Info about Kona:

Official game description:
Northern Canada, 1970. A strange blizzard ravages Atamipek Lake. Step into the shoes of a detective to explore the eerie village, investigate surreal events, and battle the elements to survive. Kona is a chilly, narrative-driven interactive tale you won't soon forget.  
_"Parabole has created a stunning game of duality, effortlessly blending survivalism with detective work and well-researched history with dying folklore."_  
\- Stephen Turner, Destructoid  
_"It’s tremendous at creating its distinct atmosphere and then drawing you deeper in. It’s witty, spooky, and achieves an ideal sense of urgency. Weird, clamant and intriguing, this is well worth a look."_  
\- John Walker, Rock, Paper, Shotgun
Setting
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October 1970. W. Hamilton, a rich industrialist who owns a hunting manor in Northern Canada, reports several cases of vandalism perpetrated against his property. Unable to find out who dared to commit these acts, Hamilton calls Carl Faubert, a renowned private detective to handle the affair.  
In Kona, Carl becomes trapped up in the deep north, engulfed in an unexpected snowstorm, and is unable to find his client —or any other living inhabitant for that matter. The player incarnated detective Faubert, who must shed light on the mysterious events befalling the area.
Key Features
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*   Step into a surreal interactive tale of mystery and investigate the perplexing quietness in the entire town  
*   Explore a vast, frigid Northern environment and battle the elements to survive  
*   Enjoy the atmospheric soundtrack featuring music by Quebec folk band CuréLabel  
*   Experience the tale through the omniscient, third-person storyteller  
*   Go back in time with a vintage look and feel reminiscent of 1970s rural communities

Release date: Mar 17, 2017

Categories: Atmospheric Horror, Narrative Adventure, Exploration, Survival, Investigative Gameplay, Puzzle Solving, Single-player, Environmental Storytelling

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Moderate Dependency on External Data; summary: The primary user complaints revolve around the need for external resources to understand complex mechanics and quest outcomes. Users frequently refer to wikis and walkthroughs to grasp the game's lore and puzzle solutions, indicating a reliance on external data for a comprehensive gaming experience.
- Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The Steam Deck experience for this game has several notable issues. Achievement issues are a significant problem, with multiple users reporting that achievements do not work. There are also stability issues, with occasional game hangs. Language support is lacking, particularly for Brazilian Portuguese, making it difficult for some users to follow the story. The user interface has readability issues, and controls are reported as uncomfortable and imprecise. Despite these issues, some users found the game quick and fun to play on the Steam Deck.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Immersive snowy atmosphere (weight 0.74): The game's setting in a snowy Quebec environment is highly immersive and authentic. Players enjoy the beautiful winter landscapes, the accurate 1970s era details, and the unique Canadian forest setting, which contribute to a rich and engaging atmosphere.
- Engaging and intriguing story (weight 0.69): The game offers an interesting and engaging plot with a compelling mystery. Players appreciate the intriguing detective story and the well-developed characters, which keep them invested throughout the game.
- Enjoyable detective gameplay (weight 0.57): Players find the detective gameplay to be fun and engaging. The game offers a mix of survival and detective elements, with enjoyable exploration and investigation mechanics that keep players interested.
- Excellent narration and voice acting (weight 0.43): The game features highly praised narration and voice acting, with the narrator being described as humorous, immersive, and contributing significantly to the overall experience. The rich and deep voicework, combined with well-crafted writing, enhances the game's atmosphere and engagement.
- Well-designed environments (weight 0.38): The game features beautifully realized and carefully created environments that enhance the overall atmosphere. The desolate and visually impressive settings contribute to the game's immersive experience.
- Supernatural and mystery elements (weight 0.2): The game includes intriguing supernatural elements and a compelling mystery. Players appreciate the mix of 70’s mysticism and supernatural elements, which add to the game's unique atmosphere.
- Quebecois French voice acting (weight 0.11): The game features voice acting in the original Quebecois French, which is highly praised by players. The authentic narration with a Quebecois accent adds to the game's immersive experience.
- Driving mechanics (weight 0.11): The game includes driving mechanics, which are described as rudimentary but enjoyable. These mechanics add variety to the gameplay and are appreciated by players.

Common complaints:
- Unsatisfactory and abrupt ending (weight 0.82): The ending of the game is widely criticized for being abrupt, underwhelming, and unsatisfactory. Players feel that the story build-up does not deliver a satisfying conclusion, and the ending lacks development and resolution.
- Clunky controls and mechanics (weight 0.3): The game's controls and mechanics are often described as clunky and nonintuitive. This includes issues with the controller and overall gameplay mechanics, making the game less enjoyable.
- Difficult and uneven puzzles (weight 0.27): The puzzles in the game are criticized for being difficult and uneven. Some puzzles are particularly challenging and may require a walkthrough, while others feel uninteresting and poorly designed.
- Map and navigation issues (weight 0.18): Players face issues with map navigation, including the inability to use the map while on the snowmobile and the lack of a compass or mini-map, making navigation difficult.
- Poorly designed inventory system (weight 0.17): The inventory system is criticized for being badly designed, overly complicated, and cluttered, making inventory management tedious and impractical.
- Lack of clear objectives and direction (weight 0.17): Players find the game lacking in clear objectives and direction, with no hints or guidance provided, making it difficult to know what to do next.
- Frequent and abrupt loading screens (weight 0.16): Players are annoyed by the frequent and abrupt loading screens, which can last several seconds and disrupt the gameplay experience.
- Graphical issues and problems (weight 0.16): The game is criticized for having graphical issues, including ugly graphics and texture problems, which detract from the overall visual experience.
- Complex and messy menu navigation (weight 0.15): Players find the menu system to be overly complex and messy, particularly the radial wheel menu. This makes navigation tiresome and less user-friendly.
- Repetitive and monotonous gameplay (weight 0.12): The gameplay becomes repetitive and monotonous, especially towards the end. This repetitiveness makes the game less engaging and more tedious.
- Lack of meaningful survival elements (weight 0.12): The game is criticized for lacking meaningful survival elements, despite being marketed as a survival game. The survival aspects are not challenging due to abundant supplies.
- Boring and slow gameplay (weight 0.09): The game is criticized for being boring and slow, with gameplay that becomes tedious quickly and lacks engaging elements.
- Minimal detective work (weight 0.09): Players feel that there is minimal detective work involved in the game, with little deduction required and no actual clue-solving, making the detective elements feel superficial.
- Game occasionally hangs or freezes (weight 0.08): Players report that the game occasionally hangs or freezes out of nowhere, causing disruptions and frustration during gameplay.

Gameplay feedback:
- Detective and mystery-solving gameplay (weight 0.62): The game prominently features detective-style gameplay with puzzle-solving elements. Players take on the role of an investigative character solving mysteries, collecting clues, and filling out journal entries in a narrative-driven environment.
- Exploration and investigation focus (weight 0.46): The gameplay involves extensive exploration and investigation mechanics. Players gather clues, solve puzzles, and engage in scavenger hunt-like activities to progress.
- Supernatural and mystery elements (weight 0.4): The game mixes survival, horror, and investigation elements with a strong focus on mystery and supernatural themes. The storyline often involves mystical and supernatural elements revealed through collected notes.
- Survival elements and mechanics (weight 0.4): Survival elements include managing health, warmth, sanity, and resources. Players must navigate environmental challenges such as cold weather and avoid threats like wolves.
- Walking simulator with survival elements (weight 0.32): The game combines elements of a walking simulator with survival and detective mechanics. It often includes a narrative-driven experience set in atmospheric environments.
- Open-world and exploration mechanics (weight 0.3): The game offers an open-world or semi-open world map for players to explore. It emphasizes narrative adventure and exploration in a first-person perspective, often with atmospheric elements.
- Vehicle usage and interactive gameplay (weight 0.16): Gameplay involves using vehicles for travel and storage, along with interactive elements like smoking, drinking, and using guns. The game also features puzzles that require attention to detail.
- Linear, story-based adventure (weight 0.12): The game features a linear story with a strong focus on narrative-driven gameplay. It is an interactive story that keeps players engaged through its storyline.
- Inventory and resource management (weight 0.09): Players must manage their inventory and resources carefully. This includes keeping track of items and ensuring they have the necessary resources for survival.
- Map usage and accessibility (weight 0.09): The game features restrictions and specific mechanics related to map usage. Players need to utilize the map effectively for navigation and exploration.

Performance notes:
- Frequent loading screens (weight 0.47): Many players report frequent and abrupt loading screens that disrupt gameplay. These loading screens occur during various activities such as driving, transitioning between zones, and moving to new areas.
- Graphical glitches and modest visuals (weight 0.21): Players have noted various graphical glitches, texture issues, and modest visuals. While some appreciate the visuals, others find them lacking or problematic.
- Performance issues and lag (weight 0.21): Players experience stuttering, laggy gameplay, and frame rate drops, particularly on laptops. This includes sudden frame freezing and general performance problems.
- Good optimization on certain platforms (weight 0.15): Some players report good optimization and performance on specific platforms like the Steam Deck. The game is noted to run well and not be heavy on computer resources.
- Control and interaction issues (weight 0.12): There are reports of mouse sensitivity issues, interaction prompts not triggering, and general control problems. Some players also mention issues with the Xbox controller not working.
- Crashes and stability issues (weight 0.04): Numerous crashes and stability issues have been reported by players, affecting the overall gaming experience.
- Sound design praised (weight 0.03): The game's sound design has been highlighted as excellent by some players, adding to the overall positive aspects of the game.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for fans of similar games (weight 0.46): The game is frequently recommended to fans of narrative-driven and atmospheric games like Firewatch, Dear Esther, and The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. It appeals to those who enjoy walking simulators and mystery exploration.
- Highly recommended, especially on sale (weight 0.45): Many reviewers suggest this game is worth buying, particularly when discounted. The consensus is that it offers great value for money at a reduced price.
- Worth playing for mystery and exploration (weight 0.34): The game is praised for its intricate mystery and exploration elements. It is recommended for those who enjoy investigative and exploratory gameplay.
- Positive reviews from non-English speakers (weight 0.16): The game has received positive reviews from non-English speaking players, indicating its appeal across different language groups.
- Anticipation for future updates and sequels (weight 0.15): Several reviewers express excitement for future updates and sequels. This indicates a strong interest in the continuation of the game's story and gameplay.
- Mixed reviews on performance (weight 0.07): There are mixed reviews regarding the game's performance. Some players requested refunds due to poor performance, while others found it worth playing despite some weaknesses.
- Caution for non-English speakers (weight 0.04): While the game is highly recommended for its atmosphere and storytelling, some reviewers caution non-English speakers about potential language barriers.

Other player notes:
- Language support issues (weight 0.08): The game has limited language support, with mentions of Spanish interface and subtitles, and a lack of Russian language options.
- Vehicle respawn bug (weight 0.05): There is a bug where vehicles, such as the small car and snowmobile, respawn near the save point after reloading a save.
- Game duration details (weight 0.04): The base game takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete, while achieving 100% completion takes around 10-12 hours.
- Early Access status (weight 0.04): The game is mentioned to be in Early Access, indicating it may still have ongoing development and potential issues.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.21): Players felt let down by the game's unoriginal and poorly paced story, abrupt and unsatisfying ending, and lack of meaningful gameplay mechanics. The survival elements and overall implementation were criticized for feeling half-baked and repetitive, leading to a sense of wasted potential.
- Frustration (weight 0.17): Players were frustrated by various technical issues, including bugs, poor controls, and performance problems. The lack of clear direction, confusing mechanics, and issues with the inventory system and achievements also contributed to this frustration.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.15): Players enjoyed the game's atmosphere, story, and setting, finding them intriguing and immersive. The exploration, survival mechanics, and driving mechanics were also highlighted as enjoyable aspects of the gameplay.
- Engagement (weight 0.06): The game's engaging story and atmosphere kept players interested. The exploration mechanics and environmental storytelling were particularly noted for their ability to maintain player engagement.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Players were excited by the game's unpredictable story and the sense of exploration and discovery. The immersive atmosphere and detailed world also contributed to this excitement.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciated the game's beautiful visuals, immersive setting, and detailed survival elements. The unique mix of supernatural and folklore elements, along with the strong storyline, were also noted.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Players found joy in the game's atmosphere, exploration, and driving mechanics. The unique Canadian forest setting and the game's mystery and problem-solving aspects were also sources of joy.
- Positive (weight 0.03): Players had a positive experience with the game's interesting story, atmospheric world, and engaging mystery. The unique blend of survival and investigative gameplay, along with the beautifully realized environments, were highlighted.
- Curiosity (weight 0.03): The game's intriguing story, supernatural elements, and mysterious atmosphere piqued players' curiosity. The need to piece together different cases and the setting also contributed to this feeling.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Players felt satisfied with the game's appropriate length, immersive environment, and story. The atmospheric elements, good music, and graphics were also noted as sources of satisfaction.
- Interest (weight 0.02): The game's intriguing story, fantastical atmosphere, and interesting characters kept players interested. The fun puzzles and good visuals were also highlighted.
- Engaged (weight 0.02): Players were engaged by the game's interesting and engaging story, humorous narration, and atmospheric setting. The deep and interesting plot with surreal touches maintained their engagement.
- Immersed (weight 0.02): Players felt immersed in the game's well-designed environments and atmospheric setting. The slow-burn storytelling and accurate depiction of a snowstorm contributed to this immersion.
- Negative (weight 0.02): Players had negative feelings due to the game's simplistic survival mechanics, clunky combat, and slow pacing. The terrible narrator and ugly graphics were also criticized.
- Intrigue (weight 0.01): The game's mysterious atmosphere and supernatural elements intrigued players. The town's mystery and well-crafted atmosphere were particularly noted.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Players were disappointed by the game's overall quality, lack of challenge, and survival mechanics. The disappointing ending and storyline were also sources of disappointment.
- Frustrated (weight 0.01): Players were frustrated by difficult puzzles, stuttery and laggy gameplay, and performance issues. The gameplay mechanics were also criticized.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players were confused by the game's puzzles and next objectives. The confusing plot and excessive unnecessary loot were also noted.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Players felt nostalgic due to the game's comparison with classic adventure games and the second part of the game. The aesthetics reminiscent of past decades and old-school detective adventure elements contributed to this feeling.
- Nostalgic (weight 0.01): The game's old-school detective adventure elements and aesthetics reminiscent of past decades made players feel nostalgic. The comparison with classic adventure games was also noted.}