Blumhouse Games has officially scheduled the release of Crisol: Theater of Idols for February 10, targeting PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. Ahead of this launch announcement, a preview of a new chapter offered a deeper look into the title’s unsettling “blood-shooter” mechanics.
Initially unveiled during Summer Game Fest 2024 as part of Blumhouse’s inaugural lineup, Crisol marks the debut project from the Spanish-based Vermila Studios. Set within a dark, reimagined version of Spain known as Hispania, the narrative follows a protagonist named Gabriel as he embarks on a divine mission for the Sun God.
Recent gameplay impressions highlight a grim train yard setting and the title’s primary, macabre hook: blood-based ammunition. To eliminate the grotesque entities prowling Hispania, Gabriel must sacrifice his own vitality, draining his health to generate the firepower necessary for survival.
The latest demonstration showcased expanded weaponry, including a specialized sniper rifle. Reloading this firearm requires a visceral action: Gabriel must strike his hand against a jagged thorn built into the weapon’s frame to infuse it with his own blood.
Beyond its unique combat system, Crisol integrates traditional survival horror elements. Navigating an industrial scrapyard involves environmental puzzles, such as manipulating water flow and locating valves to deactivate scalding steam barriers. The game also features high-tension stealth sequences involving invulnerable monstrosities that stalk the player, forcing Gabriel to seek refuge in storage containers to stay alive.
While the blood-sacrifice mechanic is its most distinctive feature, Crisol is shaping up to be a polished homage to genre classics. The first-person perspective echoes the atmospheric tension of BioShock, while the environmental puzzles bring Resident Evil to mind. By weaving these influences into a tapestry of Spanish folklore, Vermila Studios has created a horror experience that feels both familiar and strikingly original.
Crisol: Theater of Idols arrives on February 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Source: Polygon
