Cronos: The New Dawn Review – Lingering Memories

by

Picture this scenario: I’m leading traveler ND-3576 through a narrow corridor, where strange, mutated growths cling to the walls. My ammo supply for my weapons is running low, leaving me with only one vital healing item – a Shell Patch – and the air is thick with tension. Every corner feels like it’s hiding an Orphan ready to pounce.

Warning: Graphic Content Ahead: A hideous creature, resembling more of a macabre ornament than anything else, is affixed to the wall, its dual faces emitting a challenge that would rattle even the bravest of soldiers. I swiftly prepare a shot from my pistol and fire, hitting one of the heads directly.

This version aims to preserve the original’s tone while making it easier to read and understand.

As it droops in defeat, I’m concerned that the three remaining bullets may not be sufficient to handle whatever additional challenges The Bloober Team has prepared for me before I reach the next Traveller’s outpost, and a valuable save point. And, spoiler alert once more: my worry proved to be correct.

Most of my studio’s work is centered around 1980s Poland, a land drastically altered by a devastating event known as “The Change.” This catastrophe claimed the lives of the majority of humanity, leaving behind survivors who have been horribly mutated and are now compelled to prey on the “Traveller,” whether for blood or flesh – it’s unclear.

In the story, ND-3576 embarks on a quest to find their missing comrade, acting as a representative of The Collective – a secretive organization whose intentions remain somewhat unclear. This quest is connected to The Vocation, a solemn promise made by the Travellers to correct past errors. If you were to drink every time someone mentions “This is our duty,” it might make navigating Poland’s challenges and understanding the small yet significant discoveries along the journey easier.

While following in the footsteps of ND-3570, your former colleague, you uncover more details about the Change and the series of events that preceded it. Although this narrative structure isn’t entirely unique, the captivating way these events are revealed to you is a significant reason why Cronos: The New Dawn stands out, even amidst its ominous, confined environments.

In the film “Cronos,” the narrative doesn’t revolve around redemption. The travelers, having learned much about human errors leading to their current state, are well-informed and determined. ND-3576 has a specific aim that they relentlessly pursue. Although there are instances where you might find yourself feeling compassionate, the dire situations they encounter make the seemingly harsh choices appear as acts of mercy.

Though some situations offer chances to show empathy, their grim nature can make choosing a seemingly harsh option feel like an act of compassion.

In similar circumstances as those encountered by previous individuals, a story unfolds that delves into the impacts of propaganda, resistance, selfishness, compassion, affection, enmity, optimism, and despair. This narrative skillfully balances these themes using a gradual, suspenseful gameplay rhythm that kept me tense right from the moment I grabbed the controller.

This character, ND-3576, isn’t particularly swift on her feet. Her Temporal Shell hinders speed beyond a leisurely pace, so moving cautiously is usually best, keeping alert for potential dangers or resources en route to your destination. Encounters with the Orphans are inevitable, and managing them becomes quite challenging, especially given your restricted resources.

I’ve spent more time than I care to remember faced with game over screens while playing Cronos. What makes this game stand out is that it’s not due to my lack of skill, but rather the intense and oppressive atmosphere created by The Bloober Team. Even when you seem to have a flawless shot aimed at an Orphan’s head, your aim can be thrown off due to the panic induced by the game’s tension.

As a gamer, I’ve found it crucial to keep my supplies lean and use them wisely. Each bullet spared could be the one that saves me from getting shredded on my journey to the next safe spot. The game gradually rewards you with upgrades, making the adventure a bit smoother, but only the most meticulous travelers will find these hidden treasures tucked away in the game’s tricky nooks and crannies.

Before long, the orphans reveal themselves to you. Handling them, considering your scant resources, isn’t exactly a leisurely stroll.

In simpler terms, for your Temporal Shell and Flamethrower, Energy serves as the upgrade currency. This Energy can be accumulated through Energy Banks, Cameras, and similar items. You can use this Energy to enhance either the health and storage capacity of your shell or the performance of your weapons. It’s crucial to choose each upgrade thoughtfully, taking into account your unique playstyle and how you want to navigate the game.

As a gamer, I’ve discovered that focusing on optimizing my inventory slots and enhancing my weapon clips has proven to be a game-changer for me. This upgrade allowed me to carry more gear in my Shell’s confined storage, while minimizing the need for frequent reloads during combat was simply a godsend. The Orphans are one formidable group, dishing out heavy blows and moving swiftly. As the adventure deepens, they only grow tougher and deadlier.

The Merge mechanism is one of Cronos’ standout aspects, compelling players to strategize thoughtfully regarding encounters with the Orphans and deciding upon strategic disposal methods for them. I often manipulated situations to attract Orphans to locations I felt more comfortable confronting them, disrupting their efforts to grow stronger by utilizing my weapons to feed on the scattered corpses.

Afterward, I swiftly annihilated their remains with my flamethrower, handling the larger threats next, confident that things wouldn’t worsen any further. Oh, how mistaken I was! This was when I found myself confronting the more menacing Orphans, with limited ammunition and an empty flamethrower tank, since you can only carry a single charge for it at once.

As a passionate admirer, I’d say, “The Orphans are a formidable group who pack a punch swiftly and mercilessly. As our journey unfolds, they become increasingly chilling and lethal, leaving no room for complacency.

Engaging with the Orphans was a nerve-wracking ordeal, constantly dodging their assaults while scrambling for additional ammunition. Yet surprisingly, I enjoyed the struggle it presented. This is a testament to The Bloober Team’s skill in crafting immersive game worlds, as you often find yourself playing the roles of both predator and prey throughout Cronos: The New Dawn. It’s a gameplay cycle that’s challenging yet balanced, and each death serves as a lesson, prompting you to rethink your strategy from a fresh perspective in search of an advantage.

In terms of its gameplay and narrative, “Cronos: The New Dawn” stands out as an artistic masterpiece within the survival horror genre. Its soundtrack subtly enhances the tension during crucial scenes, yet remains almost unnoticeable. At the same time, it beautifully infuses a melancholic flavor into the game’s tranquil moments.

In simpler terms, Cronos runs smoothly on the standard PlayStation 5, maintaining a consistent framerate without any hiccups or sudden appearances of objects. However, during intense scenes, there’s a slight dip in frame rates, but it doesn’t significantly affect the overall immersive experience. The game offers a high-quality combination of graphics, storyline, and gameplay that left me reflecting deeply, even keeping me awake at night with thoughts about existential and material questions.

1. In the past, was it justified for people to violate quarantine whenever they had the opportunity?
2. Was the elderly woman really there behind the door, or was she a false perception induced by ND-3576’s temporal leaps due to time travel?
3. Has my personal experience of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced my understanding and interpretation of this story? These were the questions that lingered in my mind even after I shut down my console for the day, proving Cronos: The New Dawn to be a profoundly thought-provoking game.

On the standard PlayStation 5, Cronos delivers a smooth gameplay experience, free of any frame rate issues, stuttering, or sudden appearance of objects.

As a dedicated gamer, I’d describe this game as one that challenges your strategic thinking and resilience. It puts you in the shoes of a Traveller, where you don’t give up, not even after an Armageddon has passed. This isn’t just a game; it’s a masterpiece that even the bravest among us will be compelled to see through from beginning to end. And much like real-life adventures, the thrilling journey is what truly makes this experience worthwhile.

I highly suggest giving “Cronos: The New Dawn” a try, as I believe many players would greatly benefit from experiencing it. To my surprise, this game managed to overcome my usual trepidation towards horror titles by offering an engaging storyline and captivating gameplay that left me forgetting my initial fears and eager to fully immerse myself in the experience. Consequently, I am both amazed and pleased with this unexpected outcome.

Such is our calling.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Read More

2025-09-03 19:01