64
MONSTER
Developed by seasoned studio Cyanide, Call of Cthulhu is an RPG-Investigation game with psychological horror and stealth mechanics, set in a deeply immersive world. On a mission to find the truth behind the death of an acclaimed artist and her family on a backwater island, the player will soon uncover a more disturbing truth as the Great Dreamer, Cthulhu, prepares its awakening...
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
EXPAND ALL
Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
76
Critics have mixed opinions on Call of Cthulhu's story. Some praise its immersive narrative that captures Lovecraftian themes, while others criticize its lack of depth and rushed execution. The game's strengths include atmospheric storytelling and engaging mysteries, but weak gameplay and pacing issues detract from its potential as a truly terrifying horror experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
76
Positive (80-100)
62%
Mixed (50-79)
33%
Negative (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics have mixed opinions on Call of Cthulhu's story. Some praise its immersive narrative that captures Lovecraftian themes, while others criticize its lack of depth and rushed execution. The game's strengths include atmospheric storytelling and engaging mysteries, but weak gameplay and pacing issues detract from its potential as a truly terrifying horror experience.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
61
Critics are divided on the gameplay of Call of Cthulhu. Some praise its exploration and puzzle-solving elements, while others criticize its poorly executed stealth mechanics and clunky RPG systems. Overall, the game's strengths lie in investigation and puzzle-solving, but it falls short in various areas, leading to a consensus that it fails to fully deliver on its potential.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
61
Positive (80-100)
3%
Mixed (50-79)
86%
Negative (0-49)
11%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics are divided on the gameplay of Call of Cthulhu. Some praise its exploration and puzzle-solving elements, while others criticize its poorly executed stealth mechanics and clunky RPG systems. Overall, the game's strengths lie in investigation and puzzle-solving, but it falls short in various areas, leading to a consensus that it fails to fully deliver on its potential.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
62
Critics have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Call of Cthulhu. Some praise its immersive environments and atmospheric elements, while others criticize the outdated graphics, poor character models, and technical issues, especially on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, while the game succeeds in creating a creepy atmosphere, its visual aspects fall short of modern standards according to critics.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
62
Positive (80-100)
16%
Mixed (50-79)
64%
Negative (0-49)
21%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Call of Cthulhu. Some praise its immersive environments and atmospheric elements, while others criticize the outdated graphics, poor character models, and technical issues, especially on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, while the game succeeds in creating a creepy atmosphere, its visual aspects fall short of modern standards according to critics.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
71
Critics are divided on the sound design and music of Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game. Positives include immersive atmosphere and eerie music, while negatives point to subpar voice acting. Overall, most reviewers praise the sound for enhancing the game's atmosphere, despite some flaws in voice acting.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
71
Positive (80-100)
38%
Mixed (50-79)
56%
Negative (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics are divided on the sound design and music of Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game. Positives include immersive atmosphere and eerie music, while negatives point to subpar voice acting. Overall, most reviewers praise the sound for enhancing the game's atmosphere, despite some flaws in voice acting.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
67
Critics are divided on the voice acting in Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game. Some praise it for enhancing the atmosphere and bringing characters to life, while others criticize it for inconsistencies and lacking emotional depth. It's a mixed bag of strong performances and weaknesses, leaving the overall quality up for debate.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
67
Positive (80-100)
25%
Mixed (50-79)
62%
Negative (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics are divided on the voice acting in Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game. Some praise it for enhancing the atmosphere and bringing characters to life, while others criticize it for inconsistencies and lacking emotional depth. It's a mixed bag of strong performances and weaknesses, leaving the overall quality up for debate.
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
54
Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game's technical performance varies on different platforms. Nintendo Switch version is solid with minor sacrifices, Xbox One has steady framerate, PC runs smoothly with fine tuning, and PS4 Pro maintains stable performance. However, all platforms face issues like long loading times, frame rate drops, and graphical imperfections. Critics highlight specific flaws like low-poly characters and stiff animations, but some mention overall stability.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
54
Positive (80-100)
4%
Mixed (50-79)
69%
Negative (0-49)
28%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game's technical performance varies on different platforms. Nintendo Switch version is solid with minor sacrifices, Xbox One has steady framerate, PC runs smoothly with fine tuning, and PS4 Pro maintains stable performance. However, all platforms face issues like long loading times, frame rate drops, and graphical imperfections. Critics highlight specific flaws like low-poly characters and stiff animations, but some mention overall stability.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
57
Critics are divided on the replay value of Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game. Some praise its multiple endings and character options for replayability, while others criticize its lack of impactful choices and rushed pacing. Overall, the game offers mixed replay value with potential for enjoyment for Lovecraft fans, but may not fully deliver on its promise of keeping players coming back for more.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
57
Positive (80-100)
10%
Mixed (50-79)
59%
Negative (0-49)
31%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are divided on the replay value of Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game. Some praise its multiple endings and character options for replayability, while others criticize its lack of impactful choices and rushed pacing. Overall, the game offers mixed replay value with potential for enjoyment for Lovecraft fans, but may not fully deliver on its promise of keeping players coming back for more.
Overall Verdict
64
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
64
Positive (80-100)
16%
Mixed (50-79)
78%
Negative (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Critics have mixed opinions on Call of Cthulhu. Some praise its Lovecraftian atmosphere and engaging narrative, while others criticize its technical issues, gameplay mechanics, and lack of scares. Recommended for Lovecraft fans, but falls short for a wider audience.
64
MONSTER
Reviews
115 reviews found90
Digitally Downloaded
Oct 29, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is a successful adaptation of the pen-and-paper RPG, providing a fun descent into madness
Read full review
86
IGN
Oct 30, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game delivers a fine cosmic horror experience with a dark and intriguing story, immersive atmosphere, and enjoyable detective sections. However, the bland stealth and combat mechanics detract from the overall experience.
Read full review
85
GameStar
Oct 30, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game is a recommended action-adventure game with a strong story and atmospheric elements.
Read full review
85
GamingTrend
Oct 30, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A thrilling experience with some flaws, but still enjoyable for horror and mystery fans
Read full review
85
GameSpace
Oct 16, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A fun but short game that is suitable for fans of Lovecraft mythos and those who want non-jump scare horror in an adventure game. The game's presence on the Switch helps to shake the perception that it is solely a children's toy.
Read full review
82
SomosXbox
Nov 6, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Call of Cthulhu is one of the best Lovecraft adaptations available, with a captivating story that overshadows its technical shortcomings. Fans of Lovecraft's work should give it a chance.
80
Ragequit.gr
Nov 5, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Call of Cthulhu is a game made with passion and love for Lovecraft's Mythos. It successfully captures the essence of his works and offers a truly immersive and nightmarish experience.
Read full review
80
Adventure Gamers
Oct 30, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Call of Cthulhu is a well-crafted game that successfully captures the essence of Lovecraftian horror. While it may have some technical shortcomings, the game's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. Call of Cthulhu is a polished and engaging game that offers more than just typical survival horror gameplay.
Read full review
80
GameSpew
Oct 29, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Call of Cthulhu weaves a supernatural detective tale that's frequently unsettling, occasionally horrifying, and always engaging.
Read full review
80
TheXboxHub
Nov 7, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
It's a very solid, extremely entertaining game that is a welcome breather from the huge open worlds that are dominating the games scene. If you’re a fan of H.P. Lovecraft’s work then this is one of the best experiences out there, simply because it loves its source material.
Read full review