are like a neon-hellscape that just got left to gather dust.

Fighting is also very satisfying. On paper, it appears to be a side-scrolling beat-em-up, but it has more depth than that. There are ways for you to unleash combos, dodge, charge attacks, and execute special attacks. There are weapons all over, from pipes to bats to kitchen knives, and it never gets boring using them. The finishing moves are also ridiculously violent, which suits this game to a tee.

Enemies aren’t mere cannon fodder, either. Some are rushing towards you, some are staying back, and then there are those who exist solely to mess with your timing. And then there are boss battles. Unpredictable, a bit ridiculous, but a lot of fun to solve. You emerge victorious, and you feel like you’ve accomplished something.

There’s a lot of content beyond the campaign, too. Score attacks, wave modes, bonus stages, and difficulty options make playing for a second time, let alone multiple, a fun experience rather than a chore. Unlock paths in a very accessible way—through unlocking powers, cosmetic items, and spectacular finishers.

Local co-op, on the other hand, is a complete blast. Up to four players can join in, and it turns every level into utter chaos. Enemies are spilling out left and right, and you’re just laughing along with your friends as you all take turns getting shot in a million different directions.

In terms of tone, it also perfectly captures the feel of Terrifier. There’s black humor all over, from visual effects to hidden jokes in the background, and Art himself appears in all the right places to unsettle you. This isn’t scary per se, but it’s also a lot of fun, which is what these movies are.

Performance on PlayStation 5 is good. Loading times are low, animation is silky-smooth, and the DualSense controller provides a benefit with additional tactile elements. Sound design takes a creepy carnival soundtrack, classic arcade sounds, and crunchy combat SFX. Okay, yeah, some of it does loop, but it’s not a problem.

While Terrifier the ARTcade Game is definitely a feat for what it’s trying to be, these types of games in this climate tend to lack in holding the attention span of many gamers who are always looking for a AAA title. Terrifier, The ARTcade Game, however, stands up on it’s own as one of the better titles of the beat em’ up genre.

Ultimately, though, Terrifier: The ARTcade Game knows exactly what it’s doing. It’s no attempt at a deep narrative experience with a simulation of reality for horror. This game is all about chaos, carnage, and attitude. I laughed, I screamed, and yes, I even stood around with my mouth agape, trying to understand how some of this content even found a home in this game. If you’re a fan of either film, a fan of beat ’em ups, or just a fan of, you know, insane experiences, then yes, this game is a must-play.

Terrifier the ARTcade Game is available now for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.