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KISS Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child

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KISS Psycho Circus:  The Nightmare Child
71
9.5 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 26 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 4 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >

Game Info

Publisher: Gathering of Developers

Developer: Third Law Interactive

Genre(s): Action, Adventure

Players: 16

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Release Date: July 18, 2000

Summary

Utilizing an enhanced version of the LithTech engine, KISS Psycho Circus comes alive with realistic character and object motions, and interactive music and sound effects. The game supports up to 50 creatures on the screen at once, the largest number of creatures on the screen at one time in a first-person game. [Gathering of Developers]

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

91

PC Gameworld

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.

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90

Eurogamer

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.

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90

GameZone

THIS GAME ROCKS! What I am most pleased with is the support that the web site offers.

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90

Hot Games

More than just a celebrity cash-in, this is a great first-person shooter.

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88

TotalGames.net

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.

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83

Gamer's Pulse

If the gameplay could have been executed better, it would have been a great game, as it had some really cool atmosphere and monsters.

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80

Happy Puppy

The incredible visuals help this title to stand on equal ground with the rest of the FPSs.

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80

Computer Games Magazine

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.

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80

CheckOut

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.

78

Spank!

A perfectly acceptable blast with a welcome emphasis on mass carnage ahead of the recent trend for more exploration-based titles.

78

FiringSquad

Instead of being a restriction on what they can do, the license is nothing but a positive effect on the game.

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76

Game Over Online

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.

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75

Electric Playground

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.

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75

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

Based on the tried and tested "Doom" formula, "The Nightmare Child" is hardly innovative, but is incredibly satisfying in its blood and guts simplicity.

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70

All Game Guide

If you're looking for a 3D version of id Software's "DOOM," look no further.

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70

GameSpy

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.

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70

PC Gamer

Not too shabby for fans of the comics, but there are better FPS games out there. [Oct 2000, p.114]

70

IGN

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.

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66

GameSpot

Ultimately, Psycho Circus is one game you and the boys won't be playing all night.

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60

GamePro

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.

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60

CNET Gamecenter

An imperfect FPS that is too much Psycho Circus, not enough KISS.

60

Adrenaline Vault

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.

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59

ActionTrip

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.

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50

Gaming Age

All we have is a decently average first person shooter amidst an entire crowd of decently average first person shooters.

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50

Daily Radar

The game looked promising and campy, but ultimately left us unimpressed.

50

Game Revolution

Call it what you will, but DOOM is still DOOM, even in KISS makeup.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 4 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Jeremie S. gave it a 10:
I loved this game! I wish it wasn't so confusing though. I am a die hard KISS fan who loved this game no matter how much KISS is in it. I like how you have to find the armor to transform into Paul, Gene, Peter, and my favorite, ACE FREHLEY!!!

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