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H.P. Lovecraft is one of the most iconic horror writers of the 20th Century who blended the elements of fear with science fiction and gave rise to the genre known as “Lovecraftian horror.” His imagination gave readers some of the most iconic creatures while influencing generations of horror icons like Stephen King, John Carpenter, Clive Barker and Guillermo del Toro.
Similar to many icons of horror; the works of Lovecraft has been a major influence on horror games. But also like many icons of horror; his work has rarely been adapted into a video game. So for gamers and fans; The Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earthfor the PC and Xbox was a delight.
Gamers take on the role of private detective Jack Walters, who after investigating the Fellowship of the Yith, has a nervous breakdown and is committed to the Arkham Asylum. Six years later: he is hired to find a missing person in the town of Innsmouth. Problems arise during the investigation when a mob of xenophobic locals attempt to murder him. Walters is able to find the missing person; but during the escape he is killed in a car crash.
Walters awakes in a hospital only to be integrated by J. Edger Hoover regarding the Esoteric Order of Dagon along with the events he has encountered. A few days later Walters participate in a raid with the FBI and Marin Corp on Innsmouth. In the course of the raid; he comes across information regarding the events that lead to his mental break down and his family connection to Innsmouth.
Despite its title, the game is not related to The Call of Cthulhu but rather a loose adaptation of The Shadow Over Innsmouth while including elements from The Shadow Out of Time. It’s also important to note that Cthulhu is never featured in the game except in passable reference. However gamers will encounter a verity of the iconic demons from the Cthulhu mythology. Among the creatures that you will have to battle will be hybrid residents of Innsmouth along with the Deep Ones. The boss battles will involve fighting Father Dagon, Mother Hydra, and the Shoggoth while in the end Walters will learn that he posses Yithian traits. Unfortunately the Necronomicon is not an important element nor is it featured.
The aspect of its gameplay was very unique for a horror survival or FPS-game. It features no HUD interface while the players condition is indicated through the sound cues of his heartbeat and breathing. Walters loses sanity when he looks at disturbing elements of the game world, such as mutilated bodies. Sanity loss can cause hallucinations that over time could lead to suicide.
For horror fans, The Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth has everything one could ever desire from horror game. But for fans of H.P. Lovecraft, this may be one of the best adaptations of his work since Re-Animator. Overall this may be one of the scariest games anyone will ever play, which makes it a true tribute to the legacy of H.P. Lovecraft.