I want to mention a few points before you read on. While I rarely don’t, I pre-ordered or pre-purchased this game in high regards. I’m a longtime H.P. Lovecraft fan and admired his works. I’m always keeping an eye on my radar for any game that’s Lovecraftian or somewhat based on his works. As such, my expectations are rather high. The verdict I gave this game barely escapes from getting a poorer score. However I don’t recommend this game to newcomers or learn and explore of Lovecraft’s work. If you’re willing to play this game with an open mind, then I won’t stop you.

Now then, onto the first problem: the story. What is irksome and hurt the story was the characters. The voice-acting is solid but the characters are banal and difficult to get immersed into character. The opening scene, your first conversation, was a pathetic start. The character lines were a series of repeats but said differently. As if the game is trying to get you out the door quickly as possible. Not to mention, that first "character" you meet will be forgotten for the rest of the game. Also the animation of the characters, when walking and conversing, tend to do the same animation. I roughly counted six animations in total, excluding cut-scene animations. When it comes to mystery games or stories, especially Lovecraftian, the goal is to show but not tell. I’m not trying to impress but the story told a little too much. I was able to solve who were the antagonists about two-fifths into the game.

Throughout the game, you’ll encounter certain choices that requires a roll or chance to succeed. Even though you spent a hefty amount points on a particular skill, there’s a chance you'll fail. It’s understandable this creates a different branching paths, that's fine. Nonetheless, using a tabletop game system, especially the usage of dice, greatly doesn't translate well into computer games. Granted there’s a few to several exceptions but only done right. Still this doesn’t fit in this game.

Alas… the gameplay. You go around as a "defenseless" protagonist, such as Amnesia: The Dark Descent, and observe your surroundings. Gathering items and, most importantly, clues to progress in the game. While I don’t mind being the “defenseless” protagonist but it could’ve step away from that and used it for story immersion. It did, however, had a few change of scenes: exploring, cat and mouse, stealth and action. Exploring and stealth you’ll be doing the majority of the game. The cat and mouse and the action scenes are transitory in the game. There’s plenty instances in the game that could’ve allowed to fight back, especially in the stealth parts. There’s a skill called “strength”, after all.

I know I’m bashing the game utmost harshly but is there “good” qualities? Yes, of course. The atmosphere is immersive and music is hauntingly beautiful. However it’s outweighed, not greatly, by the negatives. There’s missing features that could’ve helped the gameplay. As well tweaked the current mechanics where the player does get a chance. And this is my first game to thumb down. To top it off, not worth its asking price. If you're planning to buy this game, wait till goes on sell.

The verdict for Call of Cthulhu is 5 out of 10.