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KISS Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child pc Game Reviews
KISS Psycho Circus:  The Nightmare Child
Critic Score
Metascore: 71 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.3 out of 10
based on 26 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 3 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

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]

PUBLISHER: Gathering of Developers
DEVELOPER: Third Law Interactive
GENRE(S): Action, Adventure
PLAYERS: 16
ESRB RATING: M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE: July 18, 2000

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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
90
GameZone
THIS GAME ROCKS! What I am most pleased with is the support that the web site offers.
Read Full Review
90
Hot Games
More than just a celebrity cash-in, this is a great first-person shooter.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
80
Happy Puppy
The incredible visuals help this title to stand on equal ground with the rest of the FPSs.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
70
All Game Guide
If you're looking for a 3D version of id Software's "DOOM," look no further.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
66
GameSpot
Ultimately, Psycho Circus is one game you and the boys won't be playing all night.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
50
Gaming Age
All we have is a decently average first person shooter amidst an entire crowd of decently average first person shooters.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 3 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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