Saw

“The Saw movies are the highest-earning horror titles to
date, and the game is incredibly close to its movie counterpart,” adds Jones.

“It is set between the first and second movies, and mixes puzzle elements with the suspense and gross-out sequences of the films perfectly.

“The use of Jigsaw and his clown-like puppet Billy, suitably grimy settings and Tobin Bell reprising his role from the movies adds a level of authenticity, while the actual puzzles are suitably grisly and recognisable from the films. In terms of recognition, the Saw series is one of the most prominent movie franchises out there. Konami has a history of producing strong horror-themed games, and Saw is a perfect example of this.”

BILLY SEASON
The key to the game’s success will be the authentic Saw-style scenario. Devised by the film’s creators, this horrific tale sees players facing the Jigsaw Killer’s deadly traps and the dire consequences of tackling each one. Saving yourself isn’t necessarily the best course of action.

Jigsaw has killed the player’s partner and destroyed their life. They then find themselves trapped in an abandoned insane asylum littered with his tests and traps, and completely under his control. But finding a way to escape will be far more complicated than simply avoiding death at the hands of their maniacal genius.

“The player has a key sewn in their stomach, which Jigsaw has told other trapped people they need in order to escape,” Jones explains. “As uneasy alliances will be formed, the player is basically left to look after number one – and that throws up some harsh realities. With puzzles featuring the likes of the ‘bear trap hat’ from the first film and some nasty booby traps, players must be alert at all times.

“The game has some incredible set pieces within a very fine exploratory title. Anyone who has seen a Saw movie will remember elements such as people falling into a well of syringes, or removing a limb to get free from a chain before finding the key nearby. Saw: The Video Game has all these ingredients.”

Another appealing factor is the game’s place in the Saw saga. As part of the series’ canon, fans will be able to discover the answers to many of the films’ unsolved mysteries.

Most notably, they will learn about the origin of Jigsaw and why he devoted his life to these horrific tests of human nature, and they will finally discover the fate of the characters from the original movie.

TRAPPING CONSUMERS
Konami has been working closely with movie studio Lionsgate to run a variety of cross-promotions with the game and the forthcoming Saw VI.

Most notably, cinema adverts will hit the screens around the time of the launch to target movie-goers.
The publisher has also been working with Thorpe Park on cross-promotions with the new Saw theme park ride.
In addition, the game will also enjoy a strong online presence, with banners and ownership taking place across game and horror-themed sites.

In terms of additional marketing initiatives, there will be extensive trade promotions using the memorably creepy Billy character – whilst a range of POS featuring the antagonist will be widely available.