The Texas Chainsaw Massacre video game has just unveiled a new playable character, Maria Flores, adding a fresh layer of intrigue and excitement for fans. Maria’s inclusion in the game is a significant development, especially given her pivotal role in the storyline.
Maria Flores, a college student with a passion for photography, went missing while on a road trip near Austin. Her disappearance sets off a chain of events that drives the game’s narrative. Maria’s younger sister, Ana, along with some of Maria’s college friends, embarks on a mission to find her. This search party forms the core group of victims in the game, each bringing their unique personalities and skills to the table.
Creating these characters was no small feat. The developers at Gun Interactive wanted to ensure that players would connect with them on a personal level. “When we sat down to think about the Victims in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, we had two things we kept circling back to – will people enjoy playing these characters as people, and do these characters make sense as a group that would be friends?” said Ismael Vicens, Executive Producer at Gun Interactive. The team aimed to create a diverse group of friends, each with distinct playstyles and backstories, making them feel natural and relatable.
The depth of these characters goes beyond their names and appearances. Their personalities and backgrounds influence how they play in the game, their strengths, and their weaknesses. “When you take care to build out the personalities of this group of diverse but connected people, all of whom are emotionally invested in the search for Maria and bringing their own unique experiences and strengths to the group, their in-game abilities start to form organically,” explained Ronnie Hobbs, Creative Director at Gun Interactive.
The game features five characters, but only four can be part of a team at any given time. This setup encourages players to strategize and cooperate, leveraging each character’s unique abilities to overcome challenges. The characters include Julie, Leland, Connie, Sonny, and Ana, each with their own stories and skills that will be revealed over time.
The narrative of how these characters end up in the clutches of the Slaughter Family is both chilling and compelling. Maria’s disappearance leads her sister Ana and friends to a small gas station on the edge of town, where they encounter The Cook, a member of the Slaughter Family. This encounter sets off a series of events that thrusts them into a nightmare, making them part of the game’s dark and twisted story.
The developers have also introduced a new killer character named Hands, a distant cousin of the Slaughter Family. Hands, portrayed by actor Robert Mukes, is a formidable addition to the game’s roster of antagonists. “Hailing from the bible of Kim Henkel, Hands is a distant cousin to the Slaughter Family. The talented Robert Mukes brings this 7ft tall, nearly 350 lbs, to life,” the developers revealed. Hands is a drag racing legend with a dark and violent nature, making him a terrifying opponent in the game.
Hands’ abilities include using homemade electro traps to lock down areas and his Ripstall ability to manipulate machines. His brutal nature and unique skills make him a valuable asset to any Family team composition. “Being able to work with Kim Henkel to bring his original vision of Hands to life from his character bible has been both gratifying and amazing,” said Ronnie Hobbs.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre video game continues to expand its lore and characters, offering players a rich and immersive experience. The addition of Maria Flores as a playable character and the introduction of Hands as a new killer add depth and excitement to the game. Fans can look forward to more reveals and updates as the game evolves, promising a thrilling and terrifying journey into the world of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
