Is horror a better fit for asymmetrical gameplay?

Is horror a better fit for asymmetrical gameplay?

One of the more interesting multiplayer titles to be released in the past year, was arguably Evolve. The game pitted four human 'hunters' against another player controlling a hulking, murderous, alien monster. It was good fun for the first few weeks, until everyone got sick of the endless cosmetic DLC, the very pricey additional hunters and monsters and the lack of variety in the game modes.

But still the idea of having teams of drastically different characters and player numbers is an interesting one, if a nightmare to balance. So perhaps horror would be a better genre fit, than one that was full of action and shooting?

Take the recently Kickstarted Friday the 13th, which will pit a number of hapless campers against the hulking form of Jason, or his mother, depending on which part of the franchise the developers opt to pull from.

Its development is a tale that's quite touching for the video game industry, which can be so fraught with IP cafuffles that it's demoralising. Initially billed as "Slasher Volume 1: Summer Camp," the team were approached by the original Friday the 13th creator, Sean Cunningham, who offered them the license - which seems like a perfect match for this type of game.

The game will operate a little like a multiplayer version of oft-banned Rockstar classic, Manhunt, except this time players will be the hapless victims. The teens will die, and die horribly.

The game has also received the backing of gaming consultant and journalist Adam Sessler, who is really excited by the concept. It does sound like if handled well, it could be a really fun game, especially if played with friends.

What do you think of the idea of mixing up horror and asymmetrical gameplay?

There's still a few hours to go on the if you want to contribute, with a lot of stretch goals that could be reached, though judging by the total it probably won't go all the way.