Condemned: Criminal Origins

Great game, fantastic game, if you can get it working. A 20 year old game has no reason to be missing half of it's entire audio library. Condemned: Criminal Origins has existed on Steam for 20 years and collected revenue as an incomplete product.

Why is condemned 2 not released?

R.I.P Monolith Studios. This is one of the best, immersive and visceral horror games ever made.

R.I.P Monolith Productions... Gone but never forgotten.

1994 - 2025

R.I.P Monolith

Never in my life have i had more fun killing crackheads and homeless people

The biggest and best (selling) point about Condemned is its combat and setting. People scraping at walls and ripping pipes off to use to bludgeon each other to death onto a poorly lit, shit stained carpet floor in the tight cramped halls of an abandoned eroding building. You never get to see any of the normal, ordinary people trying to survive in this game. You don't even get a glimpse or an idea that they exist. But I find overall its definably mediocre. At every point during Condemned you kinda feel like you're playing a game, there's all these little game-isms like being forced to stand in place for a second so that a scare can get you, an overreliance on placed tools for level design and medkits strewn about all over and while these are fickle and tiny examples that kind of style makes up the entirety of Condemned like a cloud. On top of that the movement is a bit too slow, the non combat gameplay a bit dry and yadda dee yadda doo its ok. The whole game is ok. If you want that ugly, gross sickening pointless violence, I still think far cry 2 is the absolute pinnacle of this aesthetic. And If you want a similar to condemned game in everything but combat, I recommend you just go play F.E.A.R 1 instead, to me thats the peak of Monolith as a company. (Don't buy that stupid 50$ copy. get it on GOG and install the same patch you use to make this game runable) Sometimes I wonder if this game suffered from limited resources, and I think I walk away with not much of a feeling that I was glad I spent the 9 hours and 4 bucks I did on it. If you still want it, I think you'll enjoy it quite a lot. SIDE NOTES. "A cop must prove his innocence and to do so, you brutally beat to death a thousand homeless people with improvised weapons". The premise of this game is an insane look man. Insane. Two, Dont use the taser. Just dont. Three, The chief officer calls it Metro-City(fantastic work team) but the city is modeled after detroit. Dont even fuck around. Four, The future is now.

EDIT. rest in peace monolith. we'll miss you.

Always wanted to complete this game since xbox 360 era. Not worth playing in 2025. Only if you have sentimental memories as I do.

I don't know why this game is running at and gradually dropping from a normal fps to 4, but it sure it doing it.

would love to recommend it but the fps is so low
gonna get a refund sadly
prolly gonna find a xbox 360 disk of it later

i'm surprised how good this game is considering it was made in 2005. It isn't as scary as I thought it would be but still lots of fun.

This game is pretty underrated, i would recommend it.

It's a very unique horror experience with a challenging combat mechanics that were fun when you get the hang of it, It has a washed out look to it with bland colors but it still looked pretty good, the story was good but the length was short, except all of that i enjoyed it, 7/10

For the love of God port Condemned 2 to PC!

classic backlog 2000s game, havent got time to finished it... grab it and play!

A classic game that is in dire need of an audio patch: A lot of audio is just missing from the Steam version and you have to look elsewhere for the missing audio files and Frankenstein these together for yourself.

It is also a shame that the EAX Sound System is deprecated (but with a bunch of workarounds perhaps rescueable), which adds so much more to the auditory atmosphere.

Good game for its age, satisfyingly meaty combat, a serviceable story.

beside poor movement i liked. ending could be better.

A perfect game that has it all: a thrilling investigative story; varied and compelling enemies/ environments; superb melee mechanics plus lethal but limited gunplay; it even has collectables and achievements. To think this was a OG Xbox 360 title is incredible. What a game to get right out of the gate!

Games good! Make sure to check out PCGamingWiki if you want this to run well on modern hardware, it has some pretty major issues that take less than a minute to fix.

I have played many horror games but Condemned: Criminal Origins its really decent for starters its a good game the combat is nice its really scary and it really introduces you in the world of twisted psychotic minded horror games the problem i have whit this game is that its kind of hit and guess you run around whit no idea where you going and some times you even come to the place you already been like you gotta go find a object and its like a whole enter maze (i had times where i had to look for a walkthrough) but overall its cheap creppy and really good i think you should try it out ONLY if you like HORROR GAMES

If you enjoy collecting dead birds and random pieces of scrap metal, then this is the best game ever- for everyone else it's probably merely decent. You engage in overly simplistic forensic research sequences that are all identical, take five seconds and are isolated to one area so there's no puzzle element. Occasinally you may need to follow a trail but the game is so linear it barely matters.

You also beat up homeless people- a lot of homeless people. The combat is brutal and kinda clunky- it's clearly trying to be like Silent Hill, the ending sequence even straight up plagiarizes the bathroom scene in Silent Hill 2. The story is interesting but also kind of nonsensical and the cut scenes are hilariously bad and don't hold up at all. The game looks somehow worse than the Xbox 360 version but that's probably because the X360 had pretty weak hardware and used filtering techniques to make the games look better than they were. Also, the achievements are in the game but not tied to Steam, yet they are organized in the poorest manner possible and I don't think there's any reason to collect them.

While I think the overly fumbly gun and melee combat was advanced for its time in that it was minimalist, it can also be really irritating since your odds of killing an enemy are sometimes random. About halfway through the game you get an upgraded overpowered taser that kills everything in one hit, but they take it away from you in the last level and force you to engage in the crummy melee combat against hugely difficult enemies, resulting in a massive difficulty spike.

There's a really cool and memorable level that takes place in a decrepit shopping mall at Christmas where humans dressed as mannequins start moving and attacking. It's just great. This game would be great if it was less linear, the forensics were more complex and interesting and the combat was more varied, but as such, it is a good game that is worth playing. Condemned 2 is also a blast and I think it should be put on Steam as well.

Still holds up even today. They nailed the horror elements and atmosphere with fresh gameplay for its time. Once a few years I came back to it.

+

decent game if you can get it for less then 5$, however a horrible ending. the main reason to play this is for the atmosphere

This game is quite a unique horror game. Made in 2006, the atmosphere is top notch, and honestly, the enemy AI is more interesting that majority of games released today. It's based mostly on a visceral melee combat system, where you fight with whatever blunt object you get your hands on (with some firearms). The melee combat is honestly excellent and difficult throughout, even though it doesn't change much throughout the game. The simplicity of it is its strength. There are also some "forensic investigation" sequences which are not difficult, but fun enough as you scan for items of interest and report it to your forensic specialist on your blackberry (lol).

The story is good, the mystery interests you throughout, however I'm not sure about the ending/concluion of the game, as it leaves something to be desired. The last level isn't my favorite either, but sometimes last levels of games are hit or miss... Another negative is that the voice acting is bad. But that almost... adds to the charm lol. The graphics of the environment, while not having updated textures, are extremely atmospheric, but the character models are obviously very dated. Anyway, I enjoyed this early 2000s horror game for its effective simplicity.

a fun take on survival horror games. i didn’t really like the ending, not much is explained, although it gets all explained in the sequel… which isn’t on steam.

God, some days I just miss the Condemned series so much, they had something really special here, and again in the sequel (for the most part).

THE STEAM COPY OF THE GAME IS INCREDIBLY BROKEN WITHOUT SOME PRETTY INVOLVED TWEAKING, but it's still such a joy to revisit. Condemned deserves better, holding out for a glow-up, or at the very least holding out for Butcher's Creek (from a dev who cares about their games)

I love this game

Fun game, good atmosphere. Gameplay feels a little dated and I don't like the final boss fight. 7/10

i love watching drug addicts beat each other to death with pipes and wooden boards 8/10

Not a bad game, pretty good survival horror. the story is decent. it manage to scare me more the ones. so 8/10

The mannequin level is worth playing this game alone.

beating up homeless people is fun

great old school game

Condemned is like the perfect definition of its era. It does not lack edge, it is dirty and vulgar, but most importantly an excellent horror title. I started this game expecting something different because of F.E.A.R. and boy, was I surprised.

Its heavy focus on melee combat is the love language here... in a pretty messed up way. See, you fight addicts and quite some disturbing enemies in disgusting abandoned buildings, sewers and tunnels. And all of this combined with the excellent hand to hand combat really makes every encounter an experience which will leave your blood pumping. The enemy AI is insane, they will bait you, parry your attacks and even hit each other and start fighting to the death.

Now the story is... interesting? I think it does a lot well and there's a lot of mystery to it. The voice acting is excellent too and it is all very intriguing, but I feel like by the end everything just happens and there's not much to it. And the detective work was pretty flat and doesn't give much beyond the scripted actions.

But again, this game is a great time for horror fans, especially those looking for something stressful and aggressive. The violence is constant, and the atmosphere is just phenomenal. It's crazy this came out in 2005.

This is one of the silent Hill clone i have ever play it

Still a banger of a game, forgot how short it was though!

game delete all progress big zombie go brainzzzz

Absolute cinema

Tremendous survival horror that still holds up 15+ years later.

An absolute classic. There's a mysterious element that's present in the level design and atmosphere that really creeps you out.

please fix Taser in this game doesn't work no keyboard key nor xbox controller key works to use it! please fix steam!!!! this is a great game but the taser makes it great!!!!

This game runs terrible. I love it, but the Xbox version is far superior. I have a 7700x and a RTX 4070. If anyone has tips to fix the FPS issues, I'll change my review to Positive.

Condemned: Criminal Origins – The Frosty Take from HowlStrom

Game Title: Condemned: Criminal Origins
Developer/Publisher: Monolith Productions / SEGA
Release Date: April 11, 2006
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360
Genre: First-Person Psychological Horror

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Introduction – A Chilling Journey Through Urban Decay

Greetings, snowpaws and furs of all tribes! I am Kiba Snowpaw, Alpha Ice Wolf from the frost-bitten tundras of HowlStrom. With 38 years of winter-worn wisdom and over 5,000 games played in my glacial den, I bring you a glowing yet critical review of Condemned: Criminal Origins. This masterpiece is a gritty, visceral trip through madness, urban decay, and survival horror.

With its melee-heavy combat, chilling atmosphere, and immersive storytelling, Condemned is a frost-crowned jewel of its genre. But even a gem can have cracks. Let’s dig our claws into the icy heart of this game and uncover all its secrets—good and bad.

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Basic Plot Summary – Crime, Chaos, and Corruption

Set in a grimy, derelict city gripped by violence, Condemned: Criminal Origins casts you as Agent Ethan Thomas, a member of the FBI’s Serial Crimes Unit. After being framed for the murder of two officers, Ethan must clear his name while unraveling the dark forces driving the city’s decay.

The story explores the line between man and monster, blending crime procedural elements with supernatural undertones. Through disturbing crime scenes, unsettling revelations, and brutal encounters, Ethan's descent into the city’s chaos mirrors his own unraveling psyche.

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Originality – Frosted Flakes of Innovation

Condemned is unique in its focus on melee combat and environmental storytelling. While other horror games lean heavily on firearms or puzzles, Condemned forces players to engage enemies up close with improvised weapons like pipes and rebar. This tactile combat system feels fresh even by today’s standards.

Its use of forensic tools to solve crimes adds a cerebral layer to the gameplay, breaking up the tension with moments of quiet investigation. This balance of cerebral and visceral elements sets it apart from other survival horror titles like Resident Evil or Silent Hill.

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Studio Spotlight – Monolith’s Mastery

Monolith Productions, known for F.E.A.R., applied their talent for atmospheric horror and immersive design to create Condemned. Their expertise shines in every facet of the game, from its bone-crunching combat to its oppressive environments.

Published by SEGA, Condemned served as a launch title for the Xbox 360, showcasing the potential of next-gen hardware at the time. While F.E.A.R. leaned into fast-paced combat, Condemned took a slower, more deliberate approach, carving out its own niche in the horror genre.

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Gameplay Mechanics – Crunchy and Claustrophobic

1. Melee Combat:
The combat in Condemned is heavy, brutal, and immensely satisfying. Each swing of a pipe or block with a plank feels weighty, emphasizing the stakes of every encounter. Enemies are smart and unpredictable, often ambushing or flanking you, making each fight a tense struggle for survival.

2. Weapon Variety:
Weapons range from pipes and axes to firearms. Guns are rare and limited to the ammo they carry, ensuring you don’t rely on them. Melee weapons vary in speed, damage, and reach, allowing for strategic choices based on your playstyle.

3. Forensic Tools:
Ethan’s toolkit includes a UV light and spectrometer, which are used to collect evidence. These moments of investigation are a welcome respite from the intensity of combat, adding depth to the gameplay.

4. Pacing and Difficulty:
The game’s pacing is masterful, alternating between quiet, eerie exploration and adrenaline-pumping combat. Its difficulty is fair, though the taser’s short cooldown can make some encounters too easy if overused.

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Atmosphere and Sound Design – A Symphony of Dread

1. Visuals:
The environments are dripping with grime and decay, from abandoned schools to derelict subway stations. While the character models show their age, the lighting and environmental detail create a claustrophobic, oppressive atmosphere.

2. Soundtrack and Effects:
Condemned’s sound design is stellar, with ambient noise that keeps you on edge. Footsteps echo ominously, enemies scream incoherently, and every weapon strike lands with a sickening crunch. The minimalist soundtrack complements the game’s tone perfectly.

3. Voice Acting:
While the supporting cast delivers solid performances, Ethan’s voice acting is flat, occasionally breaking immersion.

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Character Development – Ethan’s Frosty Descent

Ethan Thomas is a compelling protagonist, his journey reflecting the game’s themes of decay and corruption. While his character arc is engaging, the supporting cast—particularly Rosa—feels underdeveloped. The villains are suitably menacing, though the game’s abrupt ending leaves some threads unresolved.

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Impact and Legacy – A Chilling Influence

Condemned’s focus on melee combat and environmental storytelling influenced later horror games like Outlast and Amnesia. Its unique blend of crime-solving and survival horror remains a standout feature, though its sequel, Condemned 2: Bloodshot, never made it to PC, leaving fans howling for closure.

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Praise and Critique – Frosty Pawprints

What I Loved:

• Visceral, weighty combat.
  
• Atmospheric environments that ooze dread.
  
• Innovative forensic mechanics.
  
• Smart, unpredictable enemy AI.
  

What Could Be Better:

• Lackluster voice acting for Ethan.
  
• Abrupt ending with unresolved storylines.
  
• Aging graphics, particularly character models.
  
[*] Overpowered taser mechanic.

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Conclusion – A Snowpaw’s Verdict

Condemned: Criminal Origins is a gritty, chilling experience that delivers brutal combat and unparalleled atmosphere. While it shows its age in some areas, its core gameplay and innovative mechanics make it a must-play for horror fans.

Verdict: 8/10 – A frosty classic worth revisiting. 🐾

Joyita

i stan ethan tohmas <3333343

The 2005 masterclass in Horror from Monolith Productions, the same developer responsible for such classics as Blood, No One Lives Forever and Aliens vs Predator 2. Condemned was inspired by films "The Silence of the Lambs" and "Se7en".

Fun fact: Originally released for Xbox 360 in 2005, Monolith released F.E.A.R a month before on PC. Condemned was ported to PC a year later in 2006.

Condemned features a top FPS combat system and great pacing with unsettling atmosphere. The one downside is how heavy and slow the walking is in certain sections, almost feels like you are not even moving.

Fun beating up homeless people :)

Unplayable. Performance issues including FPS drops and continuous crashes.

A hood classic, that works perfectly on the steam deck.

As a kid I really didn't realize how terrible the story and balancing of combat was.
Sound design and atmosphere are amazing, while not scary as an adult, as a kid I couldn't get past the first level and would quickly alt + f4.
Parts of combat are clever and very ahead for it's time, like having to conserve firearms and ammo, or having to dodge & parry a variety of attack styles in a fast paced game. The bad thing about combat is the taser which allows you to stun any enemy every 5 seconds, and later on even 1 shot enemies. The executions are an extreme gimmick and very underwhelming.

Overall at the discount price it's a very good linear game that can be completed in a day or two, the developers thankfully didn't drag it out too much.