Kholat

 PC
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 38
  3. Negative: 4 out of 38
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Sep 9, 2015
    91
    The adventure in Ural mountains is a slow paced, ambitious horror game. Based on “true story” as well. [Sept 2015]
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  2. Hooked Gamers
    Jun 17, 2015
    90
    If you love horror games, Kholat is one game that will give you a delectably terrifying experience.
  3. Gamestyle
    Jun 11, 2015
    90
    An amazing story based on actual events. KHOLAT is a standout game in a genre that often fails to deliver.
  5. Twinfinite
    Jul 6, 2015
    80
    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.
  6. PLAY! Zine
    Jul 3, 2015
    80
    The atmosphere and the feeling of being lost and hopeless in a harsh environment is where Kholat really delivers its memorable experience.
  7. Digitally Downloaded
    Jun 19, 2015
    80
    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.
  8. Digital Chumps
    Jun 15, 2015
    80
    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.
  9. Ragequit.gr
    Jun 28, 2015
    75
    Kholat has its flaws, especially when it comes to plot. However it is registered as a good game for the simple reason that it achieves its main target, which is to offer excitement. With its remarkable atmosphere, Kholat embraces the player in an immersive experience.
  10. 3DJuegos
    Jun 22, 2015
    75
    It doesn’t achieve that solemnity in its narrative that you’re expecting in this kind of games, nor runs its plot elegantly, but we’ve been through four hours looking for notes and picking them in these woods, till the end. And that should mean something.
  11. GameWatcher
    Jun 16, 2015
    75
    As it is I believe Kholat is still worth playing but just be aware that frustration and tension will be present in equal measure.
  12. GRYOnline.pl
    Jun 8, 2015
    75
    An interactive book with lots of pretty pictures, a virtual movie with a great atmosphere. Kholat is somewhere between keeping the player engaged and making him/her bored. The game's strongest assets are: grim atmosphere and a very interesting place the action is set in. It's worth taking a shot.

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 146 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 146
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 146
  3. Negative: 29 out of 146
  1. nattigre
    Jun 9, 2015
    10
    This game is a cold shower for all the lazy game players used to being led by a puppet master throughout the game. This is new, this is fresh.This game is a cold shower for all the lazy game players used to being led by a puppet master throughout the game. This is new, this is fresh. The lack of action that we're all used to is rewarded by the atmosphere of an adventure and perfectly thought-out environment. And this is just inspired by the Diatlov Pass Incident not based on it. The compass and not knowing where we are on the map (we have to remember everything on our path and be really observant), although frustrating at the beginning, is a nice touch.… Full Review »
  2. ItsMuchMore
    Jun 26, 2015
    7
    Kholat is a horror game based upon the Dyatlov Pass incident where nine hikers lost their lives in the Ural Mountains. Horror games for meKholat is a horror game based upon the Dyatlov Pass incident where nine hikers lost their lives in the Ural Mountains. Horror games for me have never truly been “horror”, I will admit that they have never been high on my list when it comes to choosing what to play. The horror genre had started to rely a little too much on “Oh look something large and ugly” is jumping out at me and let’s not even mention the tendency to love the colour black.

    So when Kholat passed across my screen, my interest was piqued, promising open world progression with an immersive exploration experience powered by the unreal Engine 4. Horror games in my opinion have always sought to limit your freedom as a way to heighten your sense of tension. Kholat however manages to provide that freedom yet at the same time impress a sense of claustrophobia. Within a few minutes, the game had passed the goosebumps test, the shudder up my spine of a genuine scare and not one of the “things jumping out at you” variety. That sense of fear didn’t leave through my playthrough.

    The freedom afforded to you by the game could be a blessing or a curse depending on you, the explorer. After the opening video, you are placed in a deserted train station, no heads up display, no objectives, just you and your desire to explore. There are no readily apparent ways forward and the initial finding your way towards the hiker’s camp is up to you. There was no doubt in my mind however when I saw the path below that it was about to get interesting.

    Full Review @ItsMuchMore    … Full Review »
  3. fludziom
    Oct 4, 2015
    4
    I was lured into playing this game by the voice acting cast. Unfortunately that was the best part. The game is yet another walking simulator aI was lured into playing this game by the voice acting cast. Unfortunately that was the best part. The game is yet another walking simulator a la Dear Esther only with enemies (annoying orange thingies). Luckily, there aren't many of them. The game is an artistic attempt to explain why 9 Russian students went missing in the Ural Mountains in 1959 sadly by using paranormal theories and ghosts (the orange thingies). A failed attempt in my opinion. The core gameplay is all about walking and collecting collectibles-notes that drive the story forward. With the shift button you can run but only short distances. When trying to run you will always hear heavy breathing which gets annoying after a while. The game has a map but it doesn't tell you were you are. You notoriously don't know where you are. That and the orange enemies are a major source of frustration especially at the beginning. On the positive side not knowing where you are makes you remember locations and using that knowledge you always trying to locate yourself on the map which is somewhat fun. Poor optimization. At 1080p the game runs on average 40 fps on a high end pc. Only for hardcore walking simulator fans.… Full Review »
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