Gamefings logoimg

Review of Kona on PS4

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Mar 2017
Cover image of Kona on PS4
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 17 Mar 2017
Genre: Adventure
Developer: Parabole
Publisher: Ravenscourt

Introduction

In the chill of Northern Quebec, where the weather is colder than your ex's heart, 'Kona' brings an intriguing blend of survival and supernatural adventure. Developed by Parabole, this immersive title places players in the boots of Carl Faubert, a private investigator with a penchant for solitude and a sudden knack for finding trouble in eerie, snow-laden landscapes. Just when you thought it was safe to get out of the igloo, the chilling ambiance of 'Kona' kicks in, ready to give you goosebumps and make you rethink your outdoor winter plans.

Gameplay

'Kona' masterfully entwines survival mechanics with a narrative that makes you feel like a detective in a snow globe. As Carl, you'll trundle around in your trusty truck, trying not to freeze your toes off while hunting for clues wrapped in a mysterious storyline. The game's intermittent puzzles will demand more brain cells than the average math test, but fear not! With a dash of scavenging for tools, firewood, and the occasional cold beer (because priorities), you can keep Carl both warm and somewhat sane. Players will also encounter stress management mechanics that require you to smoke cigarettes and drink local brews to stave off the madness of unnerving occurrences - an uncanny life lesson wrapped in layers of engaging gameplay.

Graphics

Visually, 'Kona' paints a picture of snowy desolation often reminiscent of a haunting postcard from Quebec. The game's graphics can be described as stylized realism, capturing both beauty and the eerie essence of isolation. Watching snowflakes fall while navigating Carl through fog-laden woods feels visually satisfying. Just don't get lulled into complacency; the real horrors await where shadows linger, uncovering hidden vices that lurk behind trees and abandoned buildings. Sure, it won't rival the latest AAA blockbusters in terms of jaw-dropping realism, but it does a commendable job with a unique aesthetic that suits the narrative perfectly.

Conclusion

'Kona' is that quirky cousin who shows up at the family gathering, a little awkward yet utterly entertaining. The blend of survival mechanics, investigation, and supernatural elements creates a captivating package that-while not perfect-easily manages to grip your attention and occasionally cause you to jump out of your seat (watch out for those wolves!). There are stumbles along the journey due to pacing issues and the occasional mundane dialogue, yet the overall experience remains engaging. So, if you're in the mood to navigate treacherous landscapes, unearth chilling mysteries, and perhaps enjoy a warm drink while bundled in a blanket, 'Kona' might just be your winter go-to. Grab your controller and a cozy sweatshirt, and dive right into this unique foray into the frozen unknown!

See Latest Prices for Kona on PS4 on Amazon

See Prices for Kona on PS4 on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...