“All of their bodies had severe internal injuries, caused by an undetermined force…” – Narrator, Kholat
Images and gameplay for Kholat are courtesy of IMGN.PRO, featuring Odiumar as the wandering protagonist.
Kholat is a first person survival horror game, and was inspired by the true events of the Dyatlov Pass Incident. Kholat was developed and distributed by IMGN.PRO a Polish independent studio. IMGN.Pro is fairly new to the gaming scene, having only one other game to their credit, Seven: The Days Long Gone.
Kholat, is based on a true story, so it’s got that going for it. Have you ever heard of The Dyatlov Pass incident? Don’t feel bad, I hadn’t heard of it either, most likely because it happened in Russia almost 60 years ago. The short version, is that a group of nine college students went hiking in the Ural mountains and didn’t return. When their camp was discovered, the evidence suggested that something scared them so badly, they tore their way out of their tent, and they all fled into the wilderness. Those that didn’t freeze to death, were found to have experienced some rather dramatic trauma. I’m talking crushed skulls, broken chests and one was even missing it’s eyes and tongue. Reminiscent of the Blair Witch project…amped up to 10…and REAL! I mean…a group of nine people all lost their shit, tore through the side of their tent and ran off into the snow, wearing nothing but their underwear. Think about it…there is strength in numbers…and there were NINE of them! I cannot fathom what could possibly scare a small mob of people to that degree…
This is likely the warmest, and most interesting, location in the game.
Unfortunately, the fear that they sought to inspire didn’t translate well. Kholat’s gameplay is sorely lacking excitement of any kind. You walk…then walk…then walk some more. You could run, but what’s the point? Enemies (not sure they even meet the definition of that term) come in one of three forms. The slow, plodding smokey outline, it’s brighter and faster cousin…both of which follow a predetermined path that is very easily side-stepped, and the jump scare version that end your game without warning. Once in a while, you’ll find journal entries! If you’re the type that likes a game with a story that unfolds via collectible snippets, look no further. Maybe it’s a puzzle game? The map certainly isn’t any help…it just shows what general region you’re in. The compass maybe? Well…that seems to work a little. Wait…was that an avalanche? No, not really…just a neat little animation. I’d better keep exploring. Mix it all together and you have Kholat, the somewhat mysterious, not at all scary, hiking simulation.
Gee…I wonder which way I’m supposed to go?
There’s no doubt about it, Kholat is a beautiful game. The artwork is picturesque…wallpaper worthy even. IMGN.PRO can certainly be proud of the time they put in on this title. The only real visual issue, is the lack of color. Almost everything falls somewhere on the black/white spectrum, so when there is color of any kind, it really stands out well, drawing your attention quickly. The music is creepy, and contains wordless vocals. The female vocals are lilting and sad, while the male vocals are deep…sounding almost like a constant hum. Sound affects are adequate and the ever present wind, which is necessitated by the environment, isn’t as annoying as one might think. However, the jewel in Kholat’s crown, is the fact that they somehow managed to get Sean Bean to narrate the game! Dude has had the honor of playing some epic parts…Eddard Stark, Boromir and 006 to name a few…and here he is, chilling in an indie game.
When it comes to achievements, Kholat is pretty dull. The majority are for finding notes and journals in specific areas…and of course the obligatory “collection” achievement for nabbing all of them. Not a whole heck of a lot of challenge here. Not a single ounce of replayability either…once you’re done, you’re done. For $20 though, that’s about par for the course. I feel like I’m being really hard on this game…but let’s face it, if your game time is as limited as mine is, you’ll be glad I called it like it is.
Wise Gamer Ruling: Pass – It’s pretty, but you’re game time is better spent just about anywhere else.
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