The Elder Gods Are Calling: Why This Sequel Might Just Redefine Lovecraftian Gaming
There’s something about Lovecraftian horror that never gets old—or rather, it gets older, in the most unsettling way possible. When I heard that Call of the Elder Gods, the sequel to 2020’s Call of the Sea, was getting a May 12th release date, my first thought was: finally. But my second thought, the one that lingered, was more skeptical. Can lightning strike twice? Personally, I think the answer lies not just in the game’s mechanics or its story, but in how it expands on the original’s eerie, puzzle-driven formula.
A Journey Across Time and Space—But What Does That Really Mean?
One thing that immediately stands out is the game’s promise to take players “across time and space.” This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s a bold departure from Call of the Sea’s tropical, confined setting. From libraries in mansions to the Australian outback, the sequel seems to be embracing a more expansive, almost Breath of the Wild-esque approach to exploration. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it mirrors Lovecraft’s own obsession with vast, incomprehensible spaces. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a gameplay choice—it’s a thematic one. The original game’s isolation was haunting, but this sequel feels like it’s asking: What if the horror isn’t contained? What if it’s everywhere?
Dual Protagonists, Double the Intrigue
Playing as both Harry Everhart and his student, Evangeline Drayton, is a detail that I find especially interesting. In Call of the Sea, Norah’s search for Harry was deeply personal, a wife’s desperate quest to find her missing husband. Now, we’re stepping into Harry’s shoes—but he’s not alone. Evangeline’s presence adds a layer of complexity. Are they allies? Rivals? Or something more ambiguous? What this really suggests is that the game might explore the theme of duality, a common Lovecraftian motif. Two characters, two curses, two perspectives. It’s a narrative gamble, but if executed well, it could make the story feel richer, more layered than its predecessor.
The Return of Yuri Lowenthal and the Mystery of Cissy Jones
Yuri Lowenthal reprising his role as Harry is no surprise—he’s a fantastic voice actor, and his return feels like a nod to fans. But the inclusion of Cissy Jones, who played Norah in the first game, is where things get intriguing. Her role isn’t specified, which has me speculating. Is Norah back? Or is Jones voicing a new character entirely? What many people don’t realize is that Norah’s absence in the first game’s narrative was as much a presence as her physical search. If she’s returning in some form, it could add a haunting, almost ghostly dimension to the story.
Lovecraftian Horror in Gaming: A Trend or a Trap?
Lovecraftian horror in games isn’t new, but it’s rarely done well. Call of the Sea managed to strike a balance between eerie storytelling and engaging puzzles, and from what I’ve seen, Call of the Elder Gods seems to be doubling down on that formula. But here’s the thing: Lovecraft’s work is often about the unknown, the incomprehensible. Games, by their nature, are interactive—they demand answers, solutions. This raises a deeper question: Can a game truly capture the essence of Lovecraftian horror without sacrificing its interactivity? Personally, I think Call of the Sea came close, and I’m hopeful this sequel will push the boundaries even further.
The Broader Implications: What This Sequel Means for Out of the Blue
Out of the Blue’s debut with Call of the Sea was nothing short of impressive. Their follow-up, American Arcadia, was charming but lacked the same impact. With Call of the Elder Gods, it feels like the studio is returning to what they do best: crafting immersive, narrative-driven experiences. From my perspective, this sequel isn’t just a test of the game’s quality—it’s a test of the studio’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. If they succeed, it could cement their place as a leading voice in narrative gaming.
Final Thoughts: A Sequel Worth the Wait?
As someone who still thinks about Call of the Sea years later, I’m cautiously optimistic about Call of the Elder Gods. The expanded scope, dual protagonists, and return to Lovecraftian themes all point to a game that’s aiming higher than its predecessor. But optimism aside, I’m also aware of the risks. Sequels often struggle to recapture the magic of the original, and this one has big shoes to fill. Still, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Lovecraft, it’s that the unknown is always worth exploring. And on May 12th, I’ll be diving in headfirst.
What do you think? Is Call of the Elder Gods a sequel you’re excited for, or are you waiting to see if it lives up to the hype? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
