Available Crusol: Theater of Idols, an action and horror game set in a twisted version of Spain

The Spanish studio Vermila Studios has put Crisol: Theater of Idols on sale today, an action and horror game that is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series and PC through Steam in exchange for 17.99 euros. The title, which survived the restructuring of Embracer Group, comes under the label of Blumhouse Games, a subsidiary of Blumhouse Productions. Both companies are committed to horror, the first in video games and the second in movies.

Crusol: Theater of Idols sets its story in the world of Hispania, «a twisted version of Spain», and puts players in the shoes of Gabriel, a soldier in the service of the Sun God who is sent to the island of Stormosa to confront the followers of a cult. Because we are in a fictional universe inspired by Spain, players can expect numerous references to the past and present of various cities in the country, as well as elements of Spanish folklore that are also part of the narrative. The construction of this world is one of the central elements of the game, so the recommendation is to explore the island.

At the level of mechanics and combat, the big bet of Crucible: Theater of Idols is the use of blood as ammunition. Gabriel, our protagonist, uses his own blood to recharge his weapons, but this same liquid is also essential to heal himself. Consequently, players must view blood as an offensive and survival element that must be managed. Additionally, blood lethality can be upgraded to deal more damage, fight longer, and gain other benefits. These upgrades are purchased in exchange for items found while exploring Stormy.

Blood is not the only element that must be managed in Crucible: Theater of Idols. In this sense, the game is inspired by classics of the survival horror like Resident Evil, from which it also adopts elements such as puzzles or the presence of a central enemy that appears from time to time. Continuing with the inspirations, the most obvious is BioShock, which includes elements such as world construction. The Vermila Studios game has also been compared to Blasphemous, but in its case it is only due to the use of Spanish culture.

Crucible: Theater of Idols' campaign lasts between 10 and 15 hours and focuses on exploration, action and puzzles, three key elements of the gaming experience linked by narrative. Looking to the future, Vermila Studios has left some clues in Crisol: Theater of Idols that expand its universe as a sign that the goal is to expand the world of Hispania, but first we have to see how Crisol: Theater of Idols works in stores.