Metascore
71 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. I might sound like a Kiss fan gushing about this game solely because I like the band, but I am writing this review as a PC game fan, gushing about this game because it is that good.
  2. Somehow Third Law have managed to take the best elements of old fashioned pure action shooters and build on them to make something that is entertaining and nostalgic for us old fogeys, while still managing to stand up against the rather higher standards of modern games when it comes to plot and gameplay.
  3. THIS GAME ROCKS! What I am most pleased with is the support that the web site offers.
  4. More than just a celebrity cash-in, this is a great first-person shooter.
  5. It uses the licensed Kiss characters in a very smart and dark way but lacks rocking Kiss tunes or imagery that the fan might expect.
  6. If the gameplay could have been executed better, it would have been a great game, as it had some really cool atmosphere and monsters.
  7. It all falls into place here: solid gameplay, genuinely unique artwork and haunting enemies in addition to a well-designed pattern of puzzles gives you a game that deserves more artistic and entertaining acclaim than the band does.
  8. The incredible visuals help this title to stand on equal ground with the rest of the FPSs.
  9. Great level design, satisfying weapons, and unique enemies make this a title that any shooter fan will definitely want to check out, even if the thought of going to a KISS concert gives you hives.
  10. 78
    A perfectly acceptable blast with a welcome emphasis on mass carnage ahead of the recent trend for more exploration-based titles.
  11. Instead of being a restriction on what they can do, the license is nothing but a positive effect on the game.
  12. It's not the most ground-breaking FPS to come along, but gamers looking for a retro-like FPS experience are in for a treat with The Nightmare Child.
  13. Instead of becoming the next greatest event in FPS history, KPC is relegated to nothing more than a well designed, but behind the times scientific curioso.
  14. Based on the tried and tested "Doom" formula, "The Nightmare Child" is hardly innovative, but is incredibly satisfying in its blood and guts simplicity.
  15. 70
    For a game based on such vibrant characters, the designers have managed to make "KISS Psycho Circus" feel more like a VH1 documentary than a big, loud rock spectacle.
  16. Not too shabby for fans of the comics, but there are better FPS games out there. [Oct 2000, p.114]
  17. 70
    Takes a questionable franchise and turns it into something somewhat entertaining. Although it might not be as much fun as watching Gene Simmons and his famous tongue parade wildly around the stage.
  18. If you're looking for a 3D version of id Software's "DOOM," look no further.
  19. Ultimately, Psycho Circus is one game you and the boys won't be playing all night.
  20. An imperfect FPS that is too much Psycho Circus, not enough KISS.
  21. 60
    The main problem with "The Nightmare Child" is that without an engrossing story to move you along, the task of taking out loads of enemies becomes tedious quickly.
  22. There's no depth to its woefully repetitive gameplay and overall enjoyment is hampered by underpowered weapons, mindless out-of-control spawning and overly difficult boss encounters.
  23. Sometimes even the brainless chopping, and gallons of spraying blood that are KISS: Psycho Circus can be fun, and enjoyable. Overall, it left a bitter taste in my mouth.
  24. The game looked promising and campy, but ultimately left us unimpressed.
  25. Call it what you will, but DOOM is still DOOM, even in KISS makeup.
  26. All we have is a decently average first person shooter amidst an entire crowd of decently average first person shooters.