Korpus: Buried over the Black Soil
- February 14, 2020
- Korpus
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Korpus: Buried over the Black Soil" is a first-person horror game where knowledge comes to life in gruesome ways. With adjustments to enemy spawns, AI, and difficulty, players must navigate a nightmarish world and uncover the story's context. Fixes for bugs, visual errors, and save issues are included in various hotfixes. Remember, every word you read can become reality, so choose what you learn wisely.
PC
Windows
PlayStation
Reviews
- The game features a clever mechanic where the house reshapes itself based on the notes read, providing an engaging narrative experience.
- The graphics and atmosphere are impressive, with a nostalgic PS1 aesthetic that enhances the horror experience.
- The story is thought-provoking and well-crafted, drawing attention to a neglected historical event while offering immersive puzzles.
- The game has limited replay value due to its linear structure and underutilized mechanics related to environmental changes.
- Chase scenes can be frustrating, with poor door physics and a stamina system that hampers the protagonist's ability to escape effectively.
- Some transitions in the story feel jarring, and the enemy encounters can detract from the overall horror experience.
- story16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The story is generally well-received, with players appreciating its clever integration into the game's environment and puzzles, which keeps them engaged throughout the experience. While the narrative is intriguing and atmospheric, some players feel that the final enemy encounters detract from the overall impact of the story. Overall, the game offers a solid, linear narrative that combines horror elements without relying on cheap jump scares, though it leaves room for improvement in execution.
“The story kept me hooked right from the beginning and the way the house changed with the story was very clever.”
“An atmospheric setting and a rollercoaster story make for a fantastic short story with a few stumbles along the way.”
“The puzzles felt immersive and were tied well into the story.”
“Look, I actually like the story and don't mind the 1990s graphics, but if you are going to make this a chasing game in some parts... make it easier to open doors and the shift button to run, which hardly works. The guy can only run 2 inches from the last spot???”
“The game looks and feels spooky, but as far as the story and actual scares go, they leave a lot to be desired. The enemy encounter sections are what made me quit; they consist of bad gimmicks and dark mazes.”
“The sheer potential of this 'mechanic', the concept of 'anything' you learn can be a curse or blessing, can be taken to such extreme potential in a horror game. However, this game is built with a story in mind and isn't made to give you a masochistic challenge.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the clever design and atmospheric quality, particularly the authentic PS1-era aesthetic that enhances the spooky vibe. However, others express disappointment in the visuals, suggesting that a more modern style could have significantly improved the experience. Overall, while the art direction is appreciated, the execution may not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking contemporary graphics.
“However, the way the house reshapes is very clever, the graphics and atmosphere are impeccable. There are some very, very good spatial puzzles, the story is neat, and the game is a decent length for the price, provided you got it on sale.”
“I like the art style, and the levels are well designed.”
“The PS1 era inspired graphics worked well with the whole concept, and the game looked and felt polished.”
“I was not a huge fan of the visuals - and I think in a more modern aesthetic this game would have blown it out of the water.”
“Look, I actually like the story and don't mind the 1990s graphics, but if you are going to make this a chasing game in some parts... make it easier to open doors and the shift button to run which hardly works... the guy can only run 2 inches from the last spot???”
“It might be worth $10 for graphics, so I would wait for a discount if you're on the fence.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its impeccable graphics and authentic PS1 style, creating a spooky and immersive environment. Players appreciate the clever spatial puzzles and engaging story, enhanced by a believable soundscape that contributes to the overall experience.
“The graphics and atmosphere are impeccable, with very good spatial puzzles and a neat story.”
“An atmospheric setting and a rollercoaster story make for a fantastic short experience.”
“Authentic PS1 style graphics create an atmosphere so spooky that I have to gather courage to play it.”
“The authentic PS1 style graphics create an atmosphere so spooky that I have to gather courage to play it.”
“The atmosphere is lacking depth and fails to immerse the player in the game world.”
“While the graphics are decent, the overall atmosphere feels flat and uninspired.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay features smooth mechanics and engaging puzzles within a linear story, lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours. While the unique mechanic of environmental changes based on player knowledge shows great potential, it feels underutilized in this title, which prioritizes narrative over challenge. Overall, the experience is enjoyable but may leave players wanting more from its innovative concepts.
“The mechanics were smooth and the puzzles and story roped me in right away.”
“The game is a solid 1.5 to 2 hour experience with puzzles, a linear story, and an interesting mechanic that changes the surroundings depending on what you read or see; rooms change and time changes.”
“The sheer potential of this mechanic, the concept that anything you learn can be a curse or blessing, can be taken to extreme levels in a horror game. My imagination runs wild with what could be possible if a developer were to amplify this concept immensely for the purpose of giving the player a masochistic challenge.”
“The cons are the steep price and my internal screaming about the mechanic relating to how 'the environment around you changes, the more information/knowledge you have' - I feel it is sorely under-utilized.”
“The sheer potential of this mechanic, the concept that 'anything' you learn can be a curse or blessing, could be taken to such extreme potential in a horror game. My imagination goes wild thinking about what could be possible if a developer were to amplify this concept immensely for the sole purpose of giving the player a masochistic challenge. This game, however, is built with a story in mind and isn't designed to make you sh*t your pants.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is significantly limited, as the house's reshaping mechanic is underutilized and the notes are presented in a linear manner, resulting in little incentive for players to revisit the experience. Overall, many users feel the game lacks meaningful replay value.
“The game's main pull - that the house reshapes itself depending on the notes you've read - is sadly a little underexplored, given that notes are seen only in a linear fashion, so the game has zero replay value.”
“Maybe not exactly, as it has no replay value.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music and sound in the game are consistently praised as being of high quality, enhancing the overall experience.
“The music and sound design are top-notch, creating an immersive experience.”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing every moment.”
“Each track is beautifully composed, adding depth and emotion to the game.”
