"Kruelty" PS5 Edition Play Report: A Japanese-Style Splatter Horror Where You Attempt to Escape from a Closed Space While Being Unaware of Your Own Situation [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/805/G080531/20250928057/
Writer: Ichimoto Tetsuya | 2025/09/29 05:54 (UTC)
C&R Creative Studios exhibited the PS5 version of Cruelty, a splatter horror action game developed by game creator 838s Maniacs, at Tokyo Game Show 2025.
C&R Creative Studios’ booth Thumbnail image No.001 / “Cruelty” PS5 demo report: A Japanese-style splatter horror where you attempt to escape a confined space without knowing your situation [TGS2025]
This title is the home console port of a game originally released on PC in June 2024. The protagonist awakens in a terrifying world that feels otherworldly, and must attempt to escape while evading pursuit by an unknown entity. The home console version features adjusted content to meet platform-specific standards, with minor refinements applied.
“Cruelty” demo area. As the game is intended for players aged 18 and above, curtains were drawn during gameplay, creating a near pitch-black environment Thumbnail image No.002 / “Cruelty” PS5 demo report: A Japanese-style splatter horror where you attempt to escape a confined space without knowing your situation [TGS2025]
At TGS, the exhibit featured a version equivalent to the final release on PS5, allowing attendees approximately 15 minutes of gameplay. This report presents our impressions from that experience.
“Cruelty” title screen Thumbnail image No.003 / “Cruelty” PS5 demo report: A Japanese-style splatter horror where you attempt to escape a confined space without knowing your situation [TGS2025]
The player awakens in a cell-like space, their hands chained and bound in a crucifixion-style position. The chains are quickly removed, but a burlap sack is placed over the head.
The transition from first-person to third-person perspective is chilling Thumbnail image No.004 / “Cruelty” PS5 demo report: A Japanese-style splatter horror where you attempt to escape a confined space without knowing your situation [TGS2025]
The player is visible in the foreground. The figure appears threatening—like an enemy from another game. Gameplay proceeds from a shoulder-over view Thumbnail image No.005 / “Cruelty” PS5 demo report: A Japanese-style splatter horror where you attempt to escape a confined space without knowing your situation [TGS2025]
The player has no idea who they are or why they’re in this place. Around them is a repulsive scene filled with bloodstains, dangerous tools, and insects swarming everywhere. In a weakened state, the player attempts to escape—but sees another person in an identical situation being attacked by some figure wielding a large blade through thick glass, ultimately dying (?!).
A message appears that hints at future developments Thumbnail image No.006 / “Cruelty” PS5 demo report: A Japanese-style splatter horror where you attempt to escape a confined space without knowing your situation [TGS2025]
A mysterious figure wielding what appears to be a meat cleaver. Though not visible in the image, only its eyes glow Thumbnail image No.007 / “Cruelty” PS5 demo report: A Japanese-style splatter horror where you attempt to escape a confined space without knowing your situation [TGS2025]
The screen clearly states there is no way to fight this “someone,” leaving the player with only one option: run. After narrowly escaping the blade-wielding man, the player encounters another grotesque entity in a room on the lower floor of the building—an eerie girl in yellow clothes who attacks while laughing horrifyingly… or perhaps it’s a spirit.
This girl also appears unbeatable; the player must find a key believed to be somewhere nearby and escape. However, time ran out before discovering it.
The girl trapped inside the room—what is her true identity? Thumbnail image No.008 / “Cruelty” PS5 demo report: A Japanese-style splatter horror where you attempt to escape a confined space without knowing your situation [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.009 / “Cruelty” PS5 demo report: A Japanese-style splatter horror where you attempt to escape a confined space without knowing your situation [TGS2025]
Intentionally designed as a horror game, the player character’s controls have subtle quirks that heighten tension. Audio effects are exceptionally intense—using headphones or another immersive audio setup is strongly recommended for maximum fear. Based on the trailer footage, it appears players may eventually gain means to fight back, making future developments particularly intriguing.
An excessively bloody atmosphere. Even so, gore content has been slightly toned down compared to the PC version Thumbnail image No.010 / “Cruelty” PS5 demo report: A Japanese-style splatter horror where you attempt to escape a confined space without knowing your situation [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.011 / “Cruelty” PS5 demo report: A Japanese-style splatter horror where you attempt to escape a confined space without knowing your situation [TGS2025]
The main game is compact, designed to be completed in about 1–2 hours. Judging from the PC version, it’s expected that the home console release will also be priced affordably and accessible. Without including walkthrough guides or hints, approaching this experience as if watching a short horror film may actually intensify the fear.