Crisol: Theater of Idols puts a twisted spin on survival horror

With Blumhouse venturing into the gaming world for the first time substantially, one captivating game in their lineup is Crisol: Theater of Idols. Crafted by Vermila Studios, this first-person horror game, situated in a gloomy fictionalized Spain, aims to deliver an innovative perspective on religious terror. I had a chance to test it at Summer Game Fest and can confirm that it promises to achieve its aim effectively.

While navigating Crisol, it became evident where its influences lie, as a developer mentioned comparisons to Resident Evil 4 during our conversation. In my journey through Hispania, I encountered puppet-like enemies that moved in an unnerving, jerky fashion. Armed with a pistol, I had to be mindful of ammunition, much like any survival horror game demands.

In contrast to previous games, Crisol takes an unique turn. Instead of filling your weapon with conventional ammunition, you utilize your own blood. This mechanic introduces an intriguing twist – each time you reload your gun, your health decreases. As a result, the two crucial resources in a survival game – ammo and health – are now interconnected. I found myself treating each bullet as if it were my final one, praying that the next area would contain a potion to restore my health.

As a devoted fan, let me share that the main character possesses a unique power: he can draw life force from deceased beings to aid in his recovery. On numerous occasions, I found myself draining blood from slain chickens and even human corpses, observing as their tissues vanished beneath a layer of blood. There’s also an intriguing animation where the gun I wield has spikes that pierce my hand upon reloading, adding a gritty edge to the experience. It’s quite a gruesome sight.

Throughout most of my demonstration, a massive beast relentlessly trailed my actions. This creature was invulnerable to bullets, so I had to spend as much time as possible indoors and employ stealth when going outdoors to stay safe. It startled me on several occasions when I didn’t notice how near it was. One time, I thought I was secure after dashing into a building, but it managed to grab me through the window. This enemy, much like Resident Evil 3’s Nemesis, is persistent and will require players to confront it for an extended portion of the narrative.

The game “Crisol: Theater of Idols” by Blumhouse Games hasn’t been given a release date yet, but it will join an intriguing roster of future releases, including titles such as “Grave Seasons.

This sneak peek is derived from a preliminary demonstration that was showcased during Summer Game Fest: Play Days. Please note that the completed version may undergo modifications.

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2025-06-16 17:27