Cry of Fear

88%
Game Brain Score Based on 32,651 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • atmosphere
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Cry of Fear is a free, standalone horror game that offers a single-player campaign with over 8 hours of gameplay and multiple endings. Originally a Half-Life 1 modification, it features a co-op mode and over 20 unlockables. The game is known for its psychological horror elements, cinematic experience, and immersive atmosphere, as players descend into madness in a deserted town filled with nightmarish creatures.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 32,651 reviews
story1,679 positive mentions
stability499 negative mentions
  • The game offers an intense atmosphere and compelling narrative, effectively intertwining psychological horror with traditional survival mechanics.
  • Players appreciate the depth of exploration and high replayability, featuring multiple endings and unlockable content that encourage multiple playthroughs.
  • The haunting soundtrack and sound design significantly enhance the game's eerie feel, contributing to a memorable horror experience.
  • The gameplay suffers from clunky mechanics, outdated design, and frequent technical issues, including bugs and crashes that disrupt the experience.
  • Many players find the level design repetitive and the combat frustrating, leading to a sense of tedium and annoyance during gameplay.
  • The graphics are widely criticized for being outdated, which detracts from the overall visual experience despite some players finding charm in their low-resolution quality.
  • story3,331 mentions

    The story of "Cry of Fear" is widely praised for its deep and emotional exploration of themes such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, particularly through the character of Simon Henriksson. Players appreciate the game's ability to intertwine psychological horror with a compelling narrative, featuring multiple endings that reflect the choices made throughout the game. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and technical issues, the storytelling and atmosphere resonate strongly with many players, making it a memorable experience in the horror genre.

    • “The plot is great and honestly, as someone who's been actually diagnosed with depression and hospitalized before, I appreciate it. I do think it's a well-made representation of depression.”
    • “The story is captivating, the monsters and jumpscares are unlike anything I've really seen in a game, and it defines and displays psychological horror in a very unique yet organic way.”
    • “The story isn't just a backdrop—it’s deeply integrated into the gameplay, making every moment feel relevant and emotionally charged.”
    • “The aspects of Cry of Fear that left me feeling disappointed were its story and the other aspects of the gameplay.”
    • “I believe that there was a lot of potential with this story, but the way that it is told is unbearable, especially the voice acting.”
    • “The story isn't extraordinarily original, but it's well written and enticing, touching on delicate matters without falling into bad taste.”
  • gameplay1,515 mentions

    The gameplay of "Cry of Fear" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its intense atmosphere and psychological horror elements, while others criticize its clunky mechanics and outdated design due to its reliance on the Goldsource engine. Players appreciate the resource management and inventory mechanics, which add a layer of strategy, but often find the combat frustrating and the level design repetitive, leading to a sense of tedium in some sections. Overall, while the game offers a compelling narrative and engaging horror experience, its gameplay can be polarizing, with some players enjoying the challenge and others feeling hindered by its flaws.

    • “The gameplay intertwines traditional survival horror mechanics with psychological elements, challenging players to navigate through haunting environments while solving puzzles and managing resources.”
    • “Its atmospheric tension, compelling narrative, and immersive gameplay make it a standout title in the genre.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics in Cry of Fear blend traditional survival horror elements with a psychological twist.”
    • “Yeah, it's a free game that was made on a 27-year-old engine, but in all honesty, it's not great, especially the inventory management near the end of the game. I didn't even finish it because I ended up being stuck with zero ammo and only a shotgun in what I guess is the final fight with the disabled Simon, and the gameplay is crap, but still, it's an old engine, so I'll give it a pass.”
    • “Good story and atmosphere ruined by backtracking and terrible gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay gets old quick; constant backtracking makes navigating the already samey levels with copy-pasted broken doors a nightmare, and the combat system doesn't make up for it in the slightest.”
  • atmosphere1,425 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Cry of Fear" is widely praised for its intense, oppressive, and haunting qualities, effectively immersing players in a world filled with dread and psychological horror. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke feelings of anxiety and isolation, drawing comparisons to classic titles like "Silent Hill" for its atmospheric depth and sound design. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and occasional reliance on jump scares, the overall consensus is that the game's atmosphere is its standout feature, making it a must-play for horror enthusiasts.

    • “It’s got a dark, unsettling atmosphere with a unique style that adds a lot of charm.”
    • “The atmosphere, the grainy dark graphics, the sound design, and the music were just perfect.”
    • “From the moment you step into the shoes of Simon, the protagonist, the game delivers a relentless atmosphere of dread and tension that never lets up.”
    • “Good story and atmosphere ruined by backtracking and terrible gameplay.”
    • “The atmosphere is so creepy and intense.”
    • “The atmosphere is thick with foreboding, and the oppressive cold of the Scandinavian night acts as a character in its own right, enhancing the overall sense of dread and abandonment.”
  • graphics1,415 mentions

    The graphics of "Cry of Fear" have received mixed reviews, with many players acknowledging their dated quality due to the game's origins as a mod for the Half-Life 1 engine. However, numerous reviewers argue that the low-resolution visuals contribute to the game's eerie atmosphere and enhance its horror elements, proving that compelling storytelling and sound design can outweigh graphical fidelity. Overall, while the graphics may not meet modern standards, they are often described as charming and effective in creating a haunting experience.

    • “The atmosphere, the grainy dark graphics, the sound design, and the music were just perfect.”
    • “With its tense atmosphere, immersive gameplay, and impressive graphics, Cry of Fear delivers a heart-pounding adventure that will leave players trembling with anticipation.”
    • “Despite its age, the graphics still hold up well, and the attention to detail in the character models and animations is commendable.”
    • “0/10 bad graphics”
    • “The graphics are terrible, it looks like a flash game.”
    • “The graphics may be outdated by today's gaming standards, but give this game a try and you will not regret picking it up and adding it to your gaming library.”
  • music829 mentions

    The music in "Cry of Fear" is widely praised for its haunting and atmospheric qualities, effectively enhancing the game's psychological horror elements. Composed primarily by Andreas Rönnberg, the soundtrack features a mix of eerie ambient tracks and intense compositions that evoke feelings of dread and melancholy, often drawing comparisons to the iconic soundscapes of the "Silent Hill" series. Players appreciate how the music complements the game's narrative and emotional depth, making it a standout aspect of the overall experience.

    • “The haunting soundtrack enhances the eerie feel and keeps you on edge throughout your experience.”
    • “The music beautifully underlines the terror and anxiety, often simulating, almost mocking the sound of a beating heart - it's sure to put you in a fight-or-flight mode, which once again is very accurate.”
    • “The soundtrack is another aspect that is impossible to ignore.”
    • “The music is often sparse, letting silence or ambient noise take over, but when it does kick in, it’s an unsettling mix of industrial sounds and haunting melodies that mirror the protagonist’s descent into madness.”
    • “The music in this game is iconic.”
    • “The soundtrack features about a hundred songs which go perfectly with the atmosphere which the game radiates.”
  • emotional527 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Cry of Fear" is overwhelmingly impactful, with players frequently expressing that the game made them cry out of fear, anxiety, and emotional resonance. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to intertwine horror with deep psychological themes, creating a haunting narrative that resonates with players on a personal level. The combination of a gripping story, unsettling atmosphere, and a powerful soundtrack contributes to an emotional rollercoaster that leaves a lasting impression.

    • “It draws players into a world filled with intricate characters and emotionally charged narratives, while offering a dynamic experience that adapts to each individual's choices.”
    • “The story isn’t just a backdrop—it’s deeply integrated into the gameplay, making every moment feel relevant and emotionally charged.”
    • “This game is terrifying but at the same time delivers a heartfelt and deep experience that will really resonate with the player once they finish it.”
  • stability509 mentions

    The game's stability is frequently criticized, with numerous players reporting a wide range of bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly disrupt gameplay. While many appreciate the atmosphere and story, the technical issues, particularly in multiplayer modes, detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration and a sense of unplayability for some. Despite these flaws, many still find the game enjoyable, often attributing its rough edges to its age and the limitations of its underlying engine.

    • “Very good game, bug free!!!”
    • “Little to no glitches.”
    • “Absolutely wonderful game if you are a horror game fan, it runs great and has a lot of scary encounters and cool weapons.”
    • “This game is a buggy mess, with constant crashes and glitches that ruin the experience.”
    • “The multiplayer is incredibly buggy, making it nearly unplayable and frustrating to set up.”
    • “The game has a ton of glitches and bugs, which can make it a frustrating experience, especially during critical moments.”
  • humor412 mentions

    The humor in the game is often described as unintentional and derived from its quirky animations, janky mechanics, and absurd scenarios, making it particularly entertaining when played with friends. Many players find themselves laughing at the game's glitches and the ridiculousness of certain enemies, which can overshadow the intended horror elements. Overall, while the game has its scary moments, it is frequently more amusing than frightening, especially in co-op mode.

    • “Playing this game with friends is honestly hilarious in its own right if you aren't taking it seriously.”
    • “The multiplayer is just hilarious though.”
    • “It's funny to play with other players, mainly because of some people's reactions towards the game and other added jumpscares.”
    • “Not funny, cried.”
    • “Even in co-op it's not funny, why did I buy this...”
    • “It's not funny at all, and is unintentionally hilarious.”
  • replayability209 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability, featuring multiple endings, unlockable content, and various game modes, including co-op and community-created campaigns. Players appreciate the depth of exploration and the ability to experience different outcomes based on choices, which encourages multiple playthroughs. While some reviews note that familiarity with the game may diminish its impact over time, the overall consensus is that the game offers substantial replay value, especially for fans of horror and survival genres.

    • “With a substantial single-player campaign, multiple endings, and a co-op mode, Cry of Fear offers significant replay value.”
    • “The multiple endings, which are determined by your choices throughout the game, offer different perspectives on Simon’s story, adding replay value and encouraging deeper exploration of the game’s themes.”
    • “The game also has immense replay value with custom maps from the community, game modes from the developers, a progression system, and countless things to unlock.”
    • “The gameplay isn't perfect, suffering from old engine limitations and some questionable design choices, but it's made up for with the atmosphere and plenty of replay value.”
    • “The single player is a thrilling and scary adventure, which doesn't really have a lot of replayability but one playthrough is enough anyway.”
    • “Overall, I would recommend this game considering it's free and has quite a bit of replay value (endings and unlockables).”
  • grinding106 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and unnecessarily prolonged, particularly in the late game where backtracking and repetitive tasks detract from the overall experience. While some appreciate the challenge and the sense of accomplishment from grinding for unlockables, others feel it disrupts the pacing and enjoyment, leading to frustration. Overall, the game is seen as having great potential but is often bogged down by its tedious elements.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
    • “As this game is, it's an interesting premise that becomes tedious in the mid to late game for no reason other than to extend playtime rather than do its thing in a timely fashion.”
    • “It's tedious and makes the game longer than it needs to be.”
    • “However, throughout the game, it got tedious and went from scary to just straight up annoying.”
  • optimization83 mentions

    The game's optimization has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and significant performance issues across various hardware setups. Many users noted that the outdated engine contributes to poor frame rates and graphical glitches, making the experience frustrating, especially for those with modern gaming rigs. While some players managed to run the game smoothly, the overall consensus is that it requires substantial improvements to its optimization to be enjoyable for a wider audience.

    • “The game runs extremely well; FPS is not an issue at all (except when holding flares in certain areas, but other than that, 100% perfect optimization).”
    • “The mapping was done by experienced people, with the maps being very well put together and optimized, with some parts of the game made after real-life places. Textures and sounds are also taken from the actual city of Stockholm through photographs and recordings.”
    • “The game is well optimized and has a lot of good scary parts to it.”
    • “Has to be one of the most unoptimized and outdated games I've ever played. I literally spent half an hour trying to get the resolution to work right and eventually gave up, stuck using 1280x720 because it was the only resolution that didn't bug out the game.”
    • “Optimization is terrible. I have a GTX 1080 and a decent CPU, yet sometimes my FPS went below 50.”
    • “Poor optimization at points. I have a great computer, so this is just optimization problems. I can't really blame the devs though; Half-Life's engine was not meant for this, especially the water shaders, lighting, and effects.”
  • character development21 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising its depth and emotional impact, particularly in relation to the atmosphere and storytelling, while others criticize the lack of dialogue and emotional engagement for certain characters. The character design is generally well-received, contributing to the overall immersive experience, but some reviewers express a desire for more nuanced development, particularly for secondary characters. Overall, the game is noted for its strong character-driven narrative, despite some inconsistencies in execution.

    • “Cry of Fear is a genre-redefining, trope-subverting, atmospheric, dark and eerie, emotionally draining, gut-wrenching, aesthetically heavy craft by a post-horror auteur with an arthouse edge, featuring strong character development and a gradual feeling of escalation.”
    • “The atmosphere, the soundtrack, the character development, all were incredible.”
    • “Great character development, extremely unnerving and foreboding.”
    • “The plot connection and endings just feel like they're strung together due to the lack of dialogue and character development.”
    • “I didn't like the character development for Simon or that one chick (can't remember her name); they felt emotionless and boring.”
    • “One thing I would have liked is (spoilers) more character development with Sophie and more acknowledgment of her death (even though it was fake, it felt real to the book Simon).”
  • monetization11 mentions

    The game is praised for its lack of microtransactions, paywalls, or in-game purchases, making it a free-to-play experience without the typical monetization pitfalls. While there is an option for players to donate if they enjoy the game, the overall sentiment is that the monetization model is fair and player-friendly. However, some users reported issues with intrusive ads that detracted from the gameplay experience.

    • “To get one thing out of the way: the game does not feature any form of microtransactions or any form of paywall you might hit after a certain amount of time.”
    • “There's no in-game purchases, but the option to donate is available, which I would do if you enjoyed this game.”
    • “No DLC, microtransactions, or absurd price tag.”
    • “Trying to switch the resolution to my monitor's native resolution just spam opens ads.”
    • “Melee combat is awkward and counter-intuitive, ads don't work right (the worst I've seen, in fact), enemies don't make sounds when moving (making them more irritating than scary).”
    • “It's amazing how this mod became a free game without any in-game purchases or pay-to-win elements, although there's an option to donate.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

8hMedian play time
16hAverage play time
5-20hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 61 analyzed playthroughs

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