Cronos: The New Dawn Reminded Me a Lot of Another Horror Classic (And it’s Not Dead Space or RE4)

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The release of “Cronos: The New Dawn” marks a significant leap for developer Bloober Team, who have transitioned from a smaller indie studio specializing in first-person exploration-based horror games to a AAA studio following the success of the critically acclaimed “Silent Hill 2 Remake” last year. Instead of resting on their laurels, Bloober promptly announced that they were already developing another survival horror game, this time an original title called “Cronos: The New Dawn”, which has been met with largely positive reviews upon its recent release.

As a dedicated fan, I couldn’t help but notice the striking similarities between Cronos: The Dawn and two horror gaming legends, Dead Space and Resident Evil 4, right from its initial unveiling. The developers at Bloober Team were open about drawing inspiration from these classics in shaping Cronos, and it’s evident in many of the gameplay elements and visual aesthetics. However, there’s another horror masterpiece that I found subtly woven throughout Cronos, a work that deeply resonates with me.

Having been a follower since day one, it was clear to me how Cronos: The Dawn shares chilling resemblances with horror greats like Dead Space and Resident Evil 4. Bloober Team didn’t shy away from acknowledging their influence on the development of Cronos, and you can see it in numerous gameplay mechanics and visual styles. Yet, there was another terrifying masterpiece I found lurking in its shadows – a work that holds a special place in my heart.

Cronos: The New Dawn Gave Me Heavy The Thing Vibes in the Best Way

John Carpenter’s The Thing is a Beloved Body Horror Masterpiece

Surely, many horror movie enthusiasts will recognize John Carpenter’s “The Thing.” Despite its poor reception when initially released in 1982, it has since gained significant acclaim and become one of the genre’s most respected and impactful films. The story is adapted from John W. Campbell Jr.’s novella “Who Goes There?” published in 1938. The movie’s eerie atmosphere and groundbreaking practical effects, especially the disturbing, shape-shifting monster, are now iconic. Noteworthy performances by Kurt Russell and Keith David also add depth to their characters as they grapple with an almost impossible situation.

In simple and engaging language, the statement could be rephrased as follows:

“Adapted by a carpenter, the movie ‘The Thing’ has become an iconic piece in the genre of body horror, resonating deeply with fans across the globe, including myself who considers it one of my top favorite films. Subsequent to its release, several horror video games were inspired by this masterpiece. Furthermore, Bloober Team acknowledged ‘The Thing’ as an inspiration for their game ‘Cronos: The New Dawn’, and I found this reference both obvious and delightful.

The latest remastered version of Nightdive’s 2002 game “The Thing” has been a huge hit, setting a new record as their quickest-selling game to date.

Cronos: The New Dawn May Unabashedly Channel Dead Space and Resident Evil 4, But The Thing’s Influence Was the Real Treat In My Eyes

In the debut of “Cronos: The New Dawn”, the introduction of their enemies, named the Orphans, instantly reminded me of “The Thing” due to their shared visuals and behaviors. However, they also bear a resemblance to Dead Space’s Necromorphs, with the latter having been inspired by the former. Interestingly, Cronos: The New Dawn incorporates these influences in a unique manner. Once subdued, these hulking figures that somewhat resemble humans with tentacle limbs don’t always remain deceased. Eliminating one leaves its biological matter exposed, allowing other Orphans to absorb it. If Orphans merge in “Cronos: The New Dawn”, they metamorphose into more potent and revolting versions that necessitate increased firepower to vanquish.

Navigating narrow passages in “Cronos: The New Dawn” filled with intertwined flesh structures, where dead bodies hang from every angle, instills a similar sense of tension as seen in “The Thing.” At any given moment, an Orphan might suddenly appear or be hiding nearby, ready to fuse with another body. Much like the creature from The Thing, Orphans are vulnerable to fire, and this aspect is key in “Cronos: The New Dawn.” Fire is one of the most useful strategies here, ensuring you always have a flamethrower at the ready to prevent Orphans from encircling you or merging before you can stop it. R.J. MacReady, the protagonist from The Thing, would undoubtedly support such an approach.

To round things off, the game “Cronos: The New Dawn” boasts an extraordinarily fitting synthwave soundtrack, reminiscent of John Carpenter’s films, especially since the music was actually composed by him for many of his films, such as “The Thing.” Although “Resident Evil 4” and “Dead Space” have left their mark on “Cronos,” I found myself drawn more to its “Thing”-esque atmosphere. I believe I’m not the only one who feels this way.

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2025-09-06 23:31