Cyclopean: The Great Abyss

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Cyclopean: The Great Abyss is a single player role playing game with a horror theme. It was developed by Schmidt Workshops and was released on July 17, 2025. It received very positive reviews from players.

Trapped in the vast underworld known as the Great Abyss, you must navigate this mysterious realm using weapons, armor, supplies, and alliances with locals. Gameplay combines combat, stealth, and dialogue, rewarding strategy and careful reading of in-game text. Uncover secrets to escape back to the Dreamlands or the Waking World.

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Play Modes

Single-Player

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92%

Audience ScoreBased on 106 reviews

gameplay15 positive mentions

grinding6 negative mentions

The game features a captivating Lovecraftian atmosphere with immersive visuals and sound design that effectively evoke a sense of unease.
Gameplay combines exploration with strategic mechanics, allowing players to form alliances with various creatures and manage resources effectively.
The retro aesthetic and unique mechanics provide a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic dungeon crawlers, appealing to fans of the genre.

The game suffers from a lack of clear objectives and depth in its overworld, leading to repetitive gameplay and minimal rewards for exploration.
Mouse controls and interface can be frustrating, with issues such as inconsistent sensitivity and cumbersome inventory management.
The difficulty can feel punishing, with many players experiencing frequent deaths and a reliance on save-scumming to progress.

gameplay
51 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
65%
6%
The gameplay is a blend of classic dungeon-crawling mechanics with modern controls, set in a Lovecraftian world that enhances exploration and puzzle-solving. While some players appreciate the straightforward mechanics and the challenge of permadeath, others find the gameplay loop simplistic and the lack of handcrafted dungeons disappointing. Overall, the game offers a unique experience with a mix of fun mechanics, exploration, and a compelling atmosphere, though it may feel short and lacking in depth for some players.
- “Aside from that, it absolutely nails the vibe of its setting, has appropriately labyrinthine dungeons and just the right mix of simple core mechanics and hidden stuff that deepens the experience.”
- “The gameplay combines exploration with puzzle-solving, often emphasizing a sense of vulnerability and the unknown, which aligns well with Lovecraftian themes.”
- “Its difficult-but-fair gameplay is also coupled with lovingly rendered pixel art that feels like it's ripped straight from a 1980's D&D monster manual, and a genuinely creepy ambiance and sound design that adds surprising immersion.”
- “Honestly a pretty disappointing game, mechanically.”
- “Mouse controls are atrocious, gameplay loop is barebones and at least early game is very RNG-based.”
- “You can encounter every (or almost every) battle encounter there will be, and exhaust all game mechanics in an hour or two of gameplay even in the best case scenario.”
graphics
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
67%
7%
The graphics of the game have received mixed but generally positive feedback, with many players appreciating the nostalgic, retro aesthetic that evokes classic RPGs and Lovecraftian themes. The pixelated, monochrome visuals contribute to an immersive atmosphere, enhancing the game's exploration and storytelling elements. While some may find the graphics off-putting, those who enjoy old-school styles and atmospheric design are likely to find them appealing and fitting for the game's narrative.
- “I love the retro monochrome graphics paired with Lovecraftian themes.”
- “Its dark, unsettling visuals and haunting sound design effectively evoke a sense of unease, drawing players into a mysterious narrative that explores forbidden knowledge and ancient civilizations.”
- “Just little irritations like that get in the way of me feeling really immersed in this otherwise very cool looking game with a creepy monochromatic DOS aesthetic and a decimated low-fidelity audio design.”
- “Best of luck to you, a lot of people seem to enjoy your game more than I do, but my impression of your game was nothing but negative, the exception being your visuals.”
- “The monochrome, pixelated graphics create a spooky, desolate, and foreboding vibe that’s hard to find in modern games.”
atmosphere
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
24%
13%
The atmosphere of "Cyclopean" is widely praised for its immersive and captivating qualities, effectively blending pixel art, music, and storytelling to evoke a sense of cosmic horror and psychological dread. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to create a dark, mysterious tone that resonates with fans of retro aesthetics and exploration-driven gameplay. Overall, the atmospheric design is considered a standout feature, enhancing the overall experience and drawing players into its haunting world.
- “The game's immersive atmosphere and storytelling make it a compelling experience for fans of cosmic horror and psychological dread.”
- “Cyclopean has atmosphere in spades, and the pixel art of the various horrors is really, really good.”
- “The art and the atmosphere really create a tone fitting of the source material.”
- “The atmosphere is mesmerizing.”
- “It perfectly captures that dark, mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of older classics.”
story
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
58%
21%
The game's story is rooted in Lovecraftian mythos, delivering an immersive atmosphere that appeals to fans of cosmic horror, though some players feel it lacks depth and coherence, describing it as a collection of arbitrary names and factions. While the visuals and soundtrack are praised, critiques highlight the need for more engaging narrative elements, such as side quests and character lore, to enhance exploration and player motivation. Overall, the foundation is strong, but the storytelling requires further development to create a more compelling experience.
- “This is an actual Lovecraft mythos and story, adapted exactly how it was meant to be.”
- “The game's immersive atmosphere and storytelling make it a compelling experience for fans of cosmic horror and psychological dread.”
- “If any of this appeals to you, I recommend throwing $15 at the developer - these guys obviously love the dream quest of Unknown Kadath and want you to go gibbering insane looking at a dhole because you ran out of tea - lovely :)”
- “The game feels like the developer didn't care about writing an actual story and just wiggled his fingers and went 'ooooooooh!!!'”
- “It's just a bunch of arbitrary names and factions and mysterious location names - the story so far seems to be 'there are a lot of people that don't like each other and we don't know much about each other, stay away from them.'”
- “You have a good structure without much happening in between; we still need the actual motivation to explore, and we actually need those side quests and proper overworld exploration full of secrets to take advantage of it.”
music
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
30%
20%
The music in these games is highly praised for its immersive quality, effectively complementing the visuals and enhancing the overall atmosphere. Reviewers note that the soundtrack, while limited, is well-crafted and fitting for the environments, contributing to a nostalgic storytelling experience. The combination of ominous tones and excellent sound effects creates a captivating ambiance that draws players into the game world.
- “The music is also perfectly suited to the environments.”
- “The art style, the music, the atmosphere, the gameplay, all stellar and very enjoyable.”
- “The music sounds ominous and not like something you'd be greeted with in such a game, which establishes the theory of this being lost media even more, making it feel like one of these creepypasta.”
- “The soundtrack is pretty limited, but what's there is well-made and fitting for the game.”
grinding
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
86%
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be engaging and strategic, often enjoying the complexity and planning involved. However, some express frustration with the necessity of grinding in difficult dungeons, which can lead to repetitive gameplay and a lack of exploration in the overworld. While the grind can be rewarding, it may also feel tedious when players are left with limited points of interest and forced to repeatedly defeat low-level enemies for progress.
- “It's not just mindless repetition; it requires engaging thought and strategic planning.”
- “The grinding aspect is rewarding, as it involves complex decision-making and keeps you invested.”
- “Grinding in this game is a fulfilling experience that challenges you to think critically and plan ahead.”
- “So, I was actually really enjoying the game, until I realized there wasn't much happening in the 'overworld'. That feeling of wonder and mystery I had for many hours was completely gone because I was looking forward and grinding for things that never came.”
- “One thing I find a bit unfortunate: the dungeons are probably way too hard to just tactically approach them at the start of the game. Even the easiest dungeons will kill you five times over, so really a lot of this game is just grinding the same trash enemies until you can confidently brute force the content. Otherwise, you will be wasting time getting killed for negligible rewards.”
- “There are very few points of interest on the map, and you will be stuck grinding around merchants or the tent because it's the most logical thing to do.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the game's potential for replayability, noting that the depth of content and the need for strategic thinking encourage exploration and community engagement. This aspect fosters a desire to revisit the game to uncover new strategies and experiences.
- “I'm still at the beginning of the game, and I feel like there is so much to uncover and learn. This adds replayability to the game and gives me a reason to log into forums and ask others how to play properly. It means I'll spend a lot of time thinking about my next move instead of mindlessly moving around and killing anything that moves.”
- “The variety of choices and paths in the game makes each playthrough feel unique. I love discovering new strategies and outcomes, which keeps me coming back for more.”
- “With multiple endings and character builds, the game encourages experimentation. I find myself replaying it just to see how different decisions affect the story.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the emotional aspect of the game reminiscent of heartfelt fan-made productions inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, evoking a nostalgic and immersive experience akin to watching classic films from that era. This connection enhances the game's emotional depth, making it resonate with fans of Lovecraftian themes.
- “Playing this game reminded me of the heartfelt fan-made movies 'Call of Cthulhu' and 'The Whisperer in Darkness.' They evoke a similar emotional depth, capturing the essence of what could have been seen in theaters during H.P. Lovecraft's time.”
- “The emotional weight of the story left a lasting impact on me, making me reflect on the characters and their struggles long after I finished playing.”
- “This game masterfully intertwines its narrative with emotional moments that resonate deeply, creating a powerful experience that stays with you.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users report frequent stability issues, including frequent freezes resulting in black screens and occasional glitches. Overall, the game's stability appears to be a significant concern for players.
- “It frequently freezes on a black screen.”
- “There are a few glitches here and there.”

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8h Median play time

8h Average play time

8-8h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cyclopean: The Great Abyss is a role playing game with horror theme.

Cyclopean: The Great Abyss is available on PC and Windows.

On average players spend around 8 hours playing Cyclopean: The Great Abyss.

Cyclopean: The Great Abyss was released on July 17, 2025.

Cyclopean: The Great Abyss was developed by Schmidt Workshops.

Cyclopean: The Great Abyss has received very positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its story.

Cyclopean: The Great Abyss is a single player game.

Similar games include Moonring, Drova: Forsaken Kin, Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms, Grimoire: Heralds of the Winged Exemplar, Lunacid and others.

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