CRUEL

About CRUEL

CRUEL is the work of James Dornan, released on Steam in January 2025. It is inspired by the arcade and first-person shooters of the 1990s, and its maker is clear that it doesn't take itself too seriously.

The story is thin and grim: you have embraced a demonic entity, brought on by yourself, and now must choose what you truly desire and survive what follows. The building you are in is the real enemy. Its ten levels change from run to run and try to consume you, and they are full of bloodthirsty enemies: hooded cultists with shotguns, chainsaw-wielding butchers in aprons, and grinning black shadow figures.

Speed is your only ally. You run and gun through rooms with shotguns, SMGs and revolvers, pick up cans that serve as both health and currency, and between levels choose upgrade cards. Stack enough cans and you can unleash a devastating attack. A hard-hitting electronic soundtrack keeps the pace up.

It is loud, gory and fast, more horror-flavoured action than dread. It suits players who liked DUSK or CULTIC and want shorter runs with roguelike upgrades.

How to play CRUEL

1. Run through each level, shooting everything that comes at you.
2. Pick up cans for health, and save them up for upgrades and a powerful special attack.
3. Choose an upgrade card between levels to shape your run.
4. Keep moving; the building changes and enemies won't stop coming.

Tips

• Don't stand still; speed is your best defence.
• Spend cans on upgrades that keep your ammunition flowing.
• Save a stack of cans for the attack when a room gets out of hand.

Questions