Cronos: The New Dawn Q&A – ‘Our Unique Approach to This Project’

At a recent press event, we had the exciting opportunity to experience a hands-on demo of Cronos: The New Dawn, an upcoming survival horror game from the renowned Polish developer Bloober Team. Following the demo, we interviewed Piotr Tylus, the Lead Level Designer at Bloober, to delve deeper into this captivating new title, which is scheduled for release in Fall on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X.

Cronos: The New Dawn | Sector A-0 Gameplay Showcase (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW4EcsG_Deg)

Setting the Scene: The Inspiration Behind Cronos

The chosen locale for Cronos holds significant historical weight for many in the development team. According to Tylus, “It’s part of history for at least part of the Bloober team, ”particularly for one developer whose personal ties to the area—just ten minutes away from the game’s inspiration—deeply inform the game’s atmosphere. The unique brutalist architecture commonly found in socialist-era cities adds an exotic touch, creating a backdrop that players may not frequently encounter.

Crafting Atmosphere and Gameplay

Tylus noted that while he doesn’t personally inhabit Nowa Huta or Krakow, conducting research on location greatly enhanced the development of the game’s atmosphere. He mentioned, “You want to take the atmosphere in, but you also have to gamify to some degree.”The challenge lies in integrating real-life locations into engaging gameplay experiences, allowing players to enjoy their environment while navigating thrilling scenarios.

Balancing Intimacy and Expansiveness

When discussing the game’s design, Tylus commented on achieving a balance between intimate encounters and expansive arenas.“We start by setting up the base of what we want to achieve, ” he explained, emphasizing that the design of each location aligns with the encounters planned for that area. This blend aims to keep players engaged and refreshed as they progress through the game.

Exploration and Backtracking Mechanics

Backtracking will play a critical role in Cronos: The New Dawn. Tylus highlighted the importance of exploration, stating, “Exploration is a huge part of Cronos.”Players who take the time to discover their surroundings will find essential resources that aid in their survival. The game encourages curiosity, with optional routes designed to enrich both the gameplay experience and the narrative.

Collectibles and Side Objectives

In our exploration of the demo, we encountered several collectibles, including comic books and hidden cats. Tylus pointed out that these elements serve not just as collectible items but as ways to enhance the player’s understanding of the story and its characters.“There are lots of narrative bits that add depth, though they aren’t necessary for the main plot, ” he elaborated.

Consequences of Player Decisions

A compelling feature of Cronos is its decision-making system, which influences both gameplay and narrative. Tylus stated that choices made regarding allies can significantly alter the player experience and the challenges they face, encouraging players to consider their options carefully.

Resource Management in Survival Horror

Resource management remains a core pillar of the survival horror genre, and Cronos introduces mechanics that require players to make strategic choices about health and ammunition. Tylus shared insights on how enemies may drop resources, providing players with ways to survive even when the odds are against them, while ensuring a continuous challenge.

Innovative Combat Mechanics

The game’s boss encounters are designed to utilize every resource available to players. Tylus assured that while certain encounters follow fixed resource parameters, players who scour the area can often find additional ammunition or items that may have been overlooked, emphasizing that exploration rewards strategic gameplay.

Unique Merging Mechanic and Player Engagement

The merging system is a distinctive innovation in Cronos. Tylus indicated that encounters with new enemy types are strategically introduced, evolving from intimate situations to more complex engagements that challenge player skills.“It varies with the enemy type, ”he explained, underscoring the dynamic nature of gameplay.

A Design Philosophy Rooted in Experience

With over four years in development, and following the success of their Silent Hill 2 remake, Bloober Team draws from a wealth of experience. Tylus believes that while they learn from their projects, their goal is to carve a distinct identity for Cronos: “Every game has its own toppings, and each experience is unique.”

Cultural Significance and Inspirations

When asked about media that captures the essence of Krakow’s socialist era backdrop, Tylus suggested that experiencing the city firsthand is often the best way to appreciate its atmosphere.“There’s a richness in the real setting that can’t be replicated, ”he remarked.

Easter Eggs and Player Discoveries

Devoted fans of Bloober’s previous works will be delighted to find Easter eggs scattered throughout Cronos. Tylus teased that both visual elements and collectibles are designed with nods to earlier games, promising players a familiar yet intriguing experience.

Final Thoughts on Survival Strategies

For those looking for tips, Tylus suggests using the tools at your disposal creatively—adapting offensive strategies from defensive ones to overcome challenges.“It’s about using the environment to your advantage, ”he advised, highlighting the game’s emphasis on strategic play.

Anticipating the Full Release

As we wrapped up the conversation, Tylus expressed his enthusiasm for the game’s most exhilarating encounters—though specifics remained under wraps.“There are some memorable moments ahead, but I can’t spoil it for you, ”he concluded.

For more insights and updates about Cronos: The New Dawn, be sure to check out the complete interview at Wccftech.