Cryostasis: The Sleep of Reason

 PC
  • Publisher: Aspyr
  • Release Date: Apr 24, 2009
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 28
  3. Negative: 2 out of 28
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  1. Worth Playing
    85
    Cryostasis is just a few short steps away from being a video gaming Mona Lisa, and it's still easily an experience worth having.
  2. PC Format
    83
    Cryostasis is a beautiful, yet flawed, gem of a game. It offers up a thoroughly unique experience, that at its height is as breathtaking as it terrifying. The decision to render this as a first person shooter is slightly double-edged though, because as a shooter it’s less of a stunner, but is still a worthy addition to your game shelf.
  3. Game Revolution
    83
    Cryostasis manages to be more of a psychological trip than most games in the past five years, and it’s fantastic to play through. If you’ve found yourself disappointed with the style of horror games in the past few years, give it a try – you will not be disappointed.
  5. GameZone
    81
    Flawed, but easy to learn and occasionally inspired.
  6. PC Zone UK
    80
    Recommended for FPS horror fans, although the environments are by definition a tad repetitive. [May 2009, p.72]
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  7. Vandal
    80
    Despite its flaws (some of then, like optimization, may be solvable) it still looks as a different game to us, sometimes absorbent, and an original experience everyone should have a look at.
  8. GameSpot
    80
    If you need the constant stimulation of flying bullets and sprays of blood, Cryostasis: Sleep of Reason likely won't inspire you. But if you appreciate slow-burning suspense, this adventure will keep you glued to the monitor to uncover the secrets buried deep within the inhospitable tundra of the Arctic circle.
  9. Giant Bomb
    80
    A love-it-or-hate-it game. While the world it presents is breathtaking, the game's core combat and slow pace are what hold me back from recommending it to all audiences. However, if you tend to find yourself with more arty tastes in media, or are one of those gamers who thinks a good game necessitates a good story, Cryostasis might just be the game for you.
  10. Everyeye.it
    80
    Old-style gameplay for a new and fresh graphical adventure. The solid plot is linked with a serious reflection about human nature, and in this standardized videogame market, Cryostasis shines.
  11. Game Informer
    80
    The demon-like enemies, while apt enough in their personification of the evils that the crew brought on themselves, are brainlessly simple to slay. Similarly, the puzzles cleverly illustrate elements of the story but require little creative thought to solve.
  12. SpazioGames
    79
    Cryostasis isn't a game for everyone. If you're looking for something different, if plot and atmosphere are the first aspect you care for, this title could be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you need action, lots of weapons and causal fun, the PC market is full of titles that will entertain you better than this.
  13. PC Games
    78
    Have you ever felt cold when playing a game? In Cryostasis you’ll be confronted with deadly cold, while you are exploring a long missing icebreaker-ship in the Arctic. This unusual shooter uses an innovative temperature-health-system and the horror-scripts are well done.
  14. Computer Games Online RO
    78
    Nevertheless, the combat is intense and dynamic, thanks to the reloading times, low clip capacity and the enemies themselves.
  15. GameStar
    77
    13 years after the ship disappeared, you're boarding the nuclear-powered Russian ice-breaker North Wind to find out what happened. The game tells two stories, the present and the past, using interactive cut-scenes, soul-journeys and visions, while a constant sense of menace fills you with fear. But the hardware requirements are too high and there could have been more graphical diversity.

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
75
#75 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 221 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 145 out of 221
  2. Mixed: 51 out of 221
  3. Negative: 25 out of 221
  1. laundryhampr
    Sep 21, 2012
    10
    This game i found to be slow to start but as the game wore on it became addicting. The story line was beautiful and this game had me jumpingThis game i found to be slow to start but as the game wore on it became addicting. The story line was beautiful and this game had me jumping in my seat at certain times in the game. Overall it was a great game… Full Review »
  2. RomanY.
    Apr 28, 2009
    9
    You know, I live in Ukraine(country where this game was made), An to my mind Criostatis is the best game of the gaming companies in our You know, I live in Ukraine(country where this game was made), An to my mind Criostatis is the best game of the gaming companies in our country. I know that it requires good computer system but however here are the best monster appearing, cold effects and story giving that I saw. I hope, the next part will be soon!… Full Review »
  3. uxya
    Jul 8, 2013
    9
    I played this game without reading any reviews beforehand, which is incredibly rare for me. This sort of vacuum gave me a larger berth toI played this game without reading any reviews beforehand, which is incredibly rare for me. This sort of vacuum gave me a larger berth to overlook the glaring faults in this game and enjoy the absolutely stellar other parts.

    First and foremost, the environments in this game are dull and boring, and you WILL get tired of them quickly.

    Do not let that stop you from playing this amazing game.

    At full spec, the game looks good enough to make the boring environments justifiable, and they do make sense in the space of the story.

    And that's where this game shines- story. Compelling, addicting. You, from the first moments of the game, become desperate to figure out what has happened, and what is going on. It also has pretty amazing voice acting considering this is a foreign title.

    The gameplay is a little rough, but that's the realism of the old-school fisticuffs and bolt-action rifle work. It's slow and clunky, but you're going to be slow and clunky in -30 degrees F weather using a 50-year-old Mosin Nagant rifle, so I liked that bit.

    The flashback mechanic really makes the game shine. The trial-and-error element coupled with a break from the repetitive environs and horrifying enemies is a nice departure, and the game wouldn't work without it.

    That brings me to another point- although there aren't many kinds of them, the enemies are TERRIFYING. Never in a game have I dreaded so much fighting "the enemy" as I have this game. They creep me out to my core.

    Overall, the game has its rough points, but they're all justifiable. The artistic elements, terrifying enemies, solid voice work, compelling story, and temperature mechanics make this game shine like no other.    … Full Review »
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