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The pressure to succeed academically in South Korea is immense. For students like Youngho, the fear of failing an exam can be a nightmare. After an all-night cram session, Youngho falls asleep during a test and descends into a terrifying world where failure has far more dire consequences. This is the premise of The Coma: Recut.

This review explores the chilling atmosphere, intriguing mysteries, and unfortunately, the shortcomings of this Korean horror game. Developed and published by Devespresso Games, The Coma: Recut is a remastered version of the 2015 title The Coma: Cutting Glass, drawing inspiration from the classic Korean horror game White Day: A Labyrinth Named School. Does it manage to carve its own niche in the horror genre? Let’s find out.

A School Shrouded in Darkness

The Coma: Recut excels at creating a genuinely unsettling atmosphere. The endless darkness of the school, the lurking threats, and the constant fear of pursuit contribute to a palpable sense of dread.

Youngho’s primary antagonist, a murderous teacher, relentlessly stalks him throughout the game. Her sudden appearances, armed with a box cutter or axe, force players to think quickly and find hiding spots. Other dangers include poisonous creatures, falling corpses, and lurking spirits.

The Coma: Recut – Dark School Corridor

The combination of visuals and sound design effectively amplifies the horror. The eerie background music, the oppressive silence, and the unsettling imagery create a blend of curiosity and fear. The tension is constantly ratcheted up by the knowledge that the killer could appear at any moment. When pursued, the music changes, and the screen shakes, adding to the feeling of imminent danger.

The game cleverly uses false senses of security. Opening the map, which nearly fills the screen, might lead players to believe the game pauses. It doesn’t. Early on, classrooms and restrooms seem safe, but that illusion quickly shatters. Even the game over screen offers a final scare. Overall, Devespresso Games successfully cultivates an atmosphere of dread, arguably The Coma: Recut‘s greatest strength.

The Coma: Recut – Lurking Danger

Mysteries in the Night

Adding to the horror is a compellingly mysterious narrative. Youngho’s journey to escape his nightmare is filled with unanswered questions. The enigmatic characters, the dangerous creatures, and the very existence of the school are all puzzles waiting to be solved. This curiosity drives players forward.

The Coma: Recut – Exploring the School

Beyond the overarching mysteries, The Coma: Recut offers smaller enigmas to uncover. Collectible notes scattered throughout the school add layers of intrigue. Multiple endings encourage exploration and completion of side quests. The game weaves a tapestry of secrets, large and small, enhancing the unsettling atmosphere.

The Coma: Recut – Another Threat

Style Over Substance

While The Coma: Recut establishes a strong atmosphere and intriguing mysteries, it falters in its execution. The gameplay is repetitive. The constant threat of the killer forces players into a cycle of running and hiding, which can become tedious. There isn’t much else to do besides moving between locations, triggering cutscenes, or collecting items. The game essentially boils down to an elaborate game of cat and mouse.

The narrative, while initially captivating, ultimately feels underdeveloped. The mysteries pile up without satisfying resolutions. While the game offers multiple endings, they are essentially variations on a single scene. The story feels like a setup for a sequel, prioritizing future installments over delivering a complete experience. Many foundational questions remain unanswered, and the events lack significant impact. Players could potentially skip this entry and jump into a sequel without missing crucial information.

Conclusion

The Coma: Recut shines in its atmosphere and initial intrigue. However, the repetitive gameplay and unsatisfying narrative diminish its overall impact. It feels more like a stepping stone for future projects than a standalone experience. While it offers a glimpse into a fascinating world, it ultimately leaves players wanting more.