Master Slasher: Ultimate Evil Showdown

Master Slasher: Ultimate Evil Showdown is a fighting game originally developed and published by Mad Man Ninja Studios released for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series and PC in 2023. The game is personal take on a highly antecipated pitch of a slasher movie villains fighting crossover game. Development of the game involves individuals with histories in fighting games on both the developmental and competitive sides. It received positive reviews for its mechanics, roster and engine.

Gameplay
The gameplay in Master Slasher retains its traditional combo-based mechanics. The basic elements of combos are Openers, special attacks that start combos; Auto-Doubles, button presses following special attacks that create automatic hit sequences; Linkers, required to join several auto-doubles together; Enders, a sequence which finalizes the combo with increased damage; and Manuals, attacks chains entered outside of the traditional combo structure. Players can finish their opponent using a "Gore Blow", an automatic sequence of attacks that can only be used to end a match. The game also features combo breakers, attacks that can interrupt an opponent's combo when executed properly. A two-segmented meter enables the use of "Bloody" moves that have upgraded hit properties and can cause more damage and combo hits, though certain characters' meters function differently. All characters can use a Bloody Counter technique while blocking to instantly cancel into a bloody attack.

Roster

 * Jason Vorhees (Friday the 13th Series)
 * Freddy Krueger (Nightmare on Elm Street Series)
 * Michael Meyers (Halloween Series)
 * Pinhead (Hellraiser Series)
 * Ghostface (Scream Series)
 * Candyman (Candyman Series)
 * Stripe (Gremlins Series)
 * Leatherface (Texas Chainsaw Massacre Series)
 * Xenomorph (Alien Series)
 * Terminator (T-800) (Terminator Series)
 * Predator (Predator Series)
 * Ash Williams (Evil Dead Series)
 * Headless Horseman (Sleepy Hollow)
 * Chucky (Child's Play Series)
 * Reverend Lester Lowe (Silver Bullet)
 * Mr. Blade (Puppet Master Series)

DLC
The roster of Master Slasher is expanding due to the seasonal DLCs packs with additional characters for post-launch release via downloadable content, which also includes a skin for Terminator featuring the likeness and voice of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In a recent interview, Mad Man Ninja talked about the downloadable content. "When we began conceptualizing Master Slasher, we wanted the roster to be both a love letter to classic horror and a nod to modern terrors", he said. "We've dug deep into the annals of horror cinema, from classics like Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger to international icons less known to mainstream Western audiences. Our goal was diversity, both in terms of horror sub-genres and gameplay mechanics. Now, as for the DLCs – I won't spoil too much – but I can promise that we're listening intently to our fanbase. Expect to see characters from lesser-known horror films, as well as iconic locations that add depth and ambiance to the experience. And, without revealing much, there might be a scenario in the works where two worlds of terror merge, introducing a co-op mode where players might need to unite against a common cosmic horror. The darkness ahead is thrilling, and we can't wait to share it."

Season 1: Send in the Clowns!
Tapping into coulrophobia, the inherent fear many have of clowns, "Send in the Clowns" takes players on a macabre journey into the twisted world of sinister jesters. With dark carnivals, disturbing laughter echoing through the night, and a rich history of horror cinema's clown-themed antagonists, this DLC promises to deliver chilling encounters.


 * Pennywise (IT):
 * Description: Stephen King’s shape-shifting entity from the town of Derry. Primarily taking on the form of a clown named Pennywise, it feeds off the fear of the children it preys upon.
 * Signature Moves: "Deadlights Stare" (a paralyzing move that captures opponents in its gaze) and "Shape-Shift Surprise" (morphing into the opponent's worst fear for a brief attack).
 * Captain Spaulding (House of 1000 Corpses):
 * Description: The disturbing and murderous clown who runs a gas station and "Museum of Monsters & Madmen". Spaulding's morbid humor hides a deep-seated sadism.
 * Signature Moves: "Murder Ride Charge" (a brutal rush attack) and "Gas Station Slam" (utilizing props from his station for a combo).
 * Art the Clown (Terrifier):
 * Description: A silent, sadistic clown known for his extreme violence and sinister pranks, Art's malevolence is unmatched, making him a formidable opponent in any arena.
 * Signature Moves: "Buzzsaw Boogie" (a whirlwind attack with a buzzsaw) and "Sinister Mime" (trapping opponents using mime techniques before delivering a powerful blow).


 * Shorty (Killer Klowns from Outer Space):
 * Description: One of the memorable Klowns, Shorty is smaller in stature but packs a punch with his crazy antics and boxing gloves.
 * Signature Moves: "Balloon Snare" (entangles opponents in a web of inescapable balloons) and "Pie Assault" (throws acidic pies that temporarily impair vision and cause damage).

Season 2: They Came From Beyond!
Brace for battles that span galaxies with the "Cosmic Encounters" DLC. Engage with notorious extraterrestrial adversaries from diverse cinematic universes, fighting amidst cosmic wonders, alien worlds, and inside the bowels of enigmatic starships.


 * Sil (Species):
 * Description: The enigmatic yet deadly human-alien hybrid. While human in appearance, beneath lies a predatory alien entity, driven by potent instincts.
 * Signature Moves: "Metamorphic Maul" (swiftly shifts into her alien guise for a fierce onslaught) and "Sensual Snare" (charms opponents, making them momentarily susceptible).
 * Critter (Critters):
 * Description: One of the ferocious space creatures from the Krites species. Compact but deadly when in groups, their hunger is legendary.
 * Signature Moves: "Quilled Assault" (shoots quills from its back) and "Krite Crush" (a rapid rolling move followed by a leap).
 * Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors):
 * Description: A sentient, malevolent extraterrestrial plant with a taste for human flesh. Its sly, smooth-talking nature hides a ravenous appetite.
 * Signature Moves: "Voracious Vine" (elongates its vines to grab and pull in opponents), "Chomp Down" (a powerful bite move), and "Spore Spray" (releases a cloud of spores that slowly damages the opponent over time).
 * Unique Ability: "Feed Me!" - As Audrey II deals damage and devours parts of its opponents, it grows in size, slightly enhancing its reach and power for a short duration.
 * Martian Leader (Mars Attacks!):
 * Description: The cackling, skull-faced extraterrestrial invaders with a penchant for chaos and destruction. Their advanced technology is only matched by their twisted sense of humor.
 * Signature Moves: "Ray Gun Rampage" (fires a ray that can temporarily turn opponents into a harmless form, like a skeleton or tiny version of themselves). "Flying Saucer Slam" (calls in a mini saucer for a bombardment attack).

Stages

 * 1) "The Overlook Hotel":
 * 2) * Inspiration: 'The Shining'
 * 3) * Description: Fight in the ornate Gold Room of the haunted hotel, with its iconic bar and a lurking maze outside. Every so often, blood might flood from the elevators.
 * 4) "Crystal Lake Campgrounds":
 * 5) * Inspiration: 'Friday the 13th'
 * 6) * Description: Battle by the shores of Crystal Lake, with abandoned cabins and a lurking danger in the waters. Watch out for the ghostly visage of a young Jason underwater.
 * 7) "The Bates Motel":
 * 8) * Inspiration: 'Psycho'
 * 9) * Description: Fighters square off in front of the iconic motel, with the looming Bates house on the hill behind. Occasionally, a silhouette can be seen from Mother's window.
 * 10) "The Underground Lair":
 * 11) * Inspiration: 'The Descent'
 * 12) * Description: In a claustrophobic cave system, echoes of unseen creatures resonate. Stalactites might drop, and shadows play tricks on the fighters.
 * 13) "Haddonfield Suburb":
 * 14) * Inspiration: 'Halloween'
 * 15) * Description: An innocent-looking suburban street adorned with Halloween decorations, but danger lurks. Porch lights flicker, and shadows pass by windows, hinting at the presence of Michael Myers.
 * 16) "Freeling's Living Room":
 * 17) * Inspiration: 'Poltergeist'
 * 18) * Description: An unsettling living room with a static-filled TV. Ghostly hands might reach out from the screen, and toys come to life, adding hazards to the fighters.
 * 19) "The Lament Configuration Chamber":
 * 20) * Inspiration: 'Hellraiser'
 * 21) * Description: A gothic, dimly lit chamber with chains that can suddenly shoot out from the walls. The infamous puzzle box sits ominously in the center.
 * 22) "The Necronomicon Library":
 * 23) * Inspiration: 'The Evil Dead'
 * 24) * Description: A cabin room filled with ancient books and artifacts. Spells can accidentally be triggered, unleashing unspeakable horrors or changing the environment dynamically.
 * 25) "Miskatonic University Lab":
 * 26) * Inspiration: H.P. Lovecraft's mythos
 * 27) * Description: An old-world lab filled with arcane symbols and strange specimens in jars. Cosmic horrors occasionally breach reality, altering the fighting stage.
 * 28) "Summer Camp Bonfire":
 * 29) * Inspiration: Classic campfire horror stories
 * 30) * Description: Set in a clearing surrounded by dense woods, the roaring bonfire is the only light source. The stage is peaceful, but occasionally, figures or eyes might be spotted in the darkness, and eerie whispers might distract fighters.