Call of Cthulhu

The gameplay of "Call of Cthulhu" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its focus on narrative and investigation over traditional action mechanics. While the atmosphere and story are praised for their depth and engagement, the gameplay is often described as simplistic, linear, and at times tedious, resembling a walking simulator with minimal interaction. Stealth mechanics and RPG elements are criticized for being poorly executed and lacking meaningful impact, leading to a general sentiment that the game is more about the experience of the story than the gameplay itself.

The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and eerie qualities, effectively capturing the essence of Lovecraftian horror through detailed environments, sound design, and a compelling narrative. Many players noted that the game excels in creating a sense of dread and curiosity, drawing them into its world, although some felt that the tension could wane in later sections. Overall, the atmosphere is considered the game's strongest aspect, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of atmospheric storytelling and cosmic horror.

The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the environments can be visually appealing and atmospheric, character models and animations often feel dated and lack polish. Some players appreciate the unique art style and atmospheric design, which aligns well with the Lovecraftian themes, but others criticize the overall graphical quality as subpar for a 2018 release, likening it to older console games. Overall, while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they contribute to the game's eerie ambiance and storytelling, making it enjoyable for fans of the genre.

The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, effectively enhancing the eerie visuals and overall ambiance. Many reviewers highlight the haunting soundtrack and sound effects as key elements that contribute to the game's tension and emotional impact, although some note issues with volume inconsistencies and repetitive tracks. Overall, the sound design is considered a strong point, with a mix of beautiful and unsettling compositions that align well with the Lovecraftian themes.

The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the multiple endings and RPG elements that encourage different playthroughs, while others criticize the limited impact of choices and linear gameplay. Many reviews note that while there are alternate endings and some engaging mechanics, the overall replay value is hampered by the game's short length and the feeling that most choices are cosmetic rather than significantly altering the experience. Overall, it offers some replay potential, particularly for achievement hunters and fans of the genre, but may not entice players to return for multiple runs.

The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in the later stages where backtracking and trial-and-error puzzles dominate gameplay. While some enjoyed the investigative elements and atmosphere, the overall sentiment suggests that the game often feels like a chore, requiring excessive effort for minimal reward, especially for those aiming for 100% completion. Players frequently noted that the mechanics and level design contribute to a slow and frustrating experience, detracting from the enjoyment of the narrative.

The game's stability has been widely criticized, with many players reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly detract from the experience. While some users noted smooth gameplay and good performance overall, the prevalence of issues such as non-responsive dialogue options, janky animations, and freezing during cutscenes has led to a consensus that the game feels rushed and poorly optimized. Overall, players who are sensitive to technical problems may find the game frustrating, despite its engaging story and visuals.

The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting solid performance and smooth frame rates, while others experienced significant issues such as crashes, stuttering, and inconsistent frame rates, particularly in open areas. Despite the underlying Unreal Engine providing a decent foundation, many users noted a lack of technical polish and optimization, leading to frustration, especially on higher-end PCs. Overall, while some players found the performance acceptable, many others felt it was poorly optimized and in need of further updates.

Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its depth and the impact of player choices on the narrative, while others criticize it for being inconsistent and lacking meaningful progression. Many players appreciate the immersive storytelling and character interactions, but feel that the character design and execution are subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, while there are moments of effective character development, many reviewers believe it could have been significantly improved.

The emotional aspect of the game elicits mixed responses, with some players finding the protagonist's descent into madness both disturbing and evocative, while others criticize the lack of character depth and emotional engagement. The voice acting is generally praised, though the dialogue often falls flat, failing to create a strong emotional impact. Overall, while the game captures dark themes effectively, its rushed pacing and clichéd elements detract from the emotional experience for many players.

The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players enjoying the funny protagonist, charming characters, and absurd situations, such as comical stealth mechanics and exaggerated animations. Many found themselves laughing at the game's unintentional humor, including awkward voice acting and bizarre character movements, which added to the overall comedic experience. While some aspects of the gameplay were criticized, the humor consistently provided entertainment, making the game memorable for its lighthearted moments amidst its darker themes.

The game features no microtransactions, emphasizing a single-player experience without the need for an internet connection. Reviewers appreciate this approach, viewing it as a passion project rather than a cash grab.