Bloober, the developer behind the critically acclaimed Silent Hill 2 remake, has found its footing with Cronos: The New Dawn, a survival horror game that combines psychological horror with the thrill of exploration. Announced last year, Cronos has finally arrived, offering an authentic Polish setting and a gripping narrative setup.
Players take on the role of a mysterious traveler in a metallic suit sent back in time to explore the ruins of human civilization. Along the way, they piece together the mystery of what happened to humanity by deciphering journals left behind by previous travelers. The narrative is ripe for psychological intrigue, making Cronos a promising addition to the survival horror genre.
Gameplay-wise, Cronos follows familiar paths, with limited ammo, inventory management, and crafting mechanics reminiscent of Resident Evil 4 and Dead Space. However, the new merging mechanic offers an intense, breathless experience, where players must manage encounters with herds of enemies that can merge with others during combat.
Combat is more focused than previous Bloober games, with melee abilities and a selection of guns at the traveler’s disposal. A unique combat mechanic revolves around “merging” enemies, which can result in terrifying encounters if not managed properly. Enemies can become elite monstrosities with new abilities, making combat challenging and rewarding.
Collectibles play a significant role in the game, including cat side quests modeled after Bloober’s actual pets. The setting of Krakow provides a fresh backdrop for the game, transcending obvious inspirations into something authentically Polish.
Ultimately, Cronos: The New Dawn feels like a parallel for Bloober itself, merging its past experience with a stronger future. With its atmospheric post-apocalyptic setting and gripping narrative, Cronos promises to be a standout in the survival horror genre.
Source: https://www.eurogamer.net/bloober-has-found-its-feet-with-cronos-the-new-dawn-its-survival-horror-follow-up-to-silent-hill-2