Review: Call of Cthulhu (Nintendo Switch)

by Jim Smale · Published October 8, 2019 · Updated October 15, 2019

1924. Private Investigator Pierce is sent to look into the tragic death of the Hawkins family. Plunge into a world of creeping madness and cosmic horror. Cryptic clues, shadowy figures, and pure terror bar your way as you fight to retain your sanity and solve an otherworldly mystery.

Pros:

Nice graphics.
7.4GB Download size.
Can invert axis and sensitivity sliders.
Opening and ongoing tutorial.
Slight character creation in that you earn points to put into a skill tree.
Four save slots.
Autosaves regularly.
Cutscenes are the in-game engine. Jumps between first and third-person views.
Strong story elements.
Can skip cutscenes.
Captures the Lovecraftian atmosphere.
Interaction with NPC has branching trees.
Somber soundtrack.
Atmospheric.
Earn CP to unlock new abilities which can further add more options to conversations and interactions.
Can play multiple times to get different outcomes.
A good detective like gameplay.

Cons:

Only one control scheme.
Graphics look lower resolution and washed out.
Long loading times.
Sync sounds off.
Small text.
No Touchscreen.
Short game, Under 10 hours.
Not enough darkness, Lore and scares.
Feels and plays like a walking simulator for a large part with endless talking to people used to break it up.

8/10
Graphics - 8/10
8/10
Sound - 8/10
7/10
Accessibility - 7/10
7/10
Length - 7/10
8/10
Fun Factor - 8/10

7.6/10

Summary

Any game with H.P Lovecraft’s work in will get me hyped. After looking at screenshots I really thought this was going to be the game to get a good story going. How wrong I was, I mean the story is alright it is just very short and kind of predictable. You spend the game just walking between conversations and what interactions you do have with monsters is limited and underwhelming. I really tried to enjoy the game but after finishing it in single-digit hours, I didn’t want to go back and see what else it had, I had my fill. I would say its a game to try if you see it cheap or if conversation simulators are your thing then fine you are good to go but anyone expecting a strong lengthy Lovecraft romp will be sorely disappointed. The Nintendo Switch lessens the blow somewhat as it makes it like an extravagant visual novel, But the graphics take a hit, No touchscreen and feel a bit rushed.