I recently returned from Gamescom 2025, and after a brief bout with norovirus, Iβm back to share insights on some of the standout games I experienced at the event. Among the titles I had the pleasure of trying were Crimson Desert, Silent Hill F, and the much-anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong. Yet, surprisingly, it was not these heavyweights that captured my attention the most. Instead, it was a gem from the ID@Xbox section of the Xbox booth that has piqued my curiosity since its reveal: Cronos: The New Dawn, developed by Bloober Team, known for their work on Layers of Fear, The Medium, and the Silent Hill 2 Remake.
Bloober Team has a reputation for crafting atmospheric experiences, and their latest offering appears to continue this trend while also evolving their gameplay mechanics. Cronos: The New Dawn is set to launch on Xbox PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on September 5, 2025. After my hands-on experience, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the gameβs homage to horror classics like Resident Evil and Dead Space, all while maintaining a distinct Bloober sense of isolation and dread.
A tribute to horror greats, and very much its own beast
What struck me most about Cronos: The New Dawn was its palpable sense of loneliness. While Bloober has experienced mixed success with narrative elements in previous titles, their ability to create an immersive atmosphere has always been a strong suit. From the BeksiΕski-inspired nightmares of The Medium to the twisted realities of Observer, the studio has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of horror aesthetics.
In the past, however, some of Bloober’s games struggled with interactivity, often feeling clunky when it came to player engagement. Yet, after their meticulous reworking of Silent Hill 2, it seems they have found their stride. The combat mechanics in Cronos reflect this newfound confidence, blending exploration with intense horror elements. I had the opportunity to play two different demos: one focused on combat and the other providing a deeper narrative exploration behind closed doors. The anticipation for the full release is palpable, especially for fans of the survival horror genre.
A quiet, Soviet post-apocalypse
Cronos: The New Dawn unabashedly wears its inspirations on its sleeve. As I played, I couldn’t help but recall my experiences with Dead Space. The protagonist, known as “The Traveller,” dons a heavy suit reminiscent of Isaac Clarke’s, complete with the ability to engage in melee combat and execute finishing moves on downed foes. The gunplay, however, draws more from The Evil Within, presenting an aggressive weapon sway that challenges players to be precise with their shots. This design choice enhances the horror experience, as resource scarcity compels players to strategize their approach to combat.
As “The Traveller,” players navigate a world shattered by an event known as “The Change.” This mysterious occurrence has birthed grotesque entities from the remains of humanity, creating a landscape filled with tension and uncertainty. The game encourages players to engage with their environment, utilizing resources wisely to maximize their chances of survival. Each death serves as a lesson, revealing new strategies to tackle the horrors that lie ahead.
During my demo, I overheard a fellow journalist expressing concerns about the gunplay, but I found it to be a fitting choice for a horror-centric game. The weapon sway adds a layer of panic and urgency, aligning perfectly with the game’s themes. The ability to burn enemy bodies introduces a strategic element, allowing players to manage threats effectively.
Bloober has hit the big leagues, and I owe them an apology
Despite drawing clear inspiration from modern horror titles, Cronos: The New Dawn carves out its own identity within a bleak, retro-futuristic setting. The Eastern European backdrop, steeped in the shadows of its brutalist past, adds a unique flavor to the horror experience. The game poses intriguing questions about its world: What happened to society? Why are the skies altered? What is the significance of the grotesque technology scattered throughout this apocalyptic landscape?
As I ponder these mysteries, I find myself eagerly awaiting the answers that Cronos promises to unveil. With its release on September 5, 2025, players will have the opportunity to delve into this harrowing narrative. My initial skepticism about Bloober Team’s ability to deliver a compelling survival horror experience has been thoroughly challenged, and I am excited to see how they continue to evolve in this genre.
