Description

"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" for the Atari 2600, released in 1983 by Wizard Video Games, is a horror-themed video game based on the 1974 film of the same name. In a departure from traditional video game norms of the time, players assume the role of the film's antagonist, Leatherface, whose main objective is to chase and eliminate trespassers on his property using his infamous chainsaw. The gameplay involves navigating a simplistic screen layout that represents Leatherface’s property, with obstacles such as fences, cow skulls, and wheelchairs that consume the chainsaw's limited fuel whenever it is used to attack or clear these hurdles. The game challenges players to effectively manage their fuel while trying to catch the fleeing victims, adding a layer of strategy to the otherwise straightforward chase.

The release of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" video game marked one of the earliest instances where a video game faced significant controversy and retail challenges due to its violent content and connection to a horror film. Many retailers refused to stock the game or placed it behind counters, only selling it to adults, which drastically limited its distribution and sales. Despite its controversial status and poor commercial performance, the game is remembered for its pioneering role in the horror video game genre and has since become a collectible item among retro game enthusiasts. The game’s approach to letting players embody a villain was relatively unusual for the time and set a precedent for future horror games, contributing to the evolution of moral boundaries in video game storytelling and design.

Title

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - Title

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Gameplay

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - Gameplay

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