Cyclopean: The Great Abyss – A Lovecraftian Journey into Retro RPG Brilliance

In the ever-evolving landscape of indie gaming, a new title has emerged from the depths, promising a return to the golden age of CRPGs. Cyclopean: The Great Abyss, a retro-inspired, monochromatic dungeon crawler, is captivating players with its unique blend of classic mechanics and a chilling Lovecraftian atmosphere. This small-scale, mechanics-driven game from Schmidt Workshops is a fascinating homage to titles like Ultima and Questron, all while carving out its own distinct identity within the horror genre. Since its full release on July 17, 2025, it has garnered “Very Positive” reviews on Steam, and it’s not hard to see why. The game delivers an authentic, punishing, and utterly engrossing experience that challenges players to think beyond mere combat.

The premise is simple, yet unsettling. You are an “old dreamer” who finds himself trapped in the Great Abyss, the sprawling and dangerous underworld of H.P. Lovecraft’s Dreamlands. Unlike the more common Cthulhu Mythos, the Dreamlands are a vivid and fantastical realm, but one that is no less horrifying. Cyclopean captures this duality perfectly, using its stark, retro visuals to create an atmosphere that is both haunting and strangely beautiful. The game presents two distinct views: a top-down, 2D overworld for exploration, and a first-person, 3D perspective for navigating the claustrophobic and treacherous dungeons. This old-school design choice, a rarity in modern gaming, is a key part of its nostalgic appeal.

But the true genius of Cyclopean: The Great Abyss lies in its core gameplay loop. While combat is a vital part of the experience, it is not the only, or even the most effective, way to survive. The game actively encourages, and often rewards, a combination of dialogue, stealth, and strategic alliances. Trying to brute-force your way through the underworld as a low-level character is a guaranteed path to a swift and brutal death. This is where the game’s deep and intricate systems come into play, offering a level of player agency that is refreshing and deeply satisfying. The ability to forge alliances with the strange and dangerous denizens of the Abyss is a central theme, pulling directly from the lore of Lovecraft’s stories. You’ll quickly learn that knowledge is your most powerful weapon, and reading forbidden tomes is essential for unlocking new alliances and understanding the world around you.

Befriending the Unspeakable: Ghouls, Zoogs, and a Host of Creatures

One of the most talked-about features of Cyclopean: The Great Abyss is the ability to befriend creatures that would be your enemies in any other RPG. Ghouls, for example, are not just cannon fodder. The game’s dialogue system allows you to converse with intelligent creatures, and by gaining knowledge about their factions and motivations, you can potentially turn them into allies. Reading certain books or engaging in specific quests can teach you how to forge these alliances, leading to new party members who will fight alongside you. While an army of ghouls sounds like a formidable force, it’s important to note the game’s sanity system. Most monstrous allies come at a cost, slowly draining your sanity and pushing you closer to madness. This constant balancing act between power and sanity adds a layer of tension and strategic depth that few games can match.

The game’s developers have skillfully woven these mechanics into the very fabric of the lore, staying true to Lovecraft’s original works. For example, some creatures, like the insidious Zoogs, have a natural animosity towards others. If you choose to ally with the cats, you may find it impossible to forge a bond with the Zoogs, and vice-versa. This kind of nuanced world-building creates a living, breathing ecosystem where your choices have real and lasting consequences. Players are constantly making tactical decisions, not just in combat, but in their very approach to the world. Should you venture into the Ghoul Crag to seek an alliance, or is the risk to your sanity too great? These are the kinds of high-stakes questions that make the game so compelling.

The Feline Advantage: Poisoning Cats for Strategic Gain?

The game’s marketing often uses the phrase “poison cats,” a seemingly shocking and out-of-place action within a horror RPG. However, it’s a clever nod to the game’s intricate mechanics and the dark, sometimes morally ambiguous, choices a player must make to survive. In Cyclopean: The Great Abyss, cats are not just cute companions. They are valuable allies, possessing the unique ability to restore your sanity. This is a critical advantage in a world where sanity is a precious resource, constantly eroded by the monstrous inhabitants of the Abyss. An army of ghoul-slaying cats can be your key to staying sane and progressing further into the game.

The “poison cats” element is not a literal in-game action, but rather a metaphorical concept that highlights the game’s unforgiving nature. The difficulty and constant threat of failure mean that players must be willing to take extreme measures to succeed. While you wouldn’t directly poison your feline companions, you may have to make other, equally grim decisions. For instance, sacrificing a valuable item to save yourself, or abandoning an ally to secure your own survival. This moral ambiguity and the need for ruthless pragmatism are at the heart of the game’s appeal, forcing players to confront the true horror of their situation. The game’s complexity and layers of strategic depth make it a standout title, offering a premium gaming experience for a dedicated audience.

Monochromatic Brilliance and Modern RPG Relevance

Despite its retro aesthetic, Cyclopean: The Great Abyss is a remarkably modern game in its design philosophy. It shuns the hand-holding of many modern RPGs, instead dropping the player into the world with minimal guidance. There are no quest markers or breadcrumb trails. You are left to your own devices, and it’s a trial-and-error process to figure out where to go, what fights to pick, and what items are truly vital. This unforgiving design is a deliberate choice, intended to evoke the sense of being a lost, insignificant mortal in a cosmic nightmare. The game’s success is a testament to the fact that there is a strong market for challenging, high-quality, and deeply engaging single-player experiences.

The game is a strong contender for a top spot in the indie RPG market, especially for those seeking a unique and atmospheric experience. It proves that you don’t need cutting-edge graphics to create a powerful sense of place and terror. The low-fi, monochromatic style not only serves as a nostalgic homage but also enhances the chilling, oppressive mood. Every step you take, every decision you make, feels weighty and significant. Cyclopean: The Great Abyss is a masterclass in atmospheric design and a compelling argument for the enduring appeal of classic RPG mechanics. It’s a must-play for fans of Lovecraftian horror, retro gaming, and anyone looking for a truly challenging and rewarding adventure.

List of Key Gameplay Features:

• Turn-Based Combat: Strategic and deliberate combat encounters that reward careful planning.
• Alliance System: Befriend and recruit various monstrous factions, including ghouls and cats.
• Sanity Mechanic: A core system that influences your character’s state, affected by allies and events.
• Old-School Exploration: A top-down overworld and first-person 3D dungeons, reminiscent of classic CRPGs.
• Nuanced Dialogue: A knowledge-based dialogue system where you can only discuss topics you have learned about.
• High Replayability: Procedural generation and multiple endings ensure each playthrough is a new adventure.

For more information, you can check out Cyclopean: The Great Abyss on Steam and explore its extensive in-game manual. The developers have created a rich and complex world that is well worth exploring, even if it means risking your sanity to do so.