Kholat

2015IMGN.PROPlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

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.

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What it feels like

The fear management system and mystery of a real tragedy create slow-building anticipatory fear throughout the experience. A real unsolved incident becomes an enigmatic pull—secrets half-glimpsed and answers withheld until discovered. A true tragedy with all crew dead creates grave, subdued seriousness and the hush of mourning.

Dread80%

Mysterious73%

Somber70%

What it's about

Unraveling the Dyatlov Pass Incident mystery through exploration and discovery is the core narrative driver. A fear management system creates dread and uncertainty as primary emotional mechanics rather than jump scares or overt threats. A remote, snowy mountain setting with a dead expedition creates pervasive solitude and being cut off.

Mystery85%

Psychological Horror82%

Isolation68%

Survival Against Nature65%

Mortality60%

How it plays

Investigation of clues and environmental hotspots to piece together the mystery suggests point-and-click examination mechanics.

Point-and-Click45%

How it looks and sounds

First-person perspective immerses the player in the snowy environment and creates intimate horror atmosphere. The atmospheric winter scenery and psychological horror suggest an ambient, mood-forward soundscape to maintain tension. A harsh, frozen mountain environment with the remains of a tragic expedition creates grimy, worn atmosphere.

First-Person78%

Ambient Soundscape58%

Gritty52%

Lo-Fi35%

How it's structured

The Ural Mountains setting is described as an open area where players explore and discover the tragedy's details non-linearly. Explicitly single-player focused experience with no multiplayer component. Walking simulator / exploration games with focused mystery narratives typically offer 4-6 hour experiences rather than sprawling campaigns.

Open World75%

Single-Player72%

Short Playtime52%

Branching Narrative38%

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