Summary
Friday the 13th captures the essence of the classic slasher franchise, pitting players against the infamous Jason Voorhees in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Developed by IllFonic and published by Gun Media, it’s an asymmetrical multiplayer horror experience where one player takes on the role of Jason, while the rest must survive as camp counselors. Equal parts terrifying and thrilling, the game thrives on tension and unpredictability, but its rough edges can’t be ignored.
Playability
Gameplay is divided between two core roles: Jason and the counselors. Playing Jason is empowering—his supernatural abilities allow him to track, stalk, and brutally execute players. Meanwhile, counselors must scavenge, repair, and coordinate to escape or survive the night. The mechanics are straightforward but can feel clunky, especially in high-stakes chases. Movement for counselors sometimes lacks polish, while Jason’s powers, though fun, occasionally feel unbalanced. Still, the thrill of either hunting or surviving remains consistently engaging.
Graphics & Atmosphere
The game nails its atmosphere, leaning heavily into its 1980s slasher roots. Campgrounds, cabins, and lakeside settings are faithfully recreated, oozing nostalgia. Lighting and shadows heighten the sense of dread, making even quiet moments nerve-wracking. While character models and animations are serviceable, they sometimes appear dated or awkward compared to modern standards. Still, the eerie setting does enough to keep players immersed in its horror vibe.
Music & Sound
Audio is one of the game’s strongest elements. From the chilling music stingers when Jason appears to the tense silence of hiding in a cabin, sound design is key to the experience. Counselors can hear Jason’s menacing footsteps or the creak of doors as he closes in, amplifying the fear factor. The use of authentic audio cues from the film franchise adds an extra layer of authenticity.
Story/Narrative
There’s no traditional single-player story; instead, narrative is emergent, created by the players each match. Every session tells a different tale of survival or slaughter, shaped by the decisions and teamwork of the counselors and the unpredictability of Jason’s hunt. While the lack of a structured narrative may disappoint players looking for a cinematic campaign, the unpredictability of multiplayer storytelling makes each match unique.
User Experience
The game thrives in multiplayer with friends, where communication and coordination shine. Solo play with random teammates can be hit-or-miss, depending on how cooperative others are. Technical issues—such as bugs, glitches, and connectivity problems—have marred the experience at times, though patches improved stability over its lifecycle. The learning curve is manageable, but frustration can arise from occasional imbalance or unresponsive controls.
Final Verdict
Friday the 13th: The Game succeeds in recreating the terror and tension of the beloved horror franchise. While technical flaws and uneven polish hold it back from greatness, it delivers a unique multiplayer horror experience that fans of the genre won’t soon forget.
by Lokhi D | 3 October 2025
