CRUEL

Release Date: January 9, 2025

Action, FPP, roguelike, FPS, indie games, shooters, boomer shooter, singleplayer

95%

Steam

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A first-person boomer shooter with elements of roguelike titles. In CRUEL we end up in a strange hotel and our goal is to survive. This involves eliminating hords of enemies and also defending from the building itself. Our character uses a range of weapons, including a revolver, a shotgun, a machine gun or even a chainsaw.

Story
Gameplay
Graphics

CRUEL is a boomer shooter (a first-person shooter maintained in a style reminiscent of FPS games from the 1990s) enriched with elements borrowed from the roguelike genre. The game is the debut work of a single independent developer - James Dornan.

Story

In CRUEL we end up in a bizarre hotel, where our disoriented character wakes up in the elevator. The corpse lying on the floor does not bode well. As it turns out shortly afterwards, the building is overrun by bloodthirsty enemies who start hunting us. As if that wasn't enough, the building itself is also trying to swallow us up. From the moment we cross the threshold of the elevator, our primary goal becomes survival for as long as possible.

Gameplay

In CRUEL the action is presented from a first-person perspective (FPP). During the game we go through changing levels and eliminate hordes of adversaries, among which the most prominent are hostile people armed with shotguns or even chainsaws.

We are not defenseless in the game and we acquire our first weapon even before leaving the elevator, taking it from the body lying there. Over time, we get our hands on various weapons, including a revolver, a shotgun, a machine gun, or even one of the aforementioned saws. Our advantage over enemies can also be ensured by being constantly on the move, avoiding attacks and making accurate shots.

We can regenerate our weakened health by drinking the contents of cans scattered around the locations. Interestingly, cans are also the currency with which we can purchase various upgrades that increase our chances of survival (for example, by expanding the magazines of our guns).

Graphics

The graphic design of CRUEL was maintained in full pixel style straight from the era before the first Quake.

Videos and Screens

[1:08] CRUEL - Trailer

95%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (843)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Satisfying Gunplay: Players appreciate the crisp and responsive shooting mechanics, with many finding headshots and combos to be particularly rewarding.
Engaging Gameplay Loop: The fast-paced, run-and-gun style keeps players engaged, with a blend of action and resource management that creates a tense atmosphere.
Stylish Visuals and Music: The retro-inspired graphics and energetic soundtrack are frequently praised, contributing to the game's overall appeal.
Potential for Replayability: Despite being short, the game offers various challenge modes and a satisfying core experience that encourages players to return.
Fluid Movement: The movement mechanics are well-received, allowing for dynamic gameplay that feels smooth and enjoyable.

The main cons of the game

Short Length: Many players feel the game is too short, with the main mode taking only about an hour to complete, leading to a desire for more content.
Repetitive Gameplay: Some users noted that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, with a lack of variety in runs and upgrades.
Annoying Enemy Mechanics: Specific enemies, particularly crows and ghosts, are criticized for their frustrating mechanics, such as unexpected spawns and unclear visibility.
Limited Content: Players expressed a desire for more weapons, enemy types, and overall content to enhance the experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Endless Mode: Many players requested an endless mode to test their skills and see how far they can progress.
More Game Modes: Suggestions for additional game modes, including a campaign or more varied challenge options, were common.
Improved Upgrade System: Users wanted a more robust and interesting upgrade system, with clearer descriptions of perks and more impactful choices.
Increased Room Variety: A call for more diverse room types and layouts to keep the gameplay fresh was noted.
Accessibility Features: Some players mentioned the need for options like aim assist and quick restart buttons to improve the experience for all skill levels.

Summary generated on: February 3, 2025