New Lovecraftian Games on the Way

Several new Lovecraftian games are heading for PC in the near future. Both follow in the refreshing footsteps of the most Lovecraftian game to date, “Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth,” in that they rely less on weaponry and brawn, and more on mind and mystery-solving skills. While not as direct users of Lovecraft’s settings and monstrosities as the previous game mentioned, these still seem certain to maintain a strong eldritch atmosphere.

The first game is due next month from Lighthouse Interactive. “Darkness Within: In Pursuit of Loath Nolder” is said to take direct inspiration from HPL, and will be an investigative adventure. The player will take the role of a detective in search of another former private detective, Loath Nolder, the prime suspect in the murder of a wealthy occultist. Interestingly, this game will continue the recent use of insanity-inducing techniques seen in previous Lovecraftian games, like horrifying dreams and confusing shifts in time.

An even closer video game to Lovecraft’s eerie visions is “Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened." It is another investigative game where the player attempts to use Sherlock Holmes’ legendary wits to solve mysteries of the notorious Cult of Cthulhu. This will be the small developer’s first real horror adventure, but the third Sherlock Holmes game. It also holds an interesting resemblance to the Cthulhu mythos anthology from several years back, “Shadows Over Baker Street,” a collection of Lovecraftian tales involving Sherlock Holmes. The game is set to ship in a matter of weeks and a demo is already available from the game’s website here.

All in all, these games should only enhance the standing of Lovecraft in the world of video games. Thus far, video games have been a more authentic venue for capturing Lovecraft’s unique mood than most films baring his name. Not to knock the recent excellent Lovecraftian additions from amateur and independent film makers, but the dominance of the gaming world seems set to continue with these forthcoming titles.

-Grim Blogger