Cronos: The New Dawn Sprinkles a Welcome Dose of Cuteness Into its Constant Horror

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The New Dawn,” developed by Bloober Team, represents their newest addition to the third-person psychological survival horror genre. Unlike previous titles like Amnesia that emphasized first-person exploration and puzzles, Cronos leans more towards intense, suspenseful gameplay with scarce resources, similar to Dead Space and Resident Evil 4. Bloober Team has openly acknowledged their latest game being influenced by some of the most renowned survival horror games ever made, and this influence is clearly visible in Cronos’ gameplay and design.

In Cronos: The New Dawn, the plot and atmosphere are presented exceptionally well, with standout features being the spectacular visuals and the clever use of confined spaces that evoke a sense of claustrophobia. Bloober Team does an outstanding job of conveying the bleak and chilling ambiance of its world through two interwoven timelines. In a future scarred by a mysterious global pandemic, a figure enclosed in armor, known as the Traveler, journeys through time rifts to the past, seeking out specific individuals to gather their “Essences” in an urgent effort to halt the disaster. Despite its persistent gloomy and somber tone, Cronos: The New Dawn includes one element that offers a somewhat unexpected and necessary respite from the constant fear and dread.

Cronos: The New Dawn Cuts Up Its Nonstop Horror with a Smattering of Feline Companionship

Cronos: The New Dawn’s Unrelentingly Bleak Atmosphere

Cronos: A New Dawn

The setting and narrative of this series offer a grim portrayal, firstly of a dystopian future timeline, where the catastrophic event called The Change has spread, devastating humanity and transforming many survivors into grotesque beings known as Orphans. As the Traveler traverses between these worlds, fear is omnipresent – whether it’s the lurking shadows of an Orphan or the disheartening results of investigations. This grim atmosphere can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, the Traveler discovers moments of comfort in unexpected places.

Cronos: The New Dawn’s Cats Are Both Comforting Encounters and Valuable Resources

In the course of exploring the Nowa Huta district, remnants of what was once Kraków, within the game “Cronos: The New Dawn”, players may encounter stray cats. These cats often dash across the player’s path as guides to the next crucial location. At times, their presence is signaled by a soft meowing coming from behind a door or wall, and the player must figure out how to reach them.

The Traveler exhibits a remarkable level of detachment, systematically recording and analyzing occurrences that would typically evoke strong emotions in others. However, they appear to have a soft spot for cats, as they’re able to interact with them, patting them gently and even learning their names. These feline friends can be found in every secure zone within the game, offering comfort amidst the isolation. Moreover, these cats serve as collectibles, leaving behind useful items and enhancements that can aid survival during gameplay.

Some might remember that another chilling game, “The Evil Within 2”, incorporated a playful cat which occasionally popped up in different areas, including secure spaces.

In the game “Cronos: The New Dawn,” cats serve as moments of tranquility amidst a harrowing dystopia. Not only do these felines add to the gameplay, but they also provide a compelling reason for players to rescue them. Despite their strange presence in such a bizarre and violent world, they offer a comforting, humanizing aspect to both the game’s horror genre and its protagonist. This addition provides a subtle yet significant sense of familiarity and empathy.

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2025-09-07 20:09