Publisher: Indie Games

Kuon (2004)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Kuon (2004): A Hidden Gem of Survival Horror

Released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, Kuon is a survival horror game set in the Heian period of Japan (794-1185). The game follows the stories of three characters: Doman, an exorcist; Utsuki, his daughter; and Sakuya, his disciple.

The game begins with Doman being summoned by a nobleman to investigate a cursed manor. When Doman does not return, Utsuki sets out to find him. She is soon joined by Sakuya, who is determined to prove herself worthy of her master.

As the three characters explore the manor, they encounter a variety of horrific creatures, including ghosts, demons, and undead samurai. They must use their wits and courage to survive, and ultimately confront the evil that lurks within the manor.

Kuon is a unique survival horror game in that it blends traditional survival horror elements with Japanese folklore and mythology. The game’s atmosphere is one of constant dread and unease, and the player is never quite sure what horrors await them around the next corner.

The game’s combat is also unique in that it allows players to use a variety of weapons and spells to defeat their enemies. Players can also summon creatures to fight at their side, adding an extra layer of strategy to the combat.

Kuon was a critical and commercial success, and it has since become a cult classic among survival horror fans. The game has been praised for its atmosphere, story, and combat, and it is considered to be one of the best survival horror games of all time.

Gameplay

Kuon is a third-person survival horror game. The player controls one of the three main characters as they explore the cursed manor and its surrounding areas. The game’s environment is dark and atmospheric, and the player is constantly on edge, never knowing what horrors await them around the next corner.

The game’s combat is a mix of melee and ranged attacks. The player can use a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, and bows and arrows. The player can also cast spells and summon creatures to fight at their side.

Kuon’s combat is challenging, and the player must carefully manage their resources in order to survive. The player must also be aware of their surroundings, as the environment can be used to the player’s advantage or disadvantage.

Characters

  • Doman is an exorcist who is summoned to investigate a cursed manor. He is a skilled fighter and spellcaster, and he is determined to defeat the evil that lurks within the manor.
  • Utsuki is Doman’s daughter. She is a strong and independent woman, and she is determined to find her father and save him from the evil that has taken hold of him.
  • Sakuya is Doman’s disciple. She is a young and talented exorcist, and she is eager to prove herself worthy of her master.

Setting

Kuon is set in the Heian period of Japan (794-1185). The Heian period was a time of great cultural and artistic achievement in Japan, but it was also a time of great turmoil and violence. The country was plagued by wars, famines, and epidemics, and the people lived in constant fear of the supernatural.

The game’s setting is a cursed manor that is located in a remote mountain village. The manor is said to be haunted by the ghosts of those who have been murdered within its walls. The player must explore the manor and its surrounding areas in order to find Doman and defeat the evil that lurks within.

Themes

Kuon explores a number of dark and disturbing themes, including death, violence, and the supernatural. The game also examines the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of one’s actions.

The game’s setting in the Heian period of Japan is significant, as this was a time of great social and political upheaval. The country was plagued by wars, famines, and epidemics, and the people lived in constant fear of the supernatural. This atmosphere of fear and uncertainty is reflected in the game’s setting and characters.

Legacy

Kuon was a critical and commercial success, and it has since become a cult classic among survival horror fans. The game has been praised for its atmosphere, story, and combat, and it is considered to be one of the best survival horror games of all time.

Kuon has been cited as an influence on a number of other survival horror games, including Silent Hill and Resident Evil. The game’s unique blend of traditional survival horror elements with Japanese folklore and mythology has helped to make it a truly unique and memorable experience.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Echo Night: Beyond (2004)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Echo Night: Beyond: A Haunting Sci-Fi Adventure in the Depths of Space

Echo Night: Beyond, released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, is a survival horror adventure game that weaves a chilling tale of isolation, loss, and the supernatural. Set in the not-too-distant future, the game follows the story of a newlywed couple on their honeymoon to a lunar resort. However, their journey takes a horrifying turn when their vessel crashes before reaching its destination, separating the couple and leaving the protagonist stranded alone at an abandoned research base.

A Lunar Odyssey of Terror

Players take on the first-person perspective of the lone survivor, exploring the eerie and desolate corridors of the moon base, clad in a spacesuit that provides a sense of both protection and vulnerability. The game’s environments are masterfully crafted, with haunting lighting and the subtle effects of relative weightlessness adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

As you venture deeper into the base, you’ll encounter a myriad of ghostly apparitions, each with their own tragic backstory. These spectral beings interact with the environment in various ways, sometimes providing cryptic clues or hindering your progress. The game’s sound design is equally effective, with ambient noises, creaking metal, and the occasional whisper creating a constant sense of dread.

Unraveling the Lunar Enigma

Echo Night: Beyond is more than just a haunted house in space; it’s a mystery that unfolds as you explore the abandoned base. Through the game’s unique “Echo System,” you can interact with objects and environments to trigger flashbacks and visions that provide fragments of the station’s forgotten history.

As you piece together the puzzle, you’ll learn about the experiments that were conducted at the base, the tragic fate of its former inhabitants, and the nature of the ghostly apparitions that now haunt its corridors. The narrative is both deeply unsettling and surprisingly poignant, exploring themes of loss, regret, and the human cost of scientific ambition.

Gameplay: Survival and Exploration

Echo Night: Beyond’s gameplay is a delicate balance of survival and exploration. Players must manage their oxygen supply, avoid traps, and solve puzzles while navigating the treacherous lunar environment. The game’s controls are intuitive, with the first-person perspective adding to the immersive experience.

While combat is not the game’s focus, there are moments when you’ll need to fend off ghostly attackers using a variety of weapons, including a flashlight, stun gun, and even a vacuum cleaner. These encounters are tense and require quick reflexes, as the ghosts can be relentless in their pursuit.

A Timeless Classic of Survival Horror

Echo Night: Beyond stands as a testament to the enduring power of survival horror. Its unique setting, haunting atmosphere, and compelling narrative have made it a cult classic among fans of the genre. The game’s graphics, while not cutting-edge by today’s standards, still manage to convey a sense of isolation and dread that is both immersive and unforgettable.

Whether you’re a seasoned horror enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Echo Night: Beyond is a must-play experience. Its eerie atmosphere, intriguing mystery, and challenging gameplay will haunt your nightmares long after you’ve finished playing.

Additional Features:

  • Multiple Endings: The game features multiple endings depending on the player’s choices and actions throughout the story.
  • Replayability: The game’s “Echo System” encourages multiple playthroughs, as players can uncover new details and unlock different endings by interacting with objects and environments in different ways.
  • Bonus Content: The Japanese version of the game includes a bonus mode called “Another Side,” which features a separate story and playable character.
  • Critical Acclaim: Echo Night: Beyond received positive reviews upon release, with critics praising its atmosphere, story, and innovative gameplay.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More