Kholat

 PC
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

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  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. 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 theThis 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.… Expand
  2. gameren82
    Jul 30, 2016
    10
    If you haven't played a good, atmospheric exploration horror like game set in frozen mountains in a Russian region, then this game is for you. It's beautiful, climatic, based on a true story. It is not too long but worth playing just for the the story and the immersive feeling it gives to you.
  3. rahmcp
    Apr 4, 2018
    4
    There is, possibly, an interesting story behind this one, but it's quite a slog to get to it. Bought it on sale; glad I didn't pay full price for it. Sean Bean, who doesn't die in this one that I can tell (he seems to die in most of the recent movies I've seen him in), can't save it.
  4. 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 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’sKholat 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    … Expand
  5. 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 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 andI 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.… Expand
  6. qrpiech
    Mar 7, 2016
    7
    Atmospheric and scary exploration game (think Dear Esther/The Vanishing of Ethan Carter meets Amnesia) with Sean Bean's voice and some really nice music. There are no quest markers here, no clear objectives - you start with a map (with some geographical coordinates written on it), a compass and a flashlight and that's all the help you'll ever get.

    You have to make your way through the    Atmospheric and scary exploration game (think Dear Esther/The Vanishing of Ethan Carter meets Amnesia) with Sean Bean's voice and some really nice music. There are no quest markers here, no clear objectives - you start with a map (with some geographical coordinates written on it), a compass and a flashlight and that's all the help you'll ever get.

    You have to make your way through the mountains and find out what happened to lost expedition. If you're not careful - you'll die because of avalanches, traps and supernatural stuff that happens around you. Better get used to the feeling of constant danger lurking somewhere near, be ready for some jump-scares as well. Be aware that Kholat uses Unreal Engine 4, just like Hatred, so you need a powerful machine to maintain 60 frames per second on max details.    … Expand
  7. BobbyJohnson
    Aug 17, 2016
    5
    It was really amazing in the beginning, but then it got boring as hell and even Sean Bean didn't help. I hoped for a good story but I got a mysterious mess in the end.
  8. hunk4survivor
    Jan 30, 2019
    7
    El juego te engancha en su historia, si bien no es el juego del año..empieza muy bien..pero todo se viene abajo cuando tu primer problema no son los moustros o investigar ..si no como interpretar el mapa. esto es lo que hace del juego una pesadilla, tienes que buscar sitios muy especifico para saber donde te encuentras comparado con el mapa...fuera de eso...sin a verlo terminado todo seEl juego te engancha en su historia, si bien no es el juego del año..empieza muy bien..pero todo se viene abajo cuando tu primer problema no son los moustros o investigar ..si no como interpretar el mapa. esto es lo que hace del juego una pesadilla, tienes que buscar sitios muy especifico para saber donde te encuentras comparado con el mapa...fuera de eso...sin a verlo terminado todo se ve bien..… Expand
  9. Adritov
    Jun 11, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is refreshing and above all, it is a well-designed game. This game lets you figure it out yourself instead of it having to lead you with jump-scares, violin scratching, or a monster following you around. The atmosphere of the game is fantastic. Although the game does not make use of the more conventional "get frozen, get warm, or eat if not you die," the games does make you want to know more about what is going on. There is no clear indicator of where to actually go unless you actually get there. For many people this will be a downer as most current games lead you there.

    Graphics-wise, this game is amazing. The visual effects help create an atmosphere which you have to experience by playing it.

    Soundtrack-wise, this game keeps it simple. I would have liked to hear a bit more music, as the composer sounds competent. In some games you just mute it or lower it. In this one, well, I feel it let me wishing for more as it is used properly and competently created.

    Story-wise is amazing. As nattigre pointed it, the story is inspired, but not based on the Diatlov Pass Incident. Sean Bean is in here.

    Gameplay-- competent. Do not expect guns or magic powers or combat systems. It is just walking and it is done right. Running is your only weapon, and you have to use it right.

    Overall, this game is well-crafted. IMGN.PRO did the best with what it had, and it is amazing.

    2/2- gameplay
    2/2- soundtrack
    2/2- visuals
    2/2 story
    2/2 re-play value    … Expand
  10. BrainAndSoul
    Jun 13, 2015
    9
    The most underrated game of this year - Kholat has a fantastic atmosphere, beautiful plot (can not be compared with that awful film about Dyatlov few years ago) and it is more terrifying than many modern indie-horrors. I don't understand how can it get scores less than 80.
  11. AsGOGO
    Aug 3, 2020
    7
    this is a good game.this is a good game.this is a good game.this is a good game.this is a good game.
  12. Adrianus
    Nov 22, 2018
    3
    Great visually, good sound, but very bad design. Cool intro, but after him, we don't know who we are or where we are or why we have to play it. It's better not to play.
  13. CyberRobotnix
    Oct 6, 2018
    5
    The game is about as lame as Slenderman and honestly it's probably also its biggest pride, all you do is walk and walk more, the thing that makes Slenderman superior to this game is the fact you get stalked and you can eventually die if you aren't being careful, but this game in the other hand will do none of that.

    First chapter, nothing assaults you and nothing happens pretty much. In    The game is about as lame as Slenderman and honestly it's probably also its biggest pride, all you do is walk and walk more, the thing that makes Slenderman superior to this game is the fact you get stalked and you can eventually die if you aren't being careful, but this game in the other hand will do none of that.

    First chapter, nothing assaults you and nothing happens pretty much. In Bendy and the Ink Machine at the very end of the first chapter something does happen and throughout the first chapter, you are not wandering aimlessly. Second chapter, you may get assaulted, but it is extremely obvious, it's not as subtle as Slender nor Bendy, with good stamina management you can escape all danger, other than that it's still the same boring walking simulator where you wander aimlessly. Take chapter 2 and put it into all the other chapters and it's basically the entire **** game.

    One thing some peeps here seem to like are the graphics, they are very realistic, but they are extremely boring to look at tbh. Most of the models are extremely grey and look the same regardless of where you are in the game, it's so ironically bland that the graphics are extremely uninteresting and boring. Quite a shame because the devs prob put a lot efforts into said graphics.

    The music is nice, but it's not the best type of music to be used in a videogame.

    As a whole, the game is very artistic, but it's undoubtedly extremely boring, it's almost like that game called "The Graveyard". What a joke!    … Expand
  14. Ikarian123
    Dec 8, 2018
    10
    Great atmosphere, perfect adaptation of old tragic mystery, thrilling soundtrack and sounds in game. Very terrifying horror game.
  15. bluebeardtattoo
    May 28, 2019
    7
    Интересный взгляд поляков на события перевала Дятлова. Сюжетом эта игра не может похвастаться, он укладывается в 40-ка страницах, которые разбросаны по всей локации. И как вы понимаете прийдется много бродить и читать обрывки журнала. А бегать сильно не получиться из-за задышки.
    Так, что любителям ЭКШОНА и СКРИМЕРОВ можно расходиться.
    А вообще игра очень красивая хоть наполнение мира    Интересный взгляд поляков на события перевала Дятлова. Сюжетом эта игра не может похвастаться, он укладывается в 40-ка страницах, которые разбросаны по всей локации. И как вы понимаете прийдется много бродить и читать обрывки журнала. А бегать сильно не получиться из-за задышки.
    Так, что любителям ЭКШОНА и СКРИМЕРОВ можно расходиться.
    А вообще игра очень красивая хоть наполнение мира могло быть и по-богаче. Продуманный рельеф который уже знаешь наизусть по прохождению пары часов. Классная механика ориентировки на карте по координатам и компасу. А вот парящий в воздухе компас и отсутствие ног немного отвлекает от изучения местности и поиска координат. И периодические баги с отображением текстур. Но это не испортит впечатление от прохождения.    … Expand
  16. Grachechkovski
    Jul 24, 2019
    8
    This is an unforgettable adventure on the Dyatlov Pass over the past few years. This game satisfies almost all the necessary indie horror points. There is almost everything here: the feeling of loneliness, doomedness, confusion, sometimes sharp and nervous music, atmosphere. Excellent.
    As has been noticed by some foreign and domestic critics about the cold and wind - yes, he really    This is an unforgettable adventure on the Dyatlov Pass over the past few years. This game satisfies almost all the necessary indie horror points. There is almost everything here: the feeling of loneliness, doomedness, confusion, sometimes sharp and nervous music, atmosphere. Excellent.
    As has been noticed by some foreign and domestic critics about the cold and wind - yes, he really sometimes breaks the fourth wall that the player begins to feel his own presence in these snow-covered mountains.
    The soundtrack is on top. The confusion in the plot and the presentation of his concept of what caused the death of the group is also present. However, in my opinion it would be possible to make everything a little bit more centralized.
    Graphics is on top. Unreal is an unreal.
    Recently, Polish developers have started doing very worthwhile projects. The main thing is not to lower the bar.    … Expand
  17. r03vg
    Apr 15, 2020
    7
    Небольшое спортивное ориентирование в русской глубинке. Напрочь вылечивает топографический кретинизм.
  18. vgi99
    Jan 3, 2021
    5
    Начали за здравие, закончили за упокой. Как это бывает с большинством игр хорроров с открытым миром - игра к середине просто надоедает. Не спасают красивые и суровые пейзажи, опасные (и до безобразия однообразные) враги и зловещая музыка (эта тягомотина тоже надоедает после одного часа игры). Разработчики не осилили сохранить динамику на протяжении всей игры.
    К ещё одному фатальному    Начали за здравие, закончили за упокой. Как это бывает с большинством игр хорроров с открытым миром - игра к середине просто надоедает. Не спасают красивые и суровые пейзажи, опасные (и до безобразия однообразные) враги и зловещая музыка (эта тягомотина тоже надоедает после одного часа игры). Разработчики не осилили сохранить динамику на протяжении всей игры.
    К ещё одному фатальному недостатку игры можно отнести миллионное по счёту спекулятивное изнасилование темы перевала Дятлова, которая уже давно стала маркером для определения умственно отсталых людей в интернете.    … Expand
  19. KapralDominik
    Jul 24, 2022
    3
    Слабовато даже для инди релиза. Графические впечатления не стоят разочарования от убогой оптимизации. Схематически все локации раскиданы по точкам интереса, между ними рыщет монстр (с очень очевидной моделью патрулирования, что делает гибель от его рук маловероятной при достаточной внимательности). Благо хотя бы благодаря реализации движка, пейзажи выглядят действительно добротно и красивоСлабовато даже для инди релиза. Графические впечатления не стоят разочарования от убогой оптимизации. Схематически все локации раскиданы по точкам интереса, между ними рыщет монстр (с очень очевидной моделью патрулирования, что делает гибель от его рук маловероятной при достаточной внимательности). Благо хотя бы благодаря реализации движка, пейзажи выглядят действительно добротно и красиво (заснеженная тайга, северное сияние на небе и т.д.). Оценка: 3.… Expand
  20. Chubac
    Oct 31, 2020
    1
    Weak jumpscares, framerate issues, checkpoints too far away from each other and definitely not fun.
  21. eplate2
    Jul 24, 2023
    2
    As someone who is very interested in the real life mystery of the hikers who disappeared in Russia, I was extremely excited to play this game. I am a fan of survival horror games for the most part but this one, really annoyed me. There is a section of the game where it seems impossible to avoid being attacked by an enemy and I can't figure out a single way to avoid the attack or simplyAs someone who is very interested in the real life mystery of the hikers who disappeared in Russia, I was extremely excited to play this game. I am a fan of survival horror games for the most part but this one, really annoyed me. There is a section of the game where it seems impossible to avoid being attacked by an enemy and I can't figure out a single way to avoid the attack or simply defend myself. I also hate that the map doesn't help us beyond beyond a compass. This game seems like it was released too early with not enough game functionality.… Expand
  22. apokalipto
    Aug 21, 2023
    8
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  23. o1nk
    Jun 13, 2023
    6
    Кратко резюмируя впечатления после прохождения я скажу следующее: мистическая составляющая, на которую тут делается упор вполне хороша, но в целом игра может быть пройдена на шифте достаточно быстро.
    Не назвал бы я игру плохой, но видимо испытание временем она не прошла, а возможно я не являюсь целевой аудиторией данного продукта. По сравнению с другими играми
    данного жанра и ценовой    Кратко резюмируя впечатления после прохождения я скажу следующее: мистическая составляющая, на которую тут делается упор вполне хороша, но в целом игра может быть пройдена на шифте достаточно быстро.
    Не назвал бы я игру плохой, но видимо испытание временем она не прошла, а возможно я не являюсь целевой аудиторией данного продукта. По сравнению с другими играми
    данного жанра и ценовой категории - средняк, если не немного ниже среднего.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. 4P.de
    Dec 11, 2015
    65
    Kholat’s strength lies within the atmospheric loneliness in big areas. Horror and suspense unfortunately fall short.
    Read full review
  2. SpazioGames
    Oct 21, 2015
    60
    Good graphics and tense situations can't really save the player from the slow and tedious exploration and the cheap deaths. This kind of devices aren't exactly great from a game design standpoint, and relegate this product to a meager passing grade.
    Read full review
  3. 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]
See all critic reviews »