Much like horror movies and comic books, video games regularly plunder elements from H.P. Lovecraft's works - but it's generally cosmetic stuff, like crazed cultists, tentacled monsters and tomes of forbidden lore, which are then shoved in between rocket launchers and giant robots.

Few games have managed to capture Lovecraft's atmosphere and themes, the growing sense of dread, his sinister New England locations; Shadow of the Comet is one of them. This brilliant Infogrames third-person adventure follows photographer John Parker, who visits the isolated sea town of Illsmouth to witness the passing of Halley's Comet in 1910. The place is lugubrious, many of its inhabitants hostile; when photographs reveal something both impossible and horrifying, Parker attempts to unravel Illsmouth's mysteries.

Shadow of the Comet features a fantastically creepy atmosphere and solid gameplay. During the day, Parker deals with clever puzzles and compelling exploration; at night, more direct threats kick-start a handful of action scenes.

A must-play for any Lovecraft fan who is also into adventure games; this one is up there with Lucasarts classics in terms of quality.

The fantasy genre features imaginative and often magical worlds, characters, and events. It explores realms beyond the boundaries of reality, featuring elements such as magic, mythical creatures, supernatural powers, and fantastical settings. These stories can take place in entirely fictional worlds or blend fantastical elements with real-world settings.

Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The horror genre features stories that aim to elicit fear, suspense, and a sense of dread in its audience. Horror stories often explore themes related to the unknown, the supernatural, and the macabre, and they frequently evoke strong emotional reactions such as anxiety, terror, and unease.

The mystery genre features the investigation and solving of a puzzle, typically a crime or an enigmatic event. Mysteries are known for their suspenseful narratives, intricate plots, and the challenge they present to readers or viewers to piece together clues and solve the central mystery alongside the characters.

Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in Chinatown (1974)

In 1910 photographer John Parker travels to the isolated town of Illsmouth to witness the passing of Halley's Comet. When his photographs show something both impossible and horrifying, Parker has to face the dark secrets of Illsmouth.

Call of Cthulhu: Shadow of the Comet (1993)

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

See who dazzled on the red carpet and took home gold at the 78th Primetime Creative Emmy Awards.

Primetime Creative Arts Emmys: Photos We Love

Call of Cthulhu: The Official Video Game (2018)

Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth

Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth (2005)

Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992)

Call of Cthulhu: Shadow of the Comet

Photos1

User reviews1

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed