Stepping into the ominous depths of a shadowy bathroom, there’s a sense that things have reached rock-bottom. With health plummeting to nearly zero, desperation for a lifeline becomes palpable. A demonic dog lurks close by, adding an eerie edge to the scenario. A knock on a solitary stall door results in a soda can rolling out. Rather than downing it, there’s a gamble—a second knock yields another can. A return to the lurking hound accompanies the offering of a soda, rewarding you with faster weapon reload capabilities. Welcome to the bizarre essence of the game, Cruel.
Top of the Steam Deck: June’s Gaming Tapestry
After the canine encounter, the adrenaline spikes. Flames from a pixelated inferno chase you while cultists become adversaries to a revolver-wielding hero. This offbeat, relentless action defines the unique charm of Cruel. Despite countless deaths, its allure calls players back for more.
Recent years have seen the rise of the "boomer shooter" subgenre in FPS games. Titles like Cultic, Dusk, and Boltgun nod to ’90s-style graphics. However, they utilize modern tech to craft shooters that feel both nostalgic and novel. Cruel, with its engaging roguelike tempo, is the latest to seize attention.
In the thick of Cruel’s chaos, you’re a character navigating a burning building. Relentless determination keeps you moving as flames ravage everything. Each floor harbors cultists, malevolent spirits, and soda machines. Healing powers or strategic upgrades await those who engage with these machines. As each level intensifies, so do the enemies and their armaments.
Braving the Fray: Combat Unchained
Improvements derived from sodas prove essential as challenges escalate. But waste not in consumption—there’s always the chance to bet your luck in the stalls. Be wary though, the bathroom’s spectral inhabitant might conjure a lethal jumpscare. Despite its unusual premise, Cruel’s addictive charm lies in its retro-infused FPS combat.
Guns make a thunderous statement, and enemies disintegrate with precise aim. Yet, one minor slip could doom a flawless run. Conversely, leveraging Cruel’s myriad of mechanics—slides, kicks, melee weapons—may save you from demise. The game sparks memories of Anger Foot but delivers superior combat fused with a nostalgic boomer shooter aesthetic.
Cruel’s Draw: A Must-Play Marvel
It’s not just the gameplay that captivates; the soundtrack electrifies every moment. As a delightful Easter egg, pressing reload with a full magazine results in a stylish gun flip. It’s a cheeky acknowledgment of the classic gaming spirit. At just $10 and under 400MB, Cruel offers a bite-sized yet fulfilling experience. Approach the bathroom bets with caution, though. Trust me on that.
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Image credit: kotaku.com
