Games / Action

Cronos: The New Dawn

Sep 5, 2025Action · AdventureM

3.8

User rating

54 ratings

$59.99eShop

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Prices checked 14 Oct 2026

Trailers

Screenshots

Our take

At $59.99, Cronos: The New Dawn offers an intriguing blend of survival horror and time manipulation, but it struggles with some significant performance issues. While the core mechanics can be engaging, the overall execution leaves you wanting more. Wait for patches or a price drop before committing.

This title melds time manipulation with survival horror in a way that’s reminiscent of games like 'Resident Evil' but adds its twist with time mechanics. The environments are detailed, drenched in a foreboding atmosphere that pulls you in. However, performance on the Switch 2 is shaky; frame rates can drop drastically during chaotic encounters. The time rewind feature is clever, but it sometimes goes unresponsive, leading to frustrating moments. Though the game has moments of brilliance, the uneven performance can overshadow them. Loading times between deaths can break the pacing, pulling you out of an already tense atmosphere. The voice acting doesn't do the overall narrative justice, leaning into clichés that can feel out of place in an otherwise gritty setting.

Pros

The time manipulation mechanic adds a fresh layer to combat and puzzle-solving, allowing players to rewind moments or alter enemy actions.
Atmospheric design effectively creates a sense of dread, with environments that keep you on edge.
Creepy enemy designs and AI behavior keep encounters unpredictable, enhancing the survival horror element.

Cons

Frequent frame drops during intense sequences make combat feel choppy, disrupting immersion.
Load times can be long, especially when returning from death, which tests patience.
Some voice acting feels wooden, detracting from the overall narrative experience.

In Cronos, you explore a post-apocalyptic world filled with grotesque creatures while managing limited resources. The signature time manipulation mechanic lets you rewind actions, which plays a crucial role in both combat and puzzles. You'll scavenge for supplies, craft items, and face off against horrifying abominations that challenge your survival instincts. Engaging in stealth or confrontation pushes you to strategize with your time-based powers.

On Switch 2

On Switch 2, Cronos struggles with performance issues that detract from the intense gameplay it aims for. While it plays better docked, expect frame drops that can harm the otherwise intriguing combat and exploration. Handheld mode is more stable but loses the full visual impact, making it a less compelling choice for on-the-go play.

Who it's for

This game is for survival horror fans who appreciate innovative mechanics and don’t mind a rough polish. If you prefer smoother experiences and compelling narratives, it might be best to hold off until updates improve performance.

About

Cronos: The New Dawn is a pulse-pounding, third-person survival horror game where time is your deadliest weapon — and your worst enemy. Survive a brutal future, dive back in time, and stop nightmarish creatures from merging into unstoppable abominations.