Cruel, which launched on January 9, 2025, delivers an intense and twisted gaming experience. Players find themselves trapped in a bizarre hotel, confronted with a lifeless body and a weapon. The game drops players into a disorienting world, challenging them to navigate a mysterious and potentially dangerous environment.
This release adds to the already impressive list of video games from 2025. Cruel stands out with its unique premise and atmospheric setting. The game’s focus on tension and survival elements appeals to fans of psychological thrillers and horror games.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, titles like Cruel showcase the trend towards more immersive and narrative-driven experiences. Its January release date positioned it as one of the first major launches of 2025, and it has indeed set a strong tone for the year in gaming.
Cruel’s Post-Launch Success
What is Cruel?
Cruel is a fast-paced, first-person shooter with roguelike elements. Think classic “boomer shooters” like Doom or Quake, but with modern twists. It throws you into a strange hotel filled with danger. You start with a dead body and a weapon, and you must fight your way through challenging levels. Each playthrough is different, thanks to the roguelike features. This means the layout of the hotel and the enemies you face change each time you play.
Critical and Player Reception
Since its release on January 9, 2025, Cruel has earned very positive reviews. Many players praise its fast action, challenging gameplay, and unique atmosphere. The game has a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, showing strong player satisfaction. Reviewers also like the game’s blend of classic FPS action with roguelike replayability. This combination makes each run feel fresh, encouraging players to come back for more.
Key Gameplay Features
Here are some of the things that make Cruel stand out:
- Fast, intense combat: The game focuses on quick movement and accurate shooting.
- Roguelike elements: Levels and enemies change with each playthrough.
- Unique setting: The bizarre hotel creates a creepy and interesting atmosphere.
- Challenging gameplay: Cruel is not an easy game. It will test your skills.
How Cruel Compares
Cruel joins a growing number of games that blend classic FPS action with modern ideas. It stands out due to its specific setting and focus on tension. Games like Amid Evil and Dusk share some similarities in their fast-paced gameplay. However, Cruel‘s roguelike elements and hotel setting give it a distinct feel.
Where to Buy Cruel
Cruel is currently available on PC through Steam. It is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for fans of the genre. The developers have also mentioned plans to bring the game to other platforms, but specific details are not yet available.
Cruel: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | First-person shooter, Roguelike |
| Release Date | January 9, 2025 |
| Platforms | PC (Steam) |
| Reception | Very Positive |
Key Takeaways
- Cruel launched on January 9, 2025, offering a disorienting and intense gaming experience
- The game features a mysterious hotel setting with survival elements
- Cruel’s release marks the beginning of an exciting year for video game enthusiasts
Upcoming Major Game Releases
Gamers can look forward to an exciting lineup of new titles in 2025. Several highly anticipated releases span various genres, from action-packed adventures to immersive role-playing experiences and updated classics.
Action and Adventure Highlights
Monster Hunter Wilds leads the pack of action-adventure games slated for 2025. This latest entry in the popular franchise promises expansive new hunting grounds and fearsome creatures to battle. Capcom has kept details under wraps, but fans expect enhanced graphics and refined gameplay mechanics.
Fable also makes its long-awaited return. The reboot aims to blend humor and fantasy in an open world filled with quests and moral choices. Microsoft’s Playground Games is at the helm, bringing fresh ideas to the beloved series.
Avowed, another Xbox exclusive, offers a first-person RPG experience set in the Pillars of Eternity universe. Players will wield swords and spells in a richly detailed fantasy world.
Role-Playing Game Developments
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes the series in a bold new direction. Players will trade urban streets for tropical shores, engaging in swashbuckling adventures with a distinctly Yakuza flavor. The game promises to blend traditional RPG elements with quirky mini-games and a humor-filled storyline.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues Hideo Kojima’s unique vision. While plot details remain scarce, fans can expect a mix of surreal storytelling and innovative gameplay. The sequel aims to expand on the connection-building mechanics of the original while introducing new supernatural threats.
Freedom Wars Remastered arrives on January 10, 2025, bringing the dystopian action RPG to modern platforms with enhanced visuals and gameplay tweaks.
Remasters and Collections
Doom: The Dark Ages takes the iconic shooter series to a medieval setting. This unexpected twist promises to blend classic Doom gameplay with fantasy elements, offering a fresh take on the franchise.
Several classic games are getting the remaster treatment. Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana launches on January 7, 2025, bringing updated graphics and controls to the beloved action RPG.
Wuthering Waves, a new mobile action RPG, releases its 2.0 version for PC on January 1, 2025, expanding its reach to desktop gamers with enhanced features.
