SAW: Genesis brings a fresh twist to multiplayer horror games. It’s a 3 versus 1 survival experience set right after World War I. One player takes the role of the Judge, the early mastermind behind Jigsaw’s twisted trials. The other three are the Accused, trying to escape a deadly maze filled with traps.

The game’s setup feels like a mix of popular asymmetrical games such as Dead by Daylight and Evolve. But here, the Judge isn’t just some unstoppable killer. Instead, they use cunning and traps to control the match. The Judge can move through secret corridors, set brutal traps, and even release hallucinogenic gas to confuse the Accused. The Judge also has a small mechanical minion that can capture downed players or shove them into trap rooms.

Despite all this power, the Judge is physically vulnerable. If the Accused catch the Judge with a weapon hidden around the level, they can take them down. This creates a tense balance where the Judge must outsmart, not overpower, the survivors.

Cooperation and Sacrifice in the Maze

The three Accused players must work together to survive. They face a maze filled with traps that can seriously injure them. Players can lose body parts, like a hand or an eye, and still keep going. But these injuries affect how they explore the maze and solve puzzles.

The game includes challenge rooms where teamwork is essential. Players can choose to hurt themselves to speed up solving puzzles. This sacrifices health but can help the group move faster and avoid the Judge’s traps. If caught, an Accused can also choose to sacrifice a body part to escape a trap or rely on teammates to rescue them. This mechanic adds a grim layer of strategy and tension to every decision.

Rounds last about 10 to 15 minutes and end in several ways. The Accused can escape, kill the Judge, die in traps, or run out of time. If time runs out, their headgear explodes, adding a chilling time pressure to the game.

Bloober Team’s Horror Expertise

Bloober Team, known for its strong horror games, is behind SAW: Genesis. They teamed up with Anshar Studios to build this title. This collaboration brings solid horror mechanics and storytelling to the game. Lionsgate approved the story and setting, making SAW: Genesis canon with the ten-movie SAW universe.

The setting after World War I adds a gritty, dark atmosphere. The Judge is a predecessor to the iconic Jigsaw character. This backstory deepens the lore and tension. It’s not just about escaping traps but also uncovering a darker history.

Gameplay is designed to test both sides’ skills. The Judge must manage traps and mind games. The Accused need to split focus, cooperate, and make tough sacrifices to escape. This push-and-pull creates a fresh multiplayer horror experience.

Currently, SAW: Genesis is in alpha testing with a public playtest waitlist open. It will soon enter Steam Early Access, giving players a chance to shape the game with feedback.

This game stands out by making the villain role exciting and strategic. It’s not just about surviving but being the mastermind behind the horror. Fans of tense teamwork, horror, and dark storytelling will find much to dig into here.