Summary
- Release Year: 2018
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Developers: Cyanide Studio
- Publishers: Focus Entertainment
Call of Cthulhu: A Descent into Madness
Cyanide Studios’ Call of Cthulhu is a faithful adaptation of Chaosium’s classic tabletop RPG of the same name. It is a first-person, story-driven RPG-investigation game with psychological horror and stealth mechanics, set in a deeply immersive world. The game follows the story of Edward Pierce, a private investigator hired to investigate the death of an acclaimed artist and her family on a backwater island. As Pierce delves deeper into his investigation, he soon uncovers a more disturbing truth as the Great Dreamer, Cthulhu, prepares its awakening…
Gameplay
Call of Cthulhu features a mix of RPG, investigation, and stealth gameplay. Players control Edward Pierce as he explores the dark and atmospheric world of the game, interacting with characters, collecting clues, and solving puzzles. The game’s RPG elements allow players to develop Pierce’s skills in investigation, psychology, and speechcraft. These skills can be used to uncover hidden clues, persuade characters, and avoid detection during stealth sections.
The investigation gameplay is central to Call of Cthulhu. Players must carefully examine their surroundings, collect evidence, and interview witnesses in order to piece together the truth behind the artist’s death. The game’s branching dialogue system allows players to make choices that will affect the story’s outcome.
Stealth is another important aspect of Call of Cthulhu. Players must often avoid detection by enemies in order to progress through the game. The game’s stealth mechanics are relatively simple, but they are effective in creating a sense of tension and suspense.
Setting and Atmosphere
Call of Cthulhu is set in the 1920s, a time of great social and economic change. The game’s world is dark and atmospheric, with a pervasive sense of dread and paranoia. The game’s environments are meticulously detailed, and they do an excellent job of conveying the game’s oppressive atmosphere.
The game’s story is inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, and it features many of the author’s signature themes, such as cosmic horror, madness, and the insignificance of humanity in the face of the vast and unknowable universe. The game’s story is well-written and engaging, and it does an excellent job of building tension and suspense.
Characters
Edward Pierce is a well-developed and relatable protagonist. He is a flawed character, but he is also intelligent and determined. Players will find themselves rooting for Pierce as he investigates the dark and dangerous world of Call of Cthulhu.
The game’s supporting cast is also well-written and memorable. Each character has their own unique motivations and secrets, and they all play an important role in the story.
Overall
Call of Cthulhu is a must-play for fans of RPGs and psychological horror games. Its immersive world, intriguing story, and challenging gameplay make it an unforgettable experience. The game is a faithful adaptation of the classic tabletop RPG, and it captures the spirit of Lovecraft’s work perfectly.
Score: 8/10
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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