Call of the Elder Gods is the sequel you didn’t know you needed to a game you might have missed. Out of the Blue Games’ follow-up to the 2020 first-person adventure Call of the Sea arrives on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2. In a review by Alessandro Fillari, the game is described as wonderfully capturing the otherworldly tone and sense of mystery of its predecessor, which remains a hidden gem of this decade. But as Fillari notes, the sequel’s ambitions sometimes chip away at its captivating feel, even as it delivers an especially touching story about finding closure.

A spiritual sibling to Call of the Sea

Call of the Sea was a surprise hit for many players during the early days of the current console generation — a slow-burn narrative puzzle game set on a tropical island, steeped in Lovecraftian dread and personal loss. Call of the Elder Gods picks up threads from that story, though the review does not specify exact plot details. What it does make clear is that the emotional core remains intact. The game is built around first-person exploration, Myst-style puzzle solving, and a narrative that prioritizes character development and atmosphere over action.

Fillari writes that the game “nails the emotional core of its first-person adventure effort, all while giving its characters and puzzle design time to shine.” That is high praise for a genre that often sacrifices character for mechanical complexity. The puzzles are described as rewarding, and the overall experience is framed as a fitting continuation for anyone who connected with the first game’s melancholic tone.

Ambition as a double-edged sword

Where Call of the Elder Gods stumbles, according to the review, is in its own ambition. The game tries to expand on the world of Call of the Sea, but those broader aspirations sometimes dilute the tight focus that made the original so effective. Fillari puts it bluntly: “its ambitions chip away at feeling as captivating.” This is a delicate balance for any narrative-driven sequel. More environments, more story beats, more systems can enrich a world — or they can spread a game too thin. Call of the Elder Gods leans toward the latter, at least in spots.

But the trade-off seems acceptable given the strength of the writing and puzzle design. A less ambitious game might have been safer, but it also might have felt like a retread. Out of the Blue Games clearly wanted to push the series forward, even if some of those pushes land with less force than others.

Puzzle design and emotional payoff

For players who enjoyed the Myst-like logic and environmental observation of the first game, this sequel appears to deliver in kind. Fillari notes that the puzzle design is given room to shine, and it works in service of a story about closure. The combination of intellectual challenge and emotional resolution is rare in games. Too often puzzles feel like arbitrary obstacles between cutscenes. Here, they seem integrated into the narrative fabric — you solve problems to move the story forward, not to check a box.

That integration is what elevated Call of the Sea from a pleasant diversion to a memorable experience. If Call of the Elder Gods manages to replicate that synthesis — even with some rough edges from its expanded scope — it will likely satisfy fans of the original and newcomers alike.

Platform and performance notes

Call of the Elder Gods is available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The review was conducted on PC by Alessandro Fillari. The source material does not include specific performance comparisons across platforms, so any differences in frame rate, resolution, or load times are not detailed here. Given that the game is a first-person adventure rather than a fast-paced shooter, performance is likely stable across all platforms, but readers should check their preferred platform for specific technical reviews.

The inclusion of the Nintendo Switch 2 is notable. That console launched in 2025, and having a narrative-focused game like Call of the Elder Gods available at or near launch gives players on that platform a compelling reason to explore something outside the usual Nintendo first-party catalog. The Switch 2’s portability could suit this game particularly well, given its slower pace and emphasis on exploration.

Who should play Call of the Elder Gods?

This is a game for people who value atmosphere over reflexes, story over combat, and puzzles that require thought rather than dexterity. If you played and loved Call of the Sea, the sequel is an easy recommendation. If you missed the original, Fillari’s review suggests this is a worthwhile entry point as long as you are willing to invest in its narrative.

However, if you are looking for constant action, high-octane set pieces, or multiplayer competition, this is not that game. Call of the Elder Gods is contemplative. It asks you to slow down, examine your surroundings, and engage with a world that wants to unsettle you as much as it wants to move you.

Final thoughts

Call of the Elder Gods is a sequel that respects its source material while trying to grow beyond it. It captures the otherworldly mystery that made Call of the Sea a hidden gem, and it delivers a story about closure that feels earned. Its ambitions occasionally work against it, making some stretches less captivating than others. But for players who prioritize emotional storytelling and puzzle solving in equal measure, this is a journey worth taking.

Out of the Blue Games has proven that a small-scale, single-player adventure can still deliver resonant experiences in an industry often dominated by live service and open-world behemoths. Call of the Elder Gods is not a perfect game, but it is a sincere and carefully crafted one. That counts for a lot.