Kim
- October 24, 2016
- The Secret Games Company
Kim is a charming and enjoyable experience that successfully conveys the overall feeling and atmosphere of Kipling's novel. Despite being a little rough around the edges, the overall package that results is both interesting and fun to play.
Get on Steam"Kim" is an open-world RPG set in colonial India, based on Rudyard Kipling's novel. Players experience Kim's youth by surviving in a procedurally generated countryside, interacting with historical and literary characters. The game features choose-your-own-adventure conversations, survival mechanics, simple combat, and an original soundtrack.
Mac OS
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Windows
Reviews
- Kim offers a unique and heartwarming exploration experience set in 19th Century British India, with charming visuals and a lovely soundtrack.
- The game provides a rich narrative experience with opportunities for player choice, allowing for different paths and outcomes in each playthrough.
- Players can immerse themselves in the historical context of colonial India, learning about its complexities and cultural dynamics through engaging dialogue and interactions.
- The game's narrative and dialogue can be confusing and poorly written, making it difficult for players to follow the story and character motivations.
- Resource management is frustrating, as players often struggle to maintain health and finances, leading to a repetitive and punishing gameplay experience.
- The lack of meaningful character differentiation and limited dialogue choices detracts from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game.
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story of "Kim" is loosely based on Rudyard Kipling's novel, offering a rich exploration of 1800s India through the eyes of a young boy. While the main plot may feel minimal and character motivations can be unclear, the game allows for significant player freedom, resulting in varied experiences across multiple playthroughs. Overall, it combines RPG elements with a narrative that encourages exploration and discovery, appealing to those seeking a lore-rich environment.
“Otherwise, Kim is a nice story of a kid who explores India and is exposed to the life of a child growing up among locals to a young man who discovers life as a 'sahib'.”
“Kim is a good story-based exploration game with RPG elements.”
“The game loosely follows the story of the original book by Rudyard Kipling but gives the player the freedom to explore and discover the secrets of 1800s India.”
“The plot is almost non-existent; however, dialogue can be difficult to follow, and characters’ motivations are barely comprehensible.”
“At best, you'll get a quote ripped out of some Kipling story that is vaguely, peripherally relevant.”
“I did 3 playthroughs so far, and the 3 playthroughs were completely different from each other even though the main quest line does not change.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming art style and beautiful artwork, which enhance the overall experience. Despite a minimalist approach, the visuals are detailed and engaging, complemented by a captivating musical score that adds to the game's exploration theme. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's appeal, making it a standout in its genre.
“The developer obviously has an enthusiasm for this fascinating part of history, and the visuals and music are charming.”
“Lovely art style.”
“Fascinating game, really great visuals and lovely music, can't believe it hasn't had more attention!”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its charm and quality, enhancing the overall experience and setting. Many players find the soundtrack captivating enough to keep them engaged, even when facing challenges in gameplay. The deluxe edition, featuring the soundtrack, is recommended for those who appreciate the musical aspect.
“The developer obviously has an enthusiasm for this fascinating part of history, and the visuals and music are charming.”
“I didn't like the game at first because it was so hard to play, but I love the setting and the soundtrack, so I found myself coming back again and again to this adventure, and slowly have learned how the game works.”
“The music is lovely, so the deluxe edition is recommended.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged during gameplay.”
“While the visuals are impressive, the soundtrack does not match the game's atmosphere and often feels out of place.”
“The background music is forgettable and does not enhance the overall experience, leaving it feeling flat.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game offers notable replayability through its varied choices, random world generation, and the potential for different outcomes based on player decisions. While some players may find it challenging or overwhelming, those who enjoy open-world experiences with unique settings will appreciate the multiple playthrough opportunities. However, the lack of options for mentor religions could enhance replay value further.
“This is because you practically can't do everything, which again makes you choose wisely and enhances the game's replayability, providing great value for money.”
“Although it can feel like the game is rushing you at times, it has plenty of replay value with random seeds for the game world and the opportunity to make different choices or discover something unexpected.”
“If you're like me and enjoy open-world games in a unique setting with lots of replay value, you really need this game.”
“I would have appreciated having the option to choose what religion your mentor would be, perhaps meeting several possibilities before setting off or as you traveled, as this would have added a lot of replayability.”
“In terms of overall replayability: it has some if you fail miserably or underachieve your first couple of playthroughs, which you'll probably do.”
“Although it can feel like the game is rushing you at times, it has plenty of replay value with random seeds for the game world and the opportunity to make different choices or discover something that you never expected to.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a strategic balance of weighing pros and cons of actions within the constraints of limited time and resources, which many players find to be its strongest element. However, some users noted a lack of variety, with only three gameplay sessions leading to one completion, indicating a potential issue with replayability. Overall, the complexity of character management adds depth to the experience.
“Gameplay-wise, having to weigh the pros and cons of actions while considering the limited time and resources available to the character in the playthrough is the strongest element of the game.”
“3 gameplays and only 1 finished.”
“That's not a lot of gameplays.”
“I was really surprised by the gameplay - there are many aspects of your character to manage.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is distinct from "Sunless Sea," offering a unique setting that captures the charm and essence of Kipling's novel, creating an enjoyable and immersive experience for players.
“Kim is a charming and enjoyable experience that successfully conveys the overall feeling and atmosphere of Kipling's novel.”
“It has a lot in common with Sunless Sea, but the atmosphere and setting are very different.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of the game to be a unique and heartwarming experience, evoking strong feelings and connections throughout their journey.
“It is a unique heartwarming experience.”
“The game made me feel a deep connection to the characters and their struggles.”
“I was moved to tears by the story and its emotional depth.”
