Kholat

It's actually not as bad as i thought.
I rembember trying this out as a dumbass kid and didn't really get anywhere cause i was pissed scared and wasn't interested.
And then few years later there i am, bored on a summer afternoon, so i grit me teeth and try to actually get into the game.
And i got 0 regrets.
I like the story, the atmosphere, the exploration, the world, it's all really interesting and i loved putting the pieces together to make sense of what happened the in the past.
This game's a open world walking simulator where you recieve monologue and find notes for lore.
I'm quite fond of walking simulators, it's not for everyone. I'm glad i claimed it for free back then, cause i definetly wouldn't pay so much for such a short walking simulator. They should lower the price, since the game's so short and the gameplay is very finicky.
Thank you for reading my ♥♥♥♥♥♥ review

it only has mixed reviews because people don't want to big brain enough to learn how to use a map and compass. amazing game!!

Kholat, developed and published by IMGN.PRO, is a first-person horror exploration game that draws its inspiration from the infamous Dyatlov Pass incident, a real-world tragedy in which nine hikers lost their lives under mysterious circumstances in the Ural Mountains in 1959. Rather than attempting to retell the event with historical accuracy, the game builds upon its unsolved nature, weaving an unsettling narrative that leans heavily on atmosphere and ambiguity. From the very beginning, Kholat establishes a sense of unease, casting the player into a frozen wilderness where silence and dread dominate the landscape. The decision to let players uncover fragments of the story through documents and environmental clues instead of straightforward exposition reinforces the feeling of being lost in a hostile and incomprehensible world.
The strongest element of Kholat is its atmosphere. Snow whips through the air, wind howls relentlessly, and shadows stretch ominously across the desolate terrain. The environmental design is both stark and hauntingly beautiful, capturing the sense of isolation that the Dyatlov hikers must have felt. The combination of weather effects, dim lighting, and occasional surreal distortions creates a surreal dreamlike quality, making each new area feel threatening and unpredictable. The game is supported by an evocative soundscape, where every crack, creak, and gust amplifies the tension. Narration by Sean Bean lends an additional layer of gravitas, though it is sparingly used, giving his voice more impact when it does appear.
Gameplay focuses almost entirely on exploration and navigation. Armed with nothing more than a map and a compass, players must trek across the harsh, open wilderness in search of story fragments scattered throughout the mountains. There are no weapons or direct means of confrontation, which means that threats must be avoided rather than fought. This design choice aligns with the game’s commitment to realism and fear of the unknown, but it also leaves players at the mercy of mechanics that can feel unforgiving. Stamina is limited, sprinting is brief, and the inability to perform basic traversal actions, such as climbing or jumping freely, can make movement feel restricted. Dying often means repeating long sections, and sparse checkpoints can turn an already tense experience into a frustrating one.
The narrative approach is deliberately ambiguous, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the real-life event. Instead of offering clear answers, Kholat presents theories and fragments of information that leave much up to interpretation. While some players will appreciate this mysterious, open-ended storytelling, others may find it unsatisfying, especially when coupled with uneven translations and dialogue that can sometimes come across as awkward. Still, the game does succeed in instilling a persistent curiosity, encouraging players to push further into the hostile terrain in search of clarity—even if that clarity never fully comes.
Criticism of Kholat most often points to its pacing and navigation challenges. The open environment is vast and frequently disorienting, with areas that can appear visually similar, making it easy to lose one’s sense of direction. While this may be thematically appropriate given the setting, it can test the patience of players who prefer more structured progression. Sudden hazards, including spectral entities and environmental traps, often punish players without much warning, and because tools for survival are limited, these encounters can feel unfair. Performance issues have also been a sticking point, with frame rate dips and occasional stuttering pulling players out of immersion.
Despite these shortcomings, Kholat has carved out a place as a distinctive entry in the horror and walking simulator genres. It prioritizes mood and tension over traditional gameplay mechanics, and its unique setting—anchored by a real and tragic mystery—sets it apart from more conventional horror titles. For players willing to accept its flaws and embrace the slow, atmospheric pace, Kholat delivers moments of genuine dread and a lasting sense of unease. Its striking visuals, chilling sound design, and commitment to ambiguity make it a game that lingers long after the credits roll, even if it leaves you with more questions than answers.
Rating: 6/10

Some of the best atmosphere I've ever experienced in a horror game. Music is a 10/10. Not heavy on jumpscares, but manages to build real dread and a feeling of danger in its various notable areas, and the central gimmick surrounding the dangers you face is strong enough to make up for other elements that could be considered poor in different contexts.

Beautiful environments and an interesting (albeit confusing) story. It's easy to get lost in the icy forest, but that's part of the fun.

This game has a cool story with a real one behind it, the map is kinda meh so you get lost easy which makes sense
7/10

cartography needs to be in more adventure games. but as far as horror goes, there are better out there