As an enthusiast of exploration adventure games, diving into the enigmatic haze of “Kona II: Brume,” by Parabole, was a journey both familiar in some aspects, but also captivating in others. Developed by the same team behind the original “Kona,” this sequel, set against the sprawling landscapes of Northern Québec in 1970, does a good job at holding its own within the very crowded genre. Unfolding the narrative through the lens of Detective Carl Faubert, the game presents an intricate puzzle-laden world, where the Brume has shrouded a secluded mining village in mystery and severed its ties to the tranquility of everyday life. Not having experienced the first installment (in retrospect I wish I had), I embarked on this chilly adventure with an open mind, unsure of what lay ahead.
One of the game’s standout features is its unmistakable 70s aesthetic, not a setting often used all that much these days, it definitely helped set it apart from its genre counterparts. Navigating the expansive fictional realm of Manastan in the northern reaches of Canada, the player is tasked with engaging in battles amidst the remnants of a once-thriving village. The experience unfolds seamlessly, from uncovering clues within rustic wooden shacks to skillfully traversing frozen lakes via a steadfast dog sled. Guided by Carl Faubert’s Journal, the detective aspect of the game comes to the forefront. Scrutinizing clues and discoveries is the only way to progress the story within this icy expanse. The narrative unfolds across four sequential acts, each presenting a unique setting — from a creepy mansion and an underground laboratory to a snowy wilderness and a forested valley, all navigable via the trusty dog sled as mentioned previously.
While many exploration games tend to lean into horror, “Kona II: Brume” maintains a spooky ambiance without tipping into excessive fear. It aligns more with the walking simulator genre, inviting you to explore nicely detailed areas through puzzles. Survival is generally straightforward, but for those seeking a challenge, ramping up the difficulty is a strong suggestion, as the combat is fairly simple. Fighting, while present, feels secondary, with a limited selection of blades and firearms to choose from. The often-obscure puzzles and finding items is what is the main draw in this game, notably there are the strategically placed fireplaces that serve not only to warm up Carl but also act as manual checkpoint locations. The map system, simple yet effective, includes markers for collectible items, as well as to help you during your current objective. I won’t lie, the frustration sets in when locating specific objects can become a time-consuming challenge due to often overlooking areas or dumb little reasons like that, which lead me to explore the same areas several times, which takes up a lot more time than I would have liked. Maybe it was me not paying enough attention and someone smarter than I am won’t deal with these issues, but for a game that isn’t terribly long, this often made the experience come off like a slog.
For those new to the genre, the learning curve might be steep, but the story is really intriguing if you manage to get yourself into it. Perhaps seasoned players in this genre might navigate through all the puzzles more adeptly. I also recommend experiencing the first game before delving into “Kona II: Brume.” Throughout my journey, there was a lingering sense of missing context from the previous installment, indicating that the narrative occasionally has some subtext that I just wasn’t picking up on. To sum it up, “Kona II: Brume” emerges as a decently crafted and well detailed exploration adventure with a good amount to sink your teeth into. While not every element aligned with my personal taste, the allure of unraveling the mysteries in Manastan is one that may intrigue you.
7/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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