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Cronos: The New Dawn

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Cronos: The New Dawn
Item: Cronos: The New Dawn
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Horror, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableSep 5, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperBloober Team

Overview

Cronos: The New Dawn is a pulse-pounding, third-person survival horror game that throws you into the heart of a deadly struggle against overwhelming foes, all while uncovering the mysteries of a twisted time travel story.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Cronos: The New Dawn boasts an engaging narrative with a rich sci-fi backdrop, praised for its intriguing protagonist and environmental storytelling. However, critics highlight significant clarity issues, with a fragmented plot that can confuse players and hinder emotional connection. While world-building is strong, the uneven pacing and cryptic delivery leave a mixed reception, making it a compelling yet divisive experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions on the story of Cronos: The New Dawn reveal a generally positive sentiment towards its narrative structure and thematic depth. Critics such as Nintendo Life and Gamereactor UK highlight the engaging and intriguing nature of the story, with the former praising the compelling protagonist, The Traveler, and the latter noting the rich sci-fi narrative that immerses players in a dystopian world filled with monsters. The environmental storytelling is also frequently mentioned, with GameBlast and GamesRadar+ emphasizing how the narrative unfolds through exploration and interaction with the game world, allowing players to piece together the lore and history of the setting. The unique blend of time travel and post-apocalyptic themes, particularly set against the backdrop of 1980s Poland, is seen as a strong point, with critics like Pure Nintendo and Shacknews appreciating the depth and complexity of the narrative. However, several reviewers express concerns regarding the clarity and coherence of the story. Critics like Nintendo Insider and Game Informer point out that the narrative can be confusing and ambiguous, leaving players with unanswered questions and a sense of emotional disconnect. The fragmented nature of the storytelling, as noted by CGMagazine and Eurogamer Portugal, can lead to frustration, as players must rely on documents and environmental cues to understand the plot. Additionally, some reviews mention that the pacing can be uneven, with slow dialogue delivery detracting from the overall engagement, as highlighted by DBLTAP. This lack of clarity may lead to a sense of detachment from the characters and their struggles, which is a significant drawback for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Cronos: The New Dawn offers an intriguing and immersive narrative experience, it is marred by issues of clarity and emotional engagement. The game's ambitious premise, as noted by critics like Gaming Age and Digital Spy, is often overshadowed by its cryptic storytelling and the need for player interpretation. Many reviewers appreciate the rich world-building and thematic exploration, but the lack of straightforward narrative delivery leaves a mixed impression. As a result, while the game succeeds in creating a compelling atmosphere and mystery, it may not resonate equally with all players, leading to a divided reception regarding its storytelling effectiveness.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Cronos: The New Dawn excels in survival horror with a unique enemy fusion system and engaging resource management, reminiscent of Dead Space. Critics praise its strategic combat and crafting, but it suffers from repetitive mechanics, linear design, and frustrating inventory management. While the gameplay is challenging and rewarding, some find it monotonous and punishing, lacking innovation in the genre. Overall, it offers a solid experience but falls short of fully captivating players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

51%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Cronos: The New Dawn has been generally praised for its solid integration of survival horror mechanics, showcasing a unique enemy fusion system that adds depth and tension to encounters. Critics like Nintendo Insider and Digital Spy highlight how the game incorporates resource management and strategic combat, reminiscent of classics like Dead Space. The crafting system and environmental puzzles, as noted by CGMagazine and Gaming Age, contribute to an engaging experience that encourages exploration and critical thinking. Many reviewers, including Gamereactor UK and WellPlayed, appreciate the demanding nature of the gameplay, which requires players to adapt to limited resources and challenging enemies, creating a rewarding survival rhythm. However, the game has faced criticism for its repetitive combat mechanics and linear design, which some reviewers feel detracts from the overall experience. Critics like DBLTAP and Eurogamer Portugal point out that the relentless enemy encounters can feel forced, diminishing the sense of fear that is crucial in survival horror. Additionally, the inventory management has been described as frustrating, with limited slots and an unbalanced weapon system, as noted by GamesRadar+ and Siliconera. The pacing of the game has also been a point of contention, with some reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com and Metro GameCentral, finding it slow and lacking innovative mechanics, leading to a sense of monotony in gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Cronos: The New Dawn successfully captures the essence of survival horror with its resource management and strategic combat, it suffers from issues such as linearity, repetitive encounters, and a frustrating inventory system. Critics like Pure Nintendo and GamingTrend appreciate the game's challenging nature but also acknowledge that it can be punishingly difficult, potentially alienating some players. The blend of familiar mechanics with unique elements, as mentioned by Push Square and Invader, suggests that while the game offers a solid experience, it may not fully innovate within the genre, leaving some players wanting more variety and depth in gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Cronos: The New Dawn impresses critics with its haunting visuals and immersive atmosphere, blending brutalist architecture and lo-fi futuristic design to enhance the horror experience. However, it faces criticism for technical issues like low frame rates on Nintendo Switch 2 and glitches on PlayStation 5, which can disrupt immersion. Overall, while visually striking, the game has its flaws, but its art direction significantly enriches its narrative and gameplay within the horror genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

74%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

26%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Cronos: The New Dawn have garnered a generally positive reception from critics, particularly regarding the atmospheric quality and aesthetic choices. Reviewers such as Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo praised the game's ability to create a horror atmosphere through its gooey aesthetic and bleak visuals. The environmental design has been highlighted as dark and varied, contributing to a tense experience, with critics like Pocket Tactics and GamingBolt noting the immersive qualities of the world-building that effectively enhance the narrative. The visual design has been described as striking and unique, with Digital Spy emphasizing the combination of brutalist architecture and lo-fi futuristic elements that resonate with players while maintaining a fresh perspective. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's graphical fidelity, especially on the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo Insider pointed out the lower frame rate of 30 FPS compared to other consoles, which may detract from the overall experience. Additionally, some critics mentioned technical issues such as texture loading and stuttering, as noted by Eurogamer Portugal, which can disrupt immersion. On the PlayStation 5, while the visuals are generally praised, Shacknews mentioned glitches and animation issues in cutscenes that detract from the experience, indicating that while the visual design is strong, it is not without its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Cronos: The New Dawn excels in creating a haunting and immersive atmosphere through its visual design, with a strong emphasis on horror elements. Critics across platforms, including Gamereactor UK and Game Informer, have lauded the game's ability to evoke dread and desolation through its art direction. While there are some criticisms regarding technical performance and occasional graphical inconsistencies, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game's aesthetic choices effectively contribute to its narrative and gameplay experience, making it a notable title in the horror genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Cronos: The New Dawn's sound design and synth-heavy soundtrack, praising their role in creating an immersive horror atmosphere. While the audio effectively builds tension and enhances gameplay, some reviewers noted that the music occasionally fades into the background and lacks detail. Overall, the soundscapes are a standout feature, significantly enriching the game's chilling experience despite minor criticisms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Cronos: The New Dawn have garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting their significant contribution to the game's atmosphere and immersive experience. Many reviewers, including Nintendo Life and Digital Spy, praised the synth-heavy soundtrack, noting how it enhances the horror elements of the game. Critics like Carole Quintaine and Gamereactor UK emphasized the sound design as a strong point, with immersive audio that effectively creates tension and anxiety. The effective use of environmental sounds and haunting audio cues was frequently mentioned, with publications like Push Square and Shacknews commending the outstanding quality of the sound design that contributes to a terrifying atmosphere. However, there are some criticisms regarding the sound design and music that should be noted. A few reviewers, such as Game8, pointed out that the music sometimes fades into the background and does not effectively enhance emotional moments. Pocket Tactics also mentioned occasional technical issues that detracted from the overall sound experience. While many critics highlighted the effectiveness of the sound design, some, like DBLTAP and GamesRadar+, noted a lack of specific details regarding the music, indicating that while the sound design was strong, the musical elements may not have been as thoroughly explored. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music in Cronos: The New Dawn are commendable and play a crucial role in enhancing the game's horror experience. The majority of reviewers agreed that the atmospheric soundscapes and effective audio cues significantly contribute to the game's immersion. Critics such as Invader and GamingTrend encapsulated this sentiment by praising the masterful combination of industrial ambient sounds and unsettling audio elements, which collectively elevate the overall experience. Despite some minor criticisms, the strong positive reception indicates that the sound design and music are among the standout features of the game, effectively supporting its horror themes and engaging players throughout their experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Cronos: The New Dawn features standout voice acting, especially Kelly Burke as The Traveler, praised for depth and humor that enhance player engagement. However, the main character’s performance is criticized as emotionless and robotic, creating a mixed reception overall. Critics note significant disparities in voice quality among characters, impacting immersion, and the lack of Polish voice acting further detracts from authenticity. While there are commendable performances, inconsistencies may undermine the narrative experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Cronos: The New Dawn has received notable praise from several critics, particularly for the performance of Kelly Burke as The Traveler. Nintendo Life highlights this performance as "particularly strong," suggesting that it effectively captures the essence of the character. Additionally, Gaming Age commends the dynamic between The Traveler and The Warden, noting that their interactions help maintain player interest during challenging combat sequences. Push Square also points out that the protagonist's voice acting adds depth through a blend of humor and humanity, which contrasts with the game's grim atmosphere, further enhancing the overall experience for players. However, not all reviews are as favorable regarding the voice acting. Critics such as NintendoWorldReport and DBLTAP describe the main character's delivery as lacking emotional depth, with phrases like "observational and devoid of emotion" and "robotic and slow" being used to characterize the performance. Game Informer echoes this sentiment, mentioning the protagonist's "facelessness" and reliance on gestures, which detracts from the emotional weight of the performance. Furthermore, Gamers' Temple notes that while the main character's voice acting is challenging to connect with, other human characters manage to deliver more compelling performances, suggesting a disparity in quality across the cast. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed reception of the voice acting in Cronos: The New Dawn. While some performances, particularly that of The Traveler, are celebrated for their strength and depth, others are criticized for being robotic or lacking emotional engagement. Critics like Shacknews and TheXboxHub point out that the quality of voice acting varies significantly between characters, which can impact immersion and player connection to the story. Additionally, the absence of Polish voice acting, as mentioned by Jeuxvideo.com, further detracts from the game's authenticity. Thus, while the game showcases some commendable voice performances, it also suffers from inconsistencies that may hinder the overall narrative experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Cronos: The New Dawn" delivers solid technical performance across platforms, with the Nintendo Switch 2 praised for stability but struggling with crashes and bugs. The PS5 version is polished yet criticized for frame rate drops and glitches, while the Xbox Series X performs well overall but has minor hiccups. Despite updates improving gameplay, the game still needs refinement to meet expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of "Cronos: The New Dawn" has garnered a mix of opinions across various platforms. Starting with the Nintendo Switch 2, critics like Nintendo Insider and Siliconera noted that the game performs admirably, with Nintendo Insider highlighting its overall stability despite some minor hiccups. Nintendo Life confirmed that the game runs mostly solid at 30fps, while Pocket Tactics and Pure Nintendo acknowledged that, although there are occasional issues with clipping and bugs like getting stuck in terrain, the game still runs well overall. This sentiment is echoed by Siliconera, who pointed out that updates have significantly improved the initial launch performance, leading to a more stable experience. On the PS5, DBLTAP praised the game as polished and functioning well, with no major issues, while GamingBolt noted a smooth framerate with minimal problems. Generación Xbox and MondoXbox also reported good performance on the Xbox Series X, with stable frame rates and an optimal balance between quality and performance modes. On the downside, the Nintendo Switch 2 version does face notable challenges. Nintendo Life mentioned issues with crashes when switching modes, while Pure Nintendo and Pocket Tactics pointed out bugs and occasional framerate drops that detract from the overall experience. Critics on the PS5 had a more mixed bag of criticisms, with Eurogamer Portugal highlighting technical issues such as texture loading delays and stuttering that affect stability. GameWatcher and Push Square also noted bugs, including softlocks and frame rate drops during intense moments, which can disrupt gameplay. Similarly, while Generación Xbox and MondoXbox found the Xbox Series X version to be generally good, they still acknowledged minor FPS drops in heavily loaded areas, indicating that the game is not without its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while "Cronos: The New Dawn" has solid technical performance across all platforms, it is not without its issues. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is praised for its stability but suffers from crashes and visual cutbacks. The PS5 version, despite being described as polished by some, faces significant criticism for frame rate drops, bugs, and visual glitches, as noted by critics like GamingTrend and Shacknews. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X version is seen as well-optimized but still experiences minor performance hiccups. Ultimately, while the game shows promise and has received improvements through updates, the varying degrees of technical performance across platforms indicate that it may require further refinement to fully meet player expectations.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Cronos: The New Dawn boasts potential for replayability with multiple endings and a New Game Plus mode, enticing players to explore diverse narratives and challenges. Critics praise its strategic depth, but significant concerns loom—lack of difficulty options, repetitive gameplay, and a shortage of engaging mechanics could hinder long-term interest. While some reviewers highlight its appeal for mastery and experimentation, the overall sentiment remains mixed, leaving its replay value up for debate.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of various reviewers regarding the replay value of Cronos: The New Dawn reveal several positive aspects that contribute to its potential for multiple playthroughs. Notably, critics like Siliconera and GameWatcher highlight the allure of multiple endings, which encourages players to explore different narrative paths and decisions. The presence of a New Game Plus mode, as mentioned by GAMINGbible and Push Square, further enhances replayability by allowing players to experience the game with new challenges and mechanics after completing the initial campaign. Additionally, the game’s strategic depth and challenging gameplay, noted by Digital Spy and Noisy Pixel, suggest that players may be inclined to revisit the game to master its mechanics and achieve higher levels of performance. However, there are significant concerns raised by several critics regarding the game's replay value. Pocket Tactics points out the absence of difficulty options during the first run, which could deter players seeking a more tailored experience. DBLTAP and Malditos Nerds express disappointment with the repetitive nature of the gameplay, suggesting that this could lead to a diminished incentive for players to engage in multiple playthroughs. Furthermore, while some reviewers like Gaming Age acknowledge the potential for mastery through revisiting certain areas, the overall sentiment from critics like Malditos Nerds indicates that the game may lack the creative variety needed to sustain long-term interest. Overall, the consensus among critics presents a mixed view of the replay value of Cronos: The New Dawn. While several reviewers, including Shacknews and Game8, emphasize the appeal of multiple endings and the potential for experimentation, others express concerns about repetitiveness and a lack of engaging mechanics. The game seems to strike a balance, offering enough incentives for players to return for additional playthroughs, particularly for those interested in exploring all narrative outcomes and mastering gameplay mechanics. However, the absence of difficulty options and the repetitive gameplay patterns may limit its appeal to a broader audience, ultimately making the replay value a point of contention among critics.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding "Cronos: The New Dawn" is largely positive, with many critics praising its atmosphere, engaging narrative, and survival horror mechanics. Reviewers from Nintendo Insider and Pocket Tactics highlight the game's captivating horror elements and its ability to deliver a tense and immersive experience. Critics like GamingBolt and Gamereactor UK commend the game for its compelling narrative and strong atmosphere, suggesting that it stands out as a significant entry in the survival horror genre. Furthermore, several reviews note Bloober Team's growth and creativity, with Gamers' Temple and Gaming Age specifically mentioning its potential to establish a new franchise and its resemblance to beloved classics like "Resident Evil 4" and "Dead Space." However, the game is not without its flaws, as many critics point out technical issues and gameplay frustrations that detract from the overall experience. For instance, DBLTAP and Eurogamer Portugal mention the game's linearity and lack of originality, which may hinder its ability to fully engage players. Critics like Malditos Nerds and Metro GameCentral emphasize repetitive gameplay and a failure to innovate, suggesting that while the game has intriguing ideas, it ultimately falls short in execution. Additionally, some reviewers, such as WellPlayed and Carole Quintaine, express concerns about the game's pacing and difficulty, noting that these aspects can be overly punishing for players. In summary, the consensus among critics suggests that "Cronos: The New Dawn" is a commendable survival horror title that showcases Bloober Team's strengths while also revealing areas for improvement. Many reviewers, including Digital Spy and Shacknews, recommend the game for fans of the genre, highlighting its gripping atmosphere and narrative depth. However, the recurring themes of technical shortcomings and gameplay frustrations indicate that while the game is a solid entry, it may not reach the heights of genre greats, as noted by critics like Game Informer and Push Square. Overall, "Cronos: The New Dawn" is seen as a promising yet flawed addition to the survival horror landscape.

TL;DR

"Cronos: The New Dawn" earns positive reviews for its gripping atmosphere and engaging narrative, positioning it as a standout in survival horror. Critics praise its immersive horror elements and potential franchise growth, likening it to classics like "Resident Evil 4." However, technical issues, linear gameplay, and repetitive mechanics hold it back, with some reviewers finding its pacing and difficulty overly punishing. Ultimately, while it's a commendable effort from Bloober Team, it doesn't quite reach the heights of genre legends.

MONSTER

Reviews

186 reviews found

Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Sep 8, 2025