Summary
The off-kilter entertainers known as clowns can be quite creepier than they’re usually meant to be. While their colorful getup, wacky demeanor, and childlike appeal can make them seem playful enough, there’s something about that harsh makeup, menacing grins, and overtly wild nature that often brings an unsettling feel more than the comedic, whimsical vibe they’resupposedto exude.
Whether it’s the sewer-dwelling monster that favors a clown form in Stephen King’sIT, thesinister Joker fromBatman, or even a seemingly innocent, kid-friendly host ofThe Bozo Show, clowns can invoke some goosebumps regardless of age.
This notion is typically amplified more when it comes to gaming, as players are forced to interact face-to-painted face with these quirky beings. As one might expect, they make a natural fit for the popularhorrorgenrein gaming, though at least a few spooky clowns appear in other genres as well.
Pietro may somewhat be a departure from the darker, more sinister ilk that gamers and moviegoers think of when it comes to scary clowns. Rather, this charming little guy brings a more subtle eeriness with his strange appearance — which includes searingly bright makeup, beady black eyes, and a wide, overly-happy grin.
Stepping into the vibrant amusement park-style home of Pietro furthers the bizarre themes of this colorful clown. He certainly stands out when it comes to themore peculiar villagers in theAnimal Crossingfranchise— and that’s saying something given the amount of unique ones in the franchise.
Given the action-laced, adrenaline-fueled nature of this hit franchise onPlayStation, having memorable foes is a must, andDevil May Crydelivers. This is especially true when it comes to the sadistic Scholar and main villain ofDMC3: Dante’s Awakening, Arkham.
His efforts to gain more power and become an unstoppable demon include studies of the black arts — and a failed ritual involving the sacrifice of his wife, in which he took on a dark alter-ego fittingly called Jester. The twisted, power-hungry nature of the pale, sharp-nosed clown, coupled with his wacky, unpredictable traits rounds out a truly unsettling villain. This culminates with a tough, chaotic boss showdown with Dante, which takes on the vibe of a warped nightmare.
Most gamers who have delved into the depths of the cartoonyCuphead —with its grueling shooter gameplay and odd worlds — will note thatmuchof the experience is eerily trippy and intense. Thus, a clown-like character would seem a natural fit for this stylistic sidescroller.
Fittingly, players will face off against a rather “animated” clown called Beppi at the end of the Carnival Kerfuffle level. As far as boss fights go, therearetougher battles to be had during the brutal button-mashing campaign ofCupheadand its even more colorful DLC.
Still, he doesn’t go down without a fight — and the experience can feel chilling and “off” on a thematic level. Players must contend with a crazed red and white clown, flying about recklessly on a bumper car with eyes. The scare factor is elevated when he shifts to his second form, where he transforms into a large mechanical balloon with a spooky Cheshire Cat-like smile and watches players fend off foes from all sides.
Whether referring to the ominous “God of Magic” fromFinal Fantasy 6, or the sillier, Joker-esque version that stands out inDissidia Final Fantasy NT, Kefka brings an unsettling aura with him. Players need only contend with the devastating move known as “Heartless Angel” — which wipes out virtually all HP of all party members — to get a sense of Kefka’s dark, destructive nature.
Fans get to see this force of death in a more whimsical light inDissidia, but he maintains at least some of his eeriness with his bizarre getup and unhinged mannerisms, especially with lines such as"sit back and watch the world go kaboom!".
The Joker has long been among the most memorable villains in the iconicBatmanfranchise, and this extends to the Dark Knight’s foray into gaming. In a universe full of dynamic villains and antiheroes, The Joker is perhaps the best of the best, with his wild, anarchic ways and palpably sadistic behavior.
This clown-like villain doesn’t just want money, fame, or power; he doesn’t just want to defeat Batman. He longs for pure chaos and darkness. He seeks to destabilize the already crime-laden Gotham. He strives to toy with his heroic counterpart, Batman, and get in his head to torment him — quiteliterallyin the case ofBatman: Arkham Knight.
This is offset a bit by his goofy sense of humor — though these taunts and quips present sociopathic tendencies which only further elevate his creepiness. Joker’s fiendish laugh and red, blood-like scar going across his wide grin completes the picture of a truly chilling clown.
The wild zombie-slaying romp known asDead Risingwastes little time rattling players with one of its early bosses — the chainsaw juggling Psychopath Adam. This fight remainsone of the most memorable parts of this Capcom horror game. The protagonist Frank bumps into a clearly unstable clown giggling and sobbing about his irrelevancy following the zombie outbreak.
Once players gaze upon the swift, chainsaw-wielding clown, it becomes apparent they’re in for a frightening showdown. As this is fairly early on, Frank is typically vulnerable against this deadly, energetic foe, and it often takes some trial and error to overcome the maniacal mall clown.
As a side note, Adam is voiced by the Crypt Keeper John KassirofTales from the Cryptfame, and his experience shines through by way of the clown’s authentically creepy, emotive vocals.
There are many peculiar themes in theGoldeneye-esque FPSTimesplitters, made apparent by elements like recurring monkey avatars — as well as this razor-toothed clown creature from the sequels.
While he merely appears in the Circus tied to the Aracde League matches and in bot form, he instantly leaves an impression. His monster-like motif, red nose, and wild laughter is juxtaposed by his rather straightforward business attire.
Unlock Mr. Giggles inTimesplitters 2by completing “Big Top Blowout” (Arcade League Deathmatch) with asilveror better.
Serving as the iconic painted face of an iconic early PlayStation franchise, Sweet Tooth — formally known as Needles Kane — is the ominous antihero of theTwisted Metalseries. The dark, threatening appearance of this fiery, large-toothed clown makes a fitting mascot for thewild car-combat ridethat isTwisted Metal.
The fact that he floors it from place to place in a dingy ice cream truck adds another eerie layer to the unhinged, sporadic Sweet Tooth, painting a memorable picture scarcely matched in gaming clown lore.
