The Thing

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: VU Games
  • Release Date: Aug 20, 2002
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. Maxim Online
    100
    Incredibly atmospheric (it makes great use of flickering lights, icy landscapes, and foreboding corridors) without skimping on the screams, The Thing is a terrifying battle to the finish.
  2. Cinescape
    91
    One of the best survival horror games on the market, even giving RESIDENT EVIL a run for its money.
  3. GamePro
    90
    Seriously gory but realistic environments and an action-heavy gameplay mix make The Thing a satisfyingly disturbing must-play...Terrifyingly good.
  5. GameZone
    87
    Wildly engaging and even somewhat innovative... While the story isn’t at it’s strongest; the game possesses all the great things we look for in a true survival horror title.
  6. Armchair Empire
    86
    There’s almost a complete absence of soundtrack and it really works in creating a sense of dread (coupled with the sporadic nature of the thing attacks, at least in the early going).
  7. Media and Games Online Network
    86
    The gameplay in The Thing is very unique and complex, but does a terrific job to put you right in the middle of the action as you control yourself and your squad.
  8. Game Over Online
    86
    If "SOCOM" and "Max Payne" had a baby, it would be The Thing...A rare exception in a genre where movie-to-game titles rarely succeed.
  9. TotalGames.net
    85
    With some occasionally spooky moments, dialogue that isn’t afraid to say **** and NPCs that don’t mind the occasional vomiting session you’ve got a game that does the source film justice.
  10. GameSpot
    84
    After playing through this rather lengthy and involving game, survival horror fans will more than likely find that The Thing is one of the best such games for the PS2.
  11. IGN
    83
    Well-paced, designed with an excellent variety of levels, and it pulls off the most innovative and best squad-based play on PS2.
  12. GameSpy
    83
    Rife with thrills and chills, The Thing delivers on all levels. Leave the light on for this one.
  13. Game Informer
    83
    Manages to pack plenty of solid gameplay, with more than a few horrific scenes. [Nov 2002, p.124]
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  14. Games Radar
    83
    A brilliant adaptation of a unique movie. The clever team management is let down by unsatisfying combat. [PSM2]
  15. PSM Magazine
    80
    It will scare you silly. We just wished it looked a little better. [Nov 2002, p.46]
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  16. PSX Nation
    80
    Demands an almost religious knowledge of its source material to be fully enjoyed (in-jokes and quotes from the movie are spread throughout the game)...One heck of an action-packed, scary and violent videogame.
  17. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    This contrived implementation of a great concept is disappointing, but at least the surrounding game delivers some taught cinematic moments that would make Carpenter proud. [6 Sept 2002]
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  18. My Gamer
    74
    The central narrative holds up for the most part, the squad-based elements are terrific, and the suspense won’t let you down.
  19. Play Magazine
    70
    Computer Artworks has done right by Mr. Carpenter's vision. [Nov 2002, p.84]
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  20. Adrenaline Vault
    70
    A great addition to the survival horror genre. It's got good (if complex) controls, decent visuals and the backing of a terrific license.
  21. eToychest
    70
    For the real effect of the game, watch the movie before you play it. It really sets the mood. Even if you have seen this classic film before, watch it again. It makes the whole thing that much more scary.
  22. Yahoo!
    70
    It's simply essential that you see the movie before playing The Thing to get full enjoyment out of it...Even considering all its faults, this is still an extremely fun and spooky title.
  23. TotalPlayStation
    70
    If it weren’t for a poor combo or random and scripted transformations by your squad mates into Things all the time, the whole team dynamic would have felt a little more personal.
  24. GameCritics
    65
    Another barrier to immersion was that the level of realism is inconsistent, and conveniently tossed aside when necessary.
  25. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    65
    Despite these gripes, the moody visuals and frantic gameplay prevail, so horror fans should still seek out The Thing. [Nov 2002, p.290]
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  26. All Game Guide
    60
    Think of it as a "Half-Life" and "Resident Evil" sandwich with some new innovations as condiments. But be forewarned: not everyone will enjoy the taste.
  27. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    I can't help feeling like the game would have benefited from another six months or so of development. [Nov 2002, p.192]
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  28. Eurogamer
    50
    The proliferation of save points also strips any element of tension away from the experience.

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best PS2 Game of 2002
21
#21 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
24
#24 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 52
  3. Negative: 8 out of 52
  1. JoRDAnBARBER100
    Jun 27, 2015
    10
    Okay so i remember when this game came out back in 2002 , my dad bought it for me and i was like 7 lol , i had also seen the movie around thatOkay so i remember when this game came out back in 2002 , my dad bought it for me and i was like 7 lol , i had also seen the movie around that time but being a young boy i didn't know what to expect from this game , i remember always getting stuck on a certain level and i got so upset about it my mum sold the game lol , oh well , 13 years later and i have the game again , and what can i say ? its a real beauty , this game captivates both fear and trust . You fear the monsters , big and small , the fear of running low on ammo , health , the fear of being alone , the fear of running into someone you cant trust . The trust aspect of the game is even greater , you meet a large multitude of different characters / survivors on the way , most come with a small backstory so you know a bit about them , this tends to be the case for the useful characters that wont be the thing , others you meet with little backstory will usually be infected. Teaming up with people is risky but rewarding , you first have to gain their trust ( if you want to ) although sometimes it isn't optional , the survivors become useful as they differ into 3 classes , Medic , Engineer and Soldier . The Medic is useful as he can heal you and others around you but unfortunately not himself , the engineer can fix faulty control panels which can progress the game or just to unlock rooms with goodies inside , and finally the soldier , who , just provides additional fire power. The character AI is actually quite good , I found little error with the AI at all. Overall this game is great , it may be old but its still gold !… Full Review »
  2. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    8
    I loved the game because of the many interesting ideas that it introduced: checking your team to make sure they were not monsters was one ofI loved the game because of the many interesting ideas that it introduced: checking your team to make sure they were not monsters was one of them, and it made me actually paranoid lol But the game was also extremely confusing, i never knew where to go or what to do, and at some point i dropped it. Still, only good memories about it.… Full Review »
  3. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 12, 2023
    7
    Atmospheric hybrid of a third person shooter and survival horror game, The Thing does a decent job of translating the classic film into aAtmospheric hybrid of a third person shooter and survival horror game, The Thing does a decent job of translating the classic film into a video game. Unfortunately it is marred by slightly unintuitive controls and aiming is a little erratic which can cause frustration to creep in thanks to some unfair deaths/accidental suicides, but otherwise a good effort.… Full Review »
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