Kholat is a game developed by independent studio IMGN.PRO, inspired by true events known as the "Dyatlov Pass Incident". We follow the path of a group of Russian students, that went for an expedition in the northern Ural Mountains. The team does not reach its goal, the entire crew dies in mysterious circumstances.
Player is thrown into the area where the tragedy occurred, years after the actual event, with a chance to discover the real course of the tragedy. Atmosphere of anxiety and dread is created by fear management system. It is responsible for precise dosing of fear and uncertainty, based on what the player is doing, making each gameplay a unique experience.
Horror and walking sims are my two favorite genres in the medium, but Kholat serves as another unfortunate reminder that they don't belong together.
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.
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.
It's a disappointment to see something squander such potential.
It's a shame because Kholat has one of the best horror game set-ups we've seen for quite some time. Not only that, the team at IMGN.PRO has clearly put effort into sculpting an spooky collection of vistas each dripping in atmosphere. Sadly, wedged between these tense moments is way too much filler. The mind-numbing map reading and navigation would have...
