Summary

• Release Year: 1999
• Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Tactical
• Platforms: PlayStation
• Developers: Sacnoth
• Publishers: Infogrames, SNK

Koudelka: A Haunting and Atmospheric Survival Horror Classic

Released in 1999 for the PlayStation, Koudelka is a survival horror role-playing game developed by Sacnoth and published by SNK. It is the first game in the Shadow Hearts series, and while it does not share the same characters or story as the other games in the series, it does feature many of the same gameplay elements, such as the Ring Menu battle system and the use of magic and alchemy.

Koudelka is set in Wales in the year 1898. The player takes control of Koudelka Iasant, a young woman who is traveling with her father, James, to visit her uncle, Edward Plunkett, at his estate in Nemeton. When they arrive, they find the estate deserted and in ruins. Koudelka and Edward soon discover that the estate is haunted by a variety of ghosts and monsters, and they must work together to uncover the truth behind the strange happenings at Nemeton.

Koudelka is a slow-paced, atmospheric game that emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving. The player must carefully explore the estate, searching for clues and items that will help them progress. The game’s puzzles are often challenging, but they are always fair and logical.

In addition to its exploration and puzzle-solving, Koudelka also features a unique battle system. The game uses a Ring Menu system, which allows the player to select commands from a circular menu. The player can use a variety of attacks, spells, and items in battle, and they must carefully manage their resources in order to survive.

Koudelka’s graphics are impressive for its time. The game’s character models are detailed and expressive, and the environments are atmospheric and well-rendered. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it helps to create a sense of dread and suspense.

Koudelka was a critical and commercial success, and it has since become a cult classic among survival horror fans. The game’s unique atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.

Gameplay

Koudelka is a survival horror role-playing game. The player takes control of Koudelka Iasant, a young woman who is traveling with her father, James, to visit her uncle, Edward Plunkett, at his estate in Nemeton. When they arrive, they find the estate deserted and in ruins. Koudelka and Edward soon discover that the estate is haunted by a variety of ghosts and monsters, and they must work together to uncover the truth behind the strange happenings at Nemeton.

The player must explore the estate, searching for clues and items that will help them progress. The game’s puzzles are often challenging, but they are always fair and logical. In addition to exploration and puzzle-solving, Koudelka also features a unique battle system. The game uses a Ring Menu system, which allows the player to select commands from a circular menu. The player can use a variety of attacks, spells, and items in battle, and they must carefully manage their resources in order to survive.

Setting

Koudelka is set in Wales in the year 1898. The game’s setting is dark and atmospheric, and it is filled with a variety of ghosts and monsters. The player must explore the estate, searching for clues and items that will help them progress. The game’s puzzles are often challenging, but they are always fair and logical.

Characters

The player takes control of Koudelka Iasant, a young woman who is traveling with her father, James, to visit her uncle, Edward Plunkett, at his estate in Nemeton. When they arrive, they find the estate deserted and in ruins. Koudelka and Edward soon discover that the estate is haunted by a variety of ghosts and monsters, and they must work together to uncover the truth behind the strange happenings at Nemeton.

In addition to Koudelka and Edward, the player will also meet a variety of other characters, including:

• Bishop: A priest who is investigating the strange happenings at Nemeton.
• Flamel: An alchemist who is helping Koudelka and Edward uncover the truth behind the estate’s haunting.
• Gregory: A young boy who is trapped in the estate’s catacombs.

Story

Koudelka’s story is a complex and well-written tale of mystery, horror, and redemption. The player must uncover the truth behind the strange happenings at Nemeton, and they must do so while facing a variety of challenges, including ghosts, monsters, and puzzles.

The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes and dialogue sequences. The cutscenes are well-directed and atmospheric, and the dialogue is well-written and engaging. The player will feel drawn into the story and will want to see it through to the end.

Conclusion

Koudelka is a classic survival horror game that is still enjoyable today. The game’s unique atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters have made it a favorite among fans of the genre. If you are a fan of survival horror games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Koudelka.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots