Cronos The New Dawn review scores are rolling in, and Bloober Team’s latest survival horror effort is earning some solid praise from critics. After their successful Silent Hill 2 remake, the Polish studio is back with an original IP that’s generating interesting conversations in the horror gaming community.
The game currently sits at 80 on OpenCritic with 48 reviews and 78 on Metacritic with 28 reviews. But what are critics actually saying beyond the numbers? Let’s break down the key points from reviewers who’ve spent time in this post-apocalyptic Polish setting.
The Review Score Breakdown
Most outlets are landing in the 7-8/10 range, with some notable outliers on both ends. Here’s what the review landscape looks like:
- High scores (9-9.5/10): Bazimag, GamingBolt, Game Sandwich
- Solid scores (8-8.5/10): GameSpot, CGMagazine, Checkpoint Gaming, But Why Tho?
- Mixed scores (7-7.5/10): Atarita, COGconnected
- Lower scores (4.5/10): GameGrin, with some reviewers citing execution issues
The spread suggests a game that’s doing several things right but might not click with everyone.
What Critics Love About Cronos The New Dawn
Reading through multiple Cronos The New Dawn review summaries, several strengths keep coming up:
Atmosphere and World Building: Nearly every reviewer mentions the game’s strong atmospheric presentation. The Polish setting feels authentic and immersive, with environmental storytelling that draws players into its post-apocalyptic world.
Sound Design: Multiple critics specifically call out the audio work. One reviewer described it as having “remarkable sound design and a chilling atmosphere,” while another noted the “impactful score that resonates long after playing.”
Story and Narrative: While some have pacing concerns, most reviewers appreciate the story’s complexity. The narrative apparently starts simple but evolves into something more intricate, with philosophical elements that some critics found genuinely engaging.
Survival Horror Elements: Critics are praising how the game handles classic survival horror mechanics. Resource management feels meaningful, and the tension between exploration and combat seems well-balanced.
Common Criticisms From Reviews
No game is perfect, and reviewers have identified some consistent issues:
Repetitive Elements: Several critics mention repetitive level design and combat mechanics. While the atmosphere stays strong, some gameplay loops apparently wear thin over the 12-14 hour runtime.
Pacing Problems: Multiple reviewers noted pacing issues, particularly in story delivery. Long gameplay segments without meaningful story progression seem to be a recurring complaint.
Combat Concerns: While weapon design gets praise, melee combat specifically has been called disappointing by some critics. The ranged combat appears to fare better.
Technical Issues: Some reviewers mentioned performance problems on PS5, though these seem to vary between critics.
Survival Mechanics That Matter
One aspect that’s getting consistent attention in Cronos The New Dawn review coverage is the survival mechanics. Critics are comparing it favorably to games like Dead Space and The Evil Within in terms of resource scarcity.
Ammo management appears to be crucial. One reviewer nearly got stuck in a room with an enemy and no ammunition, highlighting how strategic resource use becomes. This isn’t a run-and-gun experience – you need to think about every shot.
The game also includes a New Game Plus mode that carries over upgrades while introducing harder enemies, similar to the recent Dead Space remake’s approach.
How It Compares to Other Horror Games
Critics are making some interesting comparisons. Multiple reviewers have called it a “hidden successor to the Dead Space Trilogy,” which is high praise considering that series’ reputation.
The survival elements get compared to The Evil Within more than modern Resident Evil games. This suggests a more methodical, resource-conscious approach rather than action-heavy gameplay.
Some reviewers are also noting how it shows Bloober Team’s growth since their previous projects, with many seeing it as their most complete horror game yet.
Should You Buy Cronos The New Dawn?
Based on the review consensus, this seems like a solid pick for survival horror fans who appreciate atmosphere over action. If you enjoyed the methodical pace of older horror games and don’t mind some repetitive elements, critics suggest you’ll likely find value here.
The game offers replayability through different personality corruptions that change cutscenes, plus the New Game Plus mode adds longevity for completionists.
However, if you prefer your horror games more action-packed or get frustrated by resource management, several critics suggest you might want to wait for a sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Cronos The New Dawn?
Critics report the game takes around 12-14 hours to complete, with one reviewer noting 12 hours with thorough exploration.
Is Cronos The New Dawn really scary?
Reviewers describe it as atmospheric and tense rather than jump-scare heavy. It focuses more on building dread than outright terror.
How does the combat work?
The game emphasizes ranged combat with scarce ammunition. Melee combat is present but gets mixed reviews from critics. Resource management is crucial.
Can you play Cronos The New Dawn on Steam Deck?
Yes, early reports suggest it runs surprisingly well on Steam Deck with decent visual quality, though this isn’t covered in most traditional reviews.
Is there replay value in Cronos The New Dawn?
Critics note that different personality corruptions change cutscenes between playthroughs, and New Game Plus mode adds harder enemies while carrying over upgrades.
How does it compare to Silent Hill 2 remake?
Reviewers suggest it’s good but not quite at the level of Bloober Team’s Silent Hill 2 remake. Some mention padding issues that the SH2 remake avoided.
What’s the setting like?
The game is set in post-apocalyptic Poland, which critics praise for feeling authentic and well-realized. The Polish influences create a unique atmosphere in the survival horror genre.
The Bottom Line
Cronos The New Dawn review scores paint a picture of a solid, if not groundbreaking, survival horror experience. Critics appreciate Bloober Team’s atmospheric craft and storytelling ambition, even when execution doesn’t always stick the landing.
For survival horror fans looking for something with more substance than scares, the critical consensus suggests this delivers a worthwhile experience. Just go in expecting a methodical, resource-heavy approach rather than constant thrills.