I'm sorry, I just can't. I give up. Devs just keep my money, you win.

I love the background of this story in other media, but this game just kills my soul.

First of all, what PSYCHOPATH holds a COMPASS LIKE THIS? ALL of your time in this game is spent walking...with a MAP...the map scale is off, the compass isn't accurate and the markers are few and far between.

Every time I reference my compass to my map, it makes NO sense even when aligned with PROVEN DIRECTIONS ON THE MAP. I don't mind wandering, but this game is a bit more open than some walking games, so I'd like to at least know where the hell I'm at.

Walk / run speed is excruciatingly slow and you have non existent stamina. On top of this, the game pummels
the depth of field then your asthma kicks in.

The directional sound of the pages is kinda spastic and sound like they're on top of you half the time.

I get it, coordinates on left, explore and find stuff broadening the story. The UI is messy for the pause screen (what f'in tab am I on?). Some of the pages you find are useless ramblings that don't add to the story.

Quick aside, the voice acting is FANTASTIC. How THE F**K did they get SEAN BEAN to do this game?! 10/10 for that part at least.

____________________

With all of the above stated, I was STILL SLOGGING THROUGH THIS GAME. I had like 5 or 6 of the coordinates marked off, I was finding stuff. Ya know, PROGRESS.

BUT OH NO, you got the CHEETO FLAVORED GHOSTS that have the most crack head pathing wandering into your area and (GUESS WHAT?!) they'll just PHASE THROUGH WALLS AND INSTA-KILL YOU. Since the game only saves when you find a paper or a camp, they just TOSS YOU to the BACK OF THE LINE....

TL:DR.....The cheeto ghosts broke me. They didn't really get me that much, but the set backs, the slow pacing, and the lack of over-all content provided the size of the map did me in.

Touche Devs.




... Sean Bean is still the G.O.A.T.

It is just my type of horror game; the wind effects the creepy atmosphere and being dropped into a desolate winter landscape with nothing but a compass, map and your wits about you to find all the clues with no navigational hand holding whatsoever. Running and hiding from the shadowy creatures adds a level of brief, spastic moments of fear and anxiety that I don't often get in horror games but somehow it worked here. Also Sean Bean is in this game.

The game’s snowy landscapes, fog-covered mountains, and abandoned ruins are beautifully crafted, immersing players in a hauntingly desolate world. The Unreal Engine-powered graphics enhance the eerie atmosphere, making exploration feel both breathtaking and unsettling.

Kholat is inspired by the real-life Dyatlov Pass incident, adding a chilling layer of realism to its horror experience. The game’s environmental storytelling and cryptic narrative create a sense of mystery and dread that keeps players engaged.

With Sean Bean providing narration, the voice acting adds depth to the mystery. The eerie ambient sounds, whispering winds, and distant echoes contribute to the overall tension, making every moment feel unnerving.

Unlike traditional horror games that rely on jump scares, Kholat focuses on psychological horror and environmental storytelling. The open-world structure allows players to explore at their own pace, uncovering clues and piecing together the mystery.

The game stands out from typical horror titles by using slow-building tension and atmosphere rather than action-heavy gameplay. It offers a more cerebral experience, appealing to fans of story-driven horror and exploration-based games.

The game does not hold your hand, and while that adds to the mystery, some players might find it confusing or frustrating to navigate without clear objectives. The reliance on a map and compass without a marker system can make progression feel aimless at times.

Kholat is more about atmosphere and exploration rather than action or fast-paced horror. Players looking for intense chases or frequent scares might find the pacing too slow.

Kholat is a beautifully eerie and atmospheric horror experience that relies on psychological tension rather than traditional scares. Its haunting visuals, immersive sound design, and mysterious narrative make it a unique entry in the horror genre. While its slow pace and lack of guidance may not suit every player, those who appreciate deep storytelling and exploration will find it a chilling and unforgettable journey. ❄️👣🔦