10 Video Games Inspired By H.P. Lovecraft

Often considered the greatest video game based on Lovecraft’s mythos, Bethesda’s 2002 survival horror FPS is, despite the title, more or less a re-telling of Lovecraft’s 1936 psychological masterpiece The Shadow Over Innsmouth. Though not a one-for-one recreation, Dark Corners of the Earth is by far the most faithful Lovecraft video game adaptation we have ever received.

Though it was touted as a first person shooter, the game’s combat is easily its worst aspect. Handling weaponry is a slow, tiresome affair, and the game’s lack of a heads up display makes aiming and resource management a real pain.

Ironically, the best part of Call of Cthulhu is the very beginning in which a mentally-unstable detective is sent to investigate some strange goings on in the backwater port town of Innsmouth. Before the player ever lays hands on a firearm, they are forced into a tense and climactic escape situation which could leave anyone on the edge of their seat.

It’s a bit rough around the edges, and the dated visuals leave something to be desired nowadays, but Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth is an absolute must-play for all fans of cosmic horror.