Why Cronos: The New Dawn Has Me Counting the Days After Silent Hill 2

by

A horror game is truly unique in its ability to keep you perpetually on the verge of suspense, always wondering what lies beyond the next door. Among my preferred genres, horror games stand out significantly, offering reminiscences like rushing through arenas in Resident Evil 2, or sneaking past monsters in U.S.G. Ishimura. We’re currently witnessing something of a revival in the golden age of these spine-tingling horror games.

Besides the reimagined versions of earlier releases, Konami’s Silent Hill 2 was also given a fresh perspective thanks to the exceptional work done by Bloober Team. At first, I had some doubts about how Bloober Team would approach Silent Hill 2, but they exceeded my expectations with the outstanding quality of the game – I can hardly wait to see what they will produce in the future.

The game titled “Cronos: The New Dawn” was unveiled in October of the previous year. Initially, I didn’t give it much thought, but as more gameplay previews have been released since its initial announcement, I find myself becoming more intrigued by it. Scheduled for release on September 5, 2025, across platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2, this game could potentially make it into my top picks of the year.

In many ways, there are numerous factors that contribute to why this situation occurs, and it’s essential to be mindful of potential challenges in developing the game. However, let’s focus on the positive aspects first. To my mind, excellent horror games possess an enigmatic aura, which is strikingly present in their ambiance. For example, the initial segment of Resident Evil 2 with its fog-enshrouded town, the chilling and silent town of Silent Hill, or even the hauntingly isolated halls of U.S.G. Ishimura from Dead Space – it doesn’t require much for a horror game to convey its purpose effectively.

In the game titled “Cronos: The New Dawn“, the objective is effectively met with relative ease, largely due to its immersive atmosphere. The game’s distinctive appeal lies in its novel concept where a scientist delves into barren landscapes across various time periods, imbuing the setting with a captivating allure. The environments are marked by time rifts and peculiarities that create an ambiance that is both eerily familiar yet almost inexplicable, as hinted in the trailers.

While the movie “Cronos: The New Dawn” has successfully established an eerie atmosphere and achieved its distinct visual style by means of innovative time travel themes, I must admit that I have reservations about the main character. As suggested by the trailers, The Traveller is often depicted wearing a space suit, yet little to no information has been disclosed about him – his driving forces, his deepest anxieties, and everything in between. This leaves me concerned that “Cronos: The New Dawn” might ultimately disappoint due to its superficially engaging plot but insubstantial character development.

It appears that The Change was an unprecedented event that caused widespread chaos. To undo this catastrophe, it seems necessary to journey back in time and gather crucial figures; however, this is no simple task. Dangerous beings known as Orphans inhabit the deepest recesses of these realms, and we stand on the brink of a new world order. Yet, if the main characters lack compelling narratives, all else may prove irrelevant. Here’s hoping my apprehensions turn out to be unwarranted.

What’s truly captivated me about this game is its gameplay, which takes center stage without a doubt. Although it builds upon well-known counterparts in the genre, it doesn’t hesitate to introduce unique elements that help it establish its own identity. Notably, the way encounters with the Orphans are handled stands out among these elements.

Unlike conventional zombies often depicted in many modern works, the Orphans are unique adversaries that not only move and shape-shift in extraordinary ways but also pose significant threats during exploration. They have the ability to consume their fallen comrades’ remains and subsequently grow into larger and stronger forms, making them increasingly challenging to defeat.

The best way to defeat them is using a flamethrower mounted on your back in two steps – igniting it and directing the fire at the enemies. Due to limited resources and frequent encounters, these battles feel like intense skirmishes where you’re constantly evading, picking off opponents, and trying to steer clear of stronger enemies who might ambush you unexpectedly.

As a thrill-seeking gamer, I’ve got to say, the top-tier horror games truly know how to draw you in with immersive environments, gradually ratcheting up the suspense, and then hitting you with those chilling encounters – only to start the cycle all over again. Nailing that rhythm, while occasionally throwing in unexpected twists, is what sets these games apart and makes for an unforgettable experience. And from what I’ve seen so far, it looks like Bloober Team has nailed the assignment with Cronos: The New Dawn. After diving into numerous previews and gameplay clips multiple times, I can confidently say that the team has crafted levels that expertly tap into the terror of the unknown. Here’s hoping that this impressive showing translates throughout the entire experience!

I’m quite fond of the game design shown here as well. The creators have effectively applied multi-functional design concepts, allowing a single action to serve multiple purposes. For instance, pressing a trigger fires immediately, but holding it down increases damage albeit at a slower pace. Additionally, flamethrowers are primarily used to incinerate defeated enemies, but they can also be utilized to push enemies away in tight spots. Throughout the trailer, you’ll notice numerous examples of this interactive gameplay, which truly piqued my curiosity and has me eager to learn more about it.

As a thrilled player, I’ve found myself immersed in a game where the modularity doesn’t just stop at the game’s structure, but extends to the weapon arsenal as well. Initially, I’m equipped with a single pistol. But as the story unfolds, I uncover various attachments that can be added to my weapons, transforming them from one type to another. For instance, I was able to convert the pistol into a long-range shotgun or something resembling a rifle. The variety is captivating and brings to mind the versatility of Control’s Service Weapon. However, this transformation comes with a potential drawback that adds an intriguing layer of strategy to the gameplay experience.

In Resident Evil 2, managing inventory was a crucial aspect, requiring minutes to optimize the limited storage. Often, I’d have to trade less needed weapons for healing supplies, or vice versa, based on what lay beyond the checkpoint. This design choice added an element of vulnerability, making players feel powerless in the face of danger. However, Cronos: The New Dawn might choose to bypass this aspect, which could potentially disappoint long-time horror game fans who appreciate such challenges.

Instead of following a typical path for character advancement, Bloober Team has opted for an unconventional approach, allowing you to gather various weapon enhancements throughout your journey to boost your character’s power. You can tailor these upgrades to match your preferred playstyle, thereby offering the same degree of player flexibility in a unique manner. Although this method is less traditional, it could work effectively if the game levels are designed to capitalize on this type of progression system.

Although there are some aspects here that seem promising, it gives me the impression that Cronos: The New Dawn could potentially rank among the top in its genre. For example, the creators have verified that the storyline will incorporate choices affecting the finale, which could fit seamlessly given the time-travel theme of the game.

It’s been some time since we’ve had a truly standout survival horror game that isn’t simply a remake, and if the team can steer clear of the issues I mentioned, there’s a good chance that Cronos: The New Dawn could be one of the most surprising hits of the year. Fingers crossed until we see more!

As a gamer myself, I’d like to emphasize that the opinions shared within this piece are solely my own and don’t necessarily reflect the collective viewpoint of our beloved gaming community at GamingBolt.

Read More

2025-08-27 13:12