Bloober Team, the studio behind the acclaimed Silent Hill 2 remake, released its latest survival horror title, Cronos: The New Dawn, on September 5, 2025, across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC platforms. This third-person post-apocalyptic horror game introduces players to a bleak world devastated by a flesh-melding virus, combining sci-fi elements with tense survival gameplay.
In Cronos: The New Dawn, players control The Traveler, a time-traveling character equipped with advanced weaponry confronting grotesque monsters known as "orphans." The game distinguishes itself by incorporating cats scattered throughout the environment as helpful allies who provide players with valuable items. Additionally, the game features a unique time manipulation mechanic that allows players to rewind or fast-forward parts of the environment to solve puzzles, such as restoring broken staircases or moving platforms.
Critics have praised the game's richly atmospheric world, which is heavily inspired by renowned horror and survival franchises like Resident Evil 4, Dead Space, and of course, the studio's previous work on Silent Hill. The haunting setting of Nowa Huta and its thematic exploration of societal and personal struggles has been highlighted as one of the game's strongest attributes. Several reviewers commend the environmental storytelling, scattered notes, and graffiti that add depth to the dystopian landscape.
However, the combat system has drawn mixed reviews. While some appreciate its challenging nature and the resource management required to survive, others criticize it as being "run-of-the-mill" and lacking the dynamic innovation seen in its inspirations. The struggle to prevent enemies from merging into more formidable beasts adds a layer of strategy but can lead to frustrating moments, compounded by limited ammunition and health supplies. Furthermore, the occasional overuse of lethal jump scares that penalize failure severely has been a point of contention among players.
Technically, some players encountered performance issues, including animation glitches and subtitle errors, particularly on the PS5 version, although patches have improved stability. Dialogue and voice acting quality vary, contributing to an uneven narrative experience. Despite its unconventional and at times slow-moving storyline, many players find the plot intriguing and enjoy unraveling its mysteries.
Cronos: The New Dawn represents an earnest effort by Bloober Team to create an original survival horror experience that expands beyond the shadow of their previous iconic remake. While not definitively surpassing Silent Hill 2, it caters well to fans seeking a tough, atmospheric, and sci-fi-infused survival horror game reminiscent of classics like Resident Evil 4 and Dead Space.
As industry trends continue to emphasize innovative storytelling and immersive gameplay in horror titles, Cronos contributes a fresh perspective with its blend of time manipulation mechanics and the unusual inclusion of ally cats. Although the game encounters some technical and gameplay hurdles, it remains a notable release for fans of the genre and highlights the evolving creative ambitions within console survival horror in 2025.
