Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth (xbx: 2005): Reviews

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Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth


8.0

based on 51 reviews
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based on 33 votes
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Cheat Code Central

Official Website

Call of Cthulhu -- Dark Corners of the Earth is a first-person horror game that combines intense action and adventure elements. You will draw upon your skills in exploration, investigation, and combat while faced with the seemingly impossible task of battling evil incarnate. Other than fighting, you have the ability to interact freely with characters and the gaming environment. To increase the sense of immersion, there is no interface or 'HUD' on screen at any time during normal gameplay. Instead, more intuitive methods are available for you to assess your condition, ammunition levels, and other relevant information. The combat within the game is extremely realistic, with a detailed damage and healing system that breaks down the healing process into conditions and treatments - rather than having the typical FPS 'health packs' lying around everywhere. The game also allows you to stamp your own style onto the proceedings via an advanced AI system that can react to your method of play. [Bethesda Softworks]

PUBLISHER:	Bethesda Softworks / 2K Games
DEVELOPER:	Headfirst Productions
GENRE(S):	First-Person Action, Adventure, Survival Horror
PLAYERS:	1
ESRB RATING:	M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE:	October 24, 2005

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...

eToychest

The gameplay here is a truly unique and realistic experience, seamlessly blending elements of adventure, stealth, and first-person shooter games into an intriguing and coherent package.

Into Liquid Sky

It throws out so many references to the source material and stories written by the author that fans can't help but feel the wait has been justified.

Jolt Online Gaming UK

The sound of Jack’s shallow breathing as he becomes increasingly frightened is very effective, and there is nothing quite as unnerving as hearing the growls and mutters of your pursuers as you hole up in some dark corner.

PGNx Media

The gameplay is great and the presentation is just as commendable. At around 12 hours, the game is even the right length.

Boomtown

And while the devil is in the details, the game as a whole forms such a genuinely immersive and unique experience that to let it go unnoticed would be a disservice not only to Lovecraft but one extremely talented bunch of developers.

XboxAddict

They managed to take a very dark and ecclectic horror RPG and successfully port it to console! Brava guys! Definitely a "should-be" on the horror fan's Xmas list.

BonusStage

Eerie, deeply disturbing and wonderfully designed for maximum emotional effectiveness, the game has a way of getting under your skin and taking root, drawing on your own fears and putting forth leaves and fruit that amplify the experience.

Gamers' Temple

Rare is the game that can generate a truly creepy atmosphere – Call of Cthulhu is one of those games.

Gaming Nexus

It may not have the productions of "Resident Evil," but Call of Cthulhu is easily one of the scariest video games ever made. It's also a great story full of mystery, intrigue, and a few twists and turns you won't see coming!

Gaming Target

You can immediately tell that Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth was created as a labor of love. It defies convention in favor of creating a videogame experience that is a worthy heir to the Lovecraft name.

Console Gameworld

Its challenging difficulty and immersive design will keep players on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

Game Over Online

An amazing adventure title full of horror and thrills throughout its fantastic story. It’s also a game full of glitchy little problems that can wear away on your nerves before the sanity meter gets full.

GameZone

A unique and scary experience, Call of Cthulhu for the Xbox is a frightening and most engaging experience that will not fail to hook you from the very start.

IC-Games

While it may be relatively short overall, it’s definitely one for people that like to solve a mystery, rather than just run through a game without taking anything in.

Game Chronicles

As an adventure game, Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth manages to live up to the genre expectations.

GameSpot

A thick, unsettling atmosphere fills this ambitious first-person action adventure, which makes up for some technical issues with plenty of chills, variety, and originality.

IGN

It's been a long time coming and it’s not without flaws, but Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth delivers an engaging, unsettling, and satisfying experience.

Team Xbox

Aside from the flaws with the “detective” mode, and lack of direction the game provides, Cthulhu is a solid experience. An untraditional take on the FPS genre (no WWII action or one-liners here), players are sure to get taken in by the game’s eerie levels, immersive world, and engrossing story.

Xbox Solution

A very good game if you can get past things like the perspective issues and you don’t mind dying often.

DarkStation

Developers Headfirst brings H.P. Lovecraft's cult favorite Cthulhu mythos to life in this genuinely scary first person adventure title. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.

GameCritics

The end result of their labor is a rock-solid videogame that almost perfectly captures the dread, majesty, and sheer abject terror of Lovecraft's world. One doesn't need to have read the fiction to enjoy the game, but those who're familiar with the world of Cthulhu and Innsmouth will find the game even more enjoyable because it works on multiple levels.

AceGamez

It's definitely something different and while it's not going to be the average gamer's best Christmas title, puzzle fanatics, horror fans and thrill seekers are really going to love this one.

Computer and Video Games

The game draws on the rich material inspired by Lovecraft's twisted world, and actually recreates its creeping, claustrophobic horror surprisingly well. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

Eurogamer

Almost to its detriment, it doesn't play its hand early on; if anything, the game takes fully three or four hours before you really start to unravel its charms, and even then it never feels like a game in a hurry.

GameSpy

This is the first frothing video game form of Cthulhu Mythos that's been done almost completely right, and this year's most frightening first-person adventure. A true cult classic.

Cheat Code Central

The story is accessible for all players to grasp, though the true Lovecraft enthusiast will get the most enjoyment.

NTSC-uk

While certainly not flawless, Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth is the perfect game for followers of Lovecraft’s work, but the title also offers an intriguing and involving adventure for those who aren’t and just want something a little different from a normal first-person game.

Four Fat Chicks

The overall quality of the game far outweighs every one of its shortcomings. In my humble opinion, this game represents a labor of love from people who wanted to pay homage to Lovecraft.

Loaded Inc

Some of the scenes of murder and dismemberment may be a little unnerving for younger players. We weren’t scared a little bit, though. Well, maybe a little. Umm, who turned those lights out? Recommended.

Xbox World Australia

Marred only by a few broken glitches and repetitive NPC cues, Call of Cthulhu will captivate the dark side in all who dare journey its perilous trail.

Worth Playing

It's not for twitch junkies, but gamers with a certain amount of patience will be rewarded with an engrossing game. I just wish that Headfirst hadn't thrown in so much jumping and climbing, and that the sanity effects weren't so detrimental to seeing what's going on onscreen.

TotalGames.net

It's the sort of title we'd recommend to anyone who fancies something a little different and is prepared to put in several hours hard graft - but it's just too slow and doesn't twist itself far enough into the spooky or surreal.

Armchair Empire

Offers a great (mature) story, some heart-stopping moments, and some great evolution of the first-person shooter genre, even if it does have some warts.

Kombo

Rough around the edges, but the story and setting draws you in from beginning to end.

Next Level Gaming

The game is so dark that it is almost unplayable at parts.

Pelit (Finland)

An atmospheric thriller marred by a constant need for repetition. Gunplay feels a bit tacked on. [Dec 2005]

My Gamer

While not perfect, Call of Cthulhu is an important demonstration of what should matter in a game.

DailyGame

One of those games that has a solid mix of gameplay elements and takes its source material seriously, ensuring plenty of scary moments and schoolgirl-shrieks from players.

Extreme Gamer

One eerie game, which provides a well rounded gaming experience. If you like suspenseful plots, dark forbidding mysteries, and adventures into the dark side this is for you.

Game Revolution

Call of Cthulhu shows that the first-person perspective doesn't always have to pack an uzi, and can even be the perfect view for players interested in a more cerebral challenge. Its dated look and absurd difficulty will probably consign it to mere cult status, but perhaps that's really where a game based on Lovecraft belongs.

GamingTrend

On one hand there is a fantastic immersive horror title that captures the environment perfectly. On the other hand, you have a game that is filled with bugs and leads you with both hands tied through the whole game.

Gamer 2.0

An undeniable effort. It can be fulfilling and mightily rewarding, but there are too many frustrating moments to say it’s a classic.

Computer Games Magazine

Dark Corners weaves a spellbindingly scary vibe. [Feb 2006, p.89]

Thunderbolt

Even though I was put off by the stealth sequences and the occasionally high difficulty level, it’s impossible not to admire how frightening and intense this game can be.

games(TM)

An intelligent and original gaming experience for those strong enough of stomach and mind to see it all the way through. [Dec 2005, p.108]

Electric Playground

A flawed but fascinating adaptation of the imaginings of one of horror's most influential writers.

Official Xbox Magazine

Suffers from linear gameplay, ridiculously difficult challenges, bad graphics, and a lead voice actor who sounds like an utter twit. [Jan 2006, p.75]

G4 TV

Understand going in to this game that you’re going to die a lot. And you’re going to have to replay the same scenes over many times before you get past them. And if you see Cthulhu, give him our best.

Game Informer

The action is slow and unresponsive,and there is very little direction spurring you through its grainy, muddy-looking world. [Jan 2006, p.150]

Gamestyle

A strange beast. Initially captivating for its haunting atmosphere and impressive plotline, Gamestyle soon uncovered sanity effects that pushed us over the edge - of despair.

Edge Magazine

Once guns are acquired you feel less helpless, but the combat is awkward with enemies reacting poorly to hits and a compulsory manual reload that is ponderous beyond belief. In trying to make the game realistic, Headfirst has grievously shot itself in the foot. [Dec 2005, p.112]

The average user rating for this game is 8.0 (out of 10) based on 33 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

m s gave it a3:
This is the perfect example of how to script a horror game...it's just not exactly what I'd call the ideal way to make one playable. At first, I was excited to get this game. I mean five years in the making, bragging an advanced sanity system, healing system, and interactive world sounds great...until you actually have to play the damn game. The creators were so hell bent on hyping this game as a "realistic experience" that they forgot one crucial element. It's a damn video game. First of all, five years in development should warrant a few things: Good voice acting, good visuals, and polished gameplay. The gameplay had a lot of potential. It's my belief that first person is tough to implement into stealth and horror because you can't actually see your character model so creeping behind walls is difficult and the stupid peek around the wall mechanic is useless unless you wanna reveal yourself. Secondly, it's near impossible to estimate how far you can jump in this game, which will get you killed many times. The A.I. is generally piss poor as well and glitches on many occasions. The most the A.I. can do is follow and shoot and group together. Nothing intelligent about that. Oh and they can't aim rifles at point blank to save their lives, literally. The interactivity is pretty false too. There are only a few people you can actually talk to in the game on your own without cutscenes and you can't actually use your surroundings to your advantage. You can just observe them and make useless comments about them. Did I mention the voice acting is annoying as all hell? The main character sounds like a complete Nimrod. The graphics ain't much to gawk at either. The environments generally come in a few shades of gray and brown with a little texture thrown in for good measure. The character models are stiff and the monsters are hilariously unscary when you finally see them. As for health packs. Nothing complicated or interesting about it. Somehow you can still walk with two broken legs. How very realistic?? But the worst part about this game is the abused sanity effects. I don't know about you, but my vision doesn't blur when I'm scared. And I don't get vertigo instantly from . Our detective hero is kind of a loose canon really. Everything makes his mental state deteriorate. It's gimmicky and annoying and it fails to make the game scary. Or realistic. In fact, quite the opposite. But to the point. Don't play this game. It's a waste of time and potential. Play Silent Hill 2 or Resident Evil if you want a good scare. This sucked.

A. gave it a10:
I love it. I took the time to write down all the quotes from each loading screen by recording the loading screens with my vcr. lol The struggle with the controls and glitches is worth it..don't give up. All the way to the end!

Mohammed N. gave it a9:
An outstanding game not without bugs but the concept and gameplay are original throughout. Its atmosphere is gripping and disturbing and it feels just right, even though most of the gameplay is linear, there is enough content and twists to make you appreciate the minds behind this game. Get it today or hit the road!

Bruno F. gave it a10:
Enter another kind of horror game. For those who can both take pleasure out of reading and playing videogames, I give you Dark Corners of the Earth: one of the best recriations of a literary work, in this case the work of H. P. Lovecraft. For those who also admired Shadow of The Comet or Prisioner of Ice (both great PC adventures) the sort of fear and panic which Call of Cthulhu portrays will feel somewhat familiar. This is not a game likely to scare you as much as it imposes its own rythm, its own spiral down to the gravest and most horrible corners of fright. The technical aspects are well-enough for what the game requires. Moreover, this isn't your average FPS game, not in the true sense of the term. Think of it as a First Person game, where shooting is a minor part in comparisson to dialogues, puzzle solving and exploring the magnificent spaces where the game takes set. Unfortunately, many failed to see the game for what it really is: an amazing journey with the mark of one of Literature's greatest genius, Lovecraft. The menus are scarce but brilliant. There is a sense of distinction in many of the game's aspects: characters, dialogues, the quality of the texts. Most of all, it has a great ambience, in a way we rarely find in a videogame. A real shame that the other episodes turned out to be cancelled - mostly due to this game's poor market impact. One of XBOX's best games.

Aaron H. gave it a9:
One of the most fulfilling games I've ever played. The ending will leave you breathless.

Raffaele L. gave it a9:
One of the best horror games i ever played.. dynamic, balanced puzzles... i read all of the text and dialogues of the game and found noone of those to be boring; many jumps off the chair assured.

scootaboy gave it a9:
Truly one of the best games I've played this generation. While it might not have the latest bump mapped, mip-mapped Hign Definition whatchamacalits in the graphics department, the game has a true sense of Art Direction and style. The sanity effects are great even if not entire unique and add a tangible sense of confusion to the games most harrowing moments. Trying to see the three story thing thats attacking you is tough through the haze and this is how it should be. Furthermore, the sound design is top notch with wonderfully creepy music (I couldn't stand to leave it on pause - too creepy) and fantastic sound effects that really shake your subwoofer. While the final showdown and the last hour or so of play leading up to it come increasingly from left-field, the epilogue (no spoilers here) is one of the most satisfiying conclusions to any game I have played. For those of you finding the opening couple of chapters slow going - stick with it, things soon heat up and there's a great deal of variety and clever ideas at play here. Highly recommended.