Cronos: The New Dawn Review - Best Dead Space-Like Horror Game | Xbox Series X

CRONOS: THE NEW DAWN | REVIEW

Cronos: The New Dawn is my favorite “Dead Space-like” video game. Similar to The Callisto Protocol and others, it is clearly inspired by the tone and suffocating weight of Dead Space; and though it shares a passing resemblance, Cronos is a unique entry in the horror genre.

Cronos: The New Dawn is a tinderbox of survival-horror elements that fans of the genre will recognize. While Bloober Team developed the lauded Silent Hill 2 Remake, the team that made The Medium have put their best foot forward when it comes to releasing an original, polished, inspired, and grotesque blockbuster. This game leverages Bloober’s experience with survival horror, where the player will be taken on a relentlessly oppressive saga of body horror, isolation, suffocating atmosphere, and straight-up violence—a clash of horror flint and tinder that will surely spark with most.

Who are we? What are we doing?

In Cronos: The New Dawn, we play as the Traveler ND-3576—one of several agents working on behalf of the Collective to rescue certain individuals. In this operation known as the Vocation, the Travelers search through the ruins of humanity for specific points that allow them to “Dive” backwards through time to 1980s Poland. The mission is to locate specific people of great importance and upload their “Essence” to the Collective, which will in turn save them from the impending apocalypse known as The Change. But… is that the full story? You’ll have to play to find out.

No spoilers!

The dreadful backdrop sets the tone for Cronos, layering horror on top of horror to smother players in a heavy embrace of dread and unease.

The Change

The Change was a horrific event that converted people into monstrosities known as “Orphans.” What we find in the post-Change future are the ruins of society, coated in disgusting biotic mass. During the opening act, you’ll navigate pitch-black corridors lined with grotesque, organic matter while facing frequent, heart-stopping encounters. The meat halls and ghastly Orphans define much of the game’s dread factor.

The environmental storytelling and lore scattered throughout journals and emails deepen the immersion, painting a grim picture of humanity’s fall. These small stories mirror our own world’s sense of decay and fear, especially post-pandemic, grounding Cronos’ horror in relatable pain and desperation.

Danger behind every door

The real tension, however, lies in the combat. The Traveler’s lumbering movement and stomping attacks evoke Dead Space’s Isaac Clarke. Upgradable “Essence” abilities and weapon mods allow for strategic flexibility, letting players evolve from hunted to hunter.

The arsenal is diverse—shotguns, pistols, carbines, and explosives like firebombs and frag mines—all upgradeable with collectible “energy.” This system encourages exploration and smart resource management. Early in the game, small skirmishes prepare you for larger hordes of Orphans and boss encounters that demand focus and courage. These moments test every ounce of ammo and composure, delivering tension without relying on cheap jump scares.

Scavenging for survival

Ammo scarcity drives the survival-horror essence. Familiar red barrels, limited resources, and the absence of mercy make every encounter tense. Using environmental hazards effectively becomes crucial to survival. The typical tropes feel refreshing thanks to tight pacing and meaningful rewards.

Each act cycles between exploration, combat, and absorption. Choices in hosted Essences shape both gameplay and narrative. The combination of these mechanics makes for an intense, rewarding journey that stays engaging throughout its well-paced runtime.

A warm experience

Like a crackling bonfire, Cronos: The New Dawn burns bright with atmosphere. Its sound design is immaculate—each stomp, weapon blast, and eerie silence amplifies the tension. Graphically, it’s “S for satisfactory”—dark, grim, and functional rather than showy. In this genre, that’s all it needs to be. Plus, there are nine cats to find, and each rewards you for petting them—yes, even in hell, cats prevail.

Final Verdict: 8 out of 10

• The suffocating atmosphere built through lore and visual horror.
• Crushingly difficult combat encounters demanding precision and composure.
• Classic survival-horror mechanics executed with polish and purpose.

Evidence that Bloober Team can be trusted to create their own original IP — an extremely recommendable experience.