Kholat Reviews
Little to no directions are given to the player -- you're just dropped into the world and expected to figure things out on your own. It wasn't until my second play session that I realized the locations marked on the map were of importance. After figuring out proper use of the map and compass, it was easy to complete the game in just around four hours, which felt a bit light for the asking price of $20, considering most of your time will be spent looking at snowy rocks. Overall an enjoyable experience that has a fantastic presentation but just lacks much depth in gameplay.
Among the genres that are the toughest to evaluate in gaming and may be the most divisive are those that are "walking simulators" at their core...
The design, looks and sound are superb, mixing the deeply disturbing and realistic settings of this true disaster from 1959.
Don't get me wrong, KHOLAT is a good example for next-generation walking simulators. But the unhinged story and lackluster gameplay makes the game feel stressful at times. The graphics, once again, are impressive. The 4 or so hours I've spent are oftentimes stressful when walking back and forth and don't even get me started with the game's disappointing ending.
Kholat is a great looking game that can capture the imagination of players very quickly with its impressive environments and with the initial narrative about the real world set of events on which it is based.
Though there's less direct threat when compared to more mainstream horror titles, there's an intensity to that environment that helps to create a wonderfully sinister atmosphere. It's not an essential horror game, but it's a genuinely ripping yarn.
Kholat has plenty of issues but there is no denying that it also one of the most atmospheric games I've played recently and is really creepy. The game makes great use of the Unreal Engine 4 as well to deliver some great visuals. I also like that it is based on a real world event as it adds more to the game. If you're into these kind of experiences I highly recommend it but do expect some frustration to come with it.
Kholat is a welcome challenging and atmospheric take on the horror genre
Kholat is a very interesting first person survival horror game that sadly fails to deliver on all of its promises due to an unfocused storytelling style, which doesn't take full advantage of its mysterious premise. A tighter storytelling would have served the game greatly, as its survival mechanics are among the more interesting of recent times. A quality title, without a doubt, but definitely polarizing and not for everyone.
Kholat succeeded where many failed: to create a superb horror mood for a game, mixing great visual settings and a soundscape that is bewitching. In terms of gameplay, however, the game is limited by simple interaction and no jump system, plus frustrating death and errors with no reasons or explanation, which might test even the most patient players.
Despite its issues I still feel Kholat is a genuinely disturbing experience, full of atmosphere, tension and visually impressive for an Unreal Engine 4 game. Its faults take it out of the really awesome category but I personally loved it and how it blended horror with unravelling parts of a real world mystery. As it is I believe Kholat is still worth playing but just be aware that frustration and tension will be present in equal measure.
A poignant and masterfully haunting affair, Kholat's flawed narrative and sparse environments aren't enough to considerably detract from its overwhelming atmospherics and sense of adventure.
Undoubtedly, a stimulating work, with ups and downs in its plot development, but with a slow, slow tone that will delight those who want to have a good time of tension without fear of the free scare.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
So, a beautiful looking game that has an amazing soundtrack and is based on a still unexplained real life event. I will now do quite a bit of reading about The Dyatlov Pass Incident and try to see how good the game related to it.
Overall Kholat is an atmospheric adventure game that is creepy but really should not be labeled as a horror game. With a wonderful art style and amazing sound effects, Kholat should still please horror fans and adventure game fans alike.
Enormously atmospheric, highly intriguing, but falls just a little short of its narrative ambition. A compelling real life historical mystery. Well told, though the pay-off may frustrate some. A great control innovation effectively supports the overall atmosphere of isolation and exposure.
Kholat is a compelling release set against a fascinating backdrop that drew me in early and kept me playing. It offers a memorable, if not completely satisfying, experience that's worth checking out.
While much of Kholat can feel repetitive as players roam aimlessly through the barren landscape, the spine-creeping sense of dread that accompanies the rest of the game more than makes up for it. There were a few times that I began to feel a bit bored with winding through the same rocky paths, but they were offset by the time spent struggling to survive against encroaching threats and the strangely threatening narration of Game of Thrones' Sean Bean.
IMGN.PRO's indie survial horror game encourages profound contemplation, specifically about living with death.
This thrilling story will keep you at the edge of your seat and will leave you wanting to know more about these events. Kholat won't disappoint the fans of the genre and is worth a try.
Review in Spanish | Read full review