Cronos: The New Dawn Faces Competition from Displacement in Being Dead Space’s Heir

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Since the debut of Dead Space, numerous video games have endeavored to emulate its eerie ambiance, unique setting, and chilling vibe. For instance, The Callisto Protocol by Striking Distance Studios was significantly influenced by the Dead Space series, as seen in its narrative structure and melee combat system. Regrettably, it didn’t meet fan expectations; many criticized it as a poorly executed, lackluster horror game. Fortunately, other studios, such as Bloober Team, are also working on creating a spiritual sequel to Dead Space. Cronos: The New Dawn, Bloober’s upcoming project, appears to be a promising example of this endeavor.

Titled “Cronos: The New Dawn,” this is Bloober Team’s debut project after their successful remake of “Silent Hill 2.” Revealed during an Xbox Partner Preview event towards the end of last year, it’s slated for release in 2025. While “Cronos: The New Dawn” doesn’t unfold on a derelict spaceship like “Dead Space,” it shares similarities with the classic game in aspects such as its close-quarters combat and futuristic ambiance. Despite the anticipation, the upcoming game might encounter tough competition in the market for the “Dead Space” successor.

Displacement Could Be a Big Competitor to Cronos: The New Dawn

Displacement is an Upcoming Horror Game with Temperature-Based Gameplay Mechanics

Recently, Obelisk Studio, an independent game developer, unveiled that they’re developing a fresh title called “Displacement“. This forthcoming game is a first-person action-horror adventure with striking resemblances to the Dead Space series and hints of similarity to Cronos: The New Dawn. In “Displacement“, you’ll find yourself in a chilling frozen polar research station, where everyone has been affected by a mysterious illness that turns them mad. As a solitary psychologist, your mission is to navigate this dilapidated station and uncover the origin of this disease.

Displacement stands out from other games similar to Dead Space by incorporating several intriguing gameplay mechanics. Notably, this game employs a distinctive temperature system that serves various purposes. Players are equipped with a special weapon capable of either burning or freezing enemies on demand, an ability which can also destroy obstacles, freeze locks, overheat weapons, and ignite traps. The game includes puzzles based on temperature as well. In certain situations, players may need to direct heat between rooms or thaw specific objects in order to advance through a level. Additionally, gamers are given the option to construct their own temporary heat sources for surviving the cold.

Combat in Displacement is Melee-Focused, and the Game’s UI is Very Limited

Much like the Dead Space series, Displacement predominantly relies on close-quarter combat using melee techniques. This game boasts 20 weapons designed for close range, several of which come with grisly execution animations. The environments in Displacement are also highly adaptable; players can utilize a good deal of the items they discover around them as makeshift weapons. Unlike Dead Space and Cronos: The New Dawn, Displacement’s user interface is minimalistic, focusing more on immersing the player rather than cluttering the screen with information. This design philosophy is reminiscent of Dead Space’s original approach to UI design.

Although Displacement May Be a Ways Off, it Could Steal Some Thunder from Cronos: The New Dawn

Obelisk Studio, the team responsible for creating “Displacement,” has been part of various projects such as “Far Cry 6,” “Love, Death & Robots,” and “Sons of the Forest.” Despite their extensive portfolio, “Displacement” marks a new level of scale they haven’t tackled before. On their official website, Obelisk Studio mentions that nearly all development for the Alpha version of “Displacement” is complete. However, the project still lacks sufficient funding and may not be finished without the backing of fans. As such, it might take some time before we see “Displacement.” If it manages to surpass expectations, it could potentially overshadow upcoming titles similar to “Dead Space,” such as “Cronos: The New Dawn.

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2025-05-01 04:04