The first reviews have arrived for The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, and the reception for this new co-op extraction title is decidedly mixed. Currently sitting at a 69 on Metacritic, the game is being praised for its atmosphere and unique horror elements, but it is also facing significant criticism regarding its steep difficulty and technical performance on consoles.
Quick Facts
- Developer: ACE Team
- Publisher: Nacon
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (via Xbox Play Anywhere)
- Release Date: July 15, 2026
What Critics Are Saying
Early impressions suggest that the experience varies significantly depending on your playstyle and platform. While PC reviews have generally been more favorable, console players—particularly those on the Xbox Series S—may want to exercise caution.
"My biggest issue with The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu is one of difficulty, with the early game being relatively hard. This makes at least a three-man team almost compulsory," notes CGMagazine, which awarded the game an 8/10.
Other outlets pointed to the game's unforgiving nature as a double-edged sword. Dualshockers (7.5/10) highlighted that while the title offers a "spectacular co-op horror" experience, the lack of robust meta-progression can make the game feel "frustratingly difficult" as players rely almost entirely on their own knowledge to survive.
IGN (7/10) echoed these sentiments, suggesting the game would benefit from more nuanced difficulty options, especially for groups looking to introduce new players to high-level expeditions. Despite these hurdles, reviewers generally agree that the game's "eerie, majestic jungle" and effective sanity effects create a compelling environment for those who can overcome the initial learning curve.
Performance Concerns
For those considering the console version, technical performance is a point of concern. While the Xbox Series X is reportedly capable of handling the game—provided the user is willing to fiddle with controller settings—the Xbox Series S is struggling to maintain a consistent experience. Prospective buyers are advised to check out performance testing footage or wait for developer-led patches before jumping into the jungle.
Player Reception
The community response has also been varied. Some players have expressed disappointment that the title focuses on co-op extraction mechanics rather than a single-player, narrative-driven experience, which some feel would have been a better fit for a Lovecraftian horror setting. Whether you choose to pick it up today or wait for future updates likely depends on your appetite for challenging, team-based survival games.