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Sei Shonagon would probably approve

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 21 / 24
Date: January 22, 2005
Author: Amazon User

A Playstation 2 exclusive, KUON was quietly released in December 2004. Developed by From Software, the masterminds behind XBOX's OTogi series, Kuon is a beautiful and scary survival horror game that dereves more attention than it has recieved. The North American version states it is the full uncut version which was edited in Japan. The developers obviously were insprired by Tecmo's popular "Fatal Frame" series and Capcom's "Onimusha" franchise. The results are pretty good.

In Kuon you play several characters hut initially start by choosing between two sisters seeking their father in ancient Japan. While getting seperated you pay each sister to learn their story all the while exploring blood soaked shrines and a decaying Fuedal lord's manor. During your explorating you learn magic spells, fights demons and dig through the odd dead body or two, all while being stalked by horrific Japanese demons.

In the second half of the game you play the master Onmyoji (a Shinto exorcist) to learn the truth about Kuon.

Graphically the game is pretty good- the FMVs are particularly nice. Game control is a pretty smooth 3rd person perspective without the annoying "Resident Evil" control scheme which usually pops up in this genre of games. The game does get hard to see in some darker areas and the paths the characters walk on are soemtimes confining but these are minor gripes.

The sound effects and music are used to maximum effect and really add to the creep atmosphere of the game. Developers really seemed to borrow from "Fatal Frame 2" with the Japanese taiko drums, children chanting and crisp footfall sounds all used to add to suspense.

The game does use a vertigo/ system where characters get disoriented if they get scared. I have never been a big fan of this feature(particularly in the Clock Tower series) but here it isnt that annoying and actually adds a touch of believability to the game.

Overall Kuon is a solid release and an absolute must buy for fans of Survival Horror. Those who like their games heavy on non-stop action may need to look else where but for everyone else its a great way spend a few scary hours.

Excellent and beautiful Japanese survival horror game for PS2!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 13 / 13
Date: January 01, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I purchased this game the day it was released, because I am a huge survival horror fan and love the Japanese culture. This game far exceeded my expectations and was a perfect addition to my survival horror library. The feel of the game resembles that of the Fatal Frame series, but there are so many differences that the two cannot be compared.

In Kuon, you control multiple characters at different phases throughout the game. With each of the characters, the story unfolds and contributes greatly to the overall storyline. Although the story could have been more tightly woven, the tale is definitely unique and creates not only an interesting setting, but also contributes to the eeriness and fear generated in the audience.

The fighting style used is definitely worth mentioning as each of the characters have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The weapons used throughout the game are various types of daggers representing ice, fire, etc. and also one of the most interesting aspects of combat is the use of powerful spells. As you wander through Japanese gardens, temples and various tatami rooms, you discover many different spell cards that have their own intrinsic powers. Some summon beasts such as spiders and wolves, some summon weather such as ice shards and fiery arrows and others unleash more odd assistants such as hands gripping the enemy from the underworld and even an old woman's spirit that attacks enemies at your will! There will never be a dull moment in combat as these tools help protect you throughout your journey.

The characters, environments, items and enemies are beautifully rendered and presented. You do wander through the various dark locations with only a lantern to light your way and this definitely sets the unsettling mood and atmosphere to give you the best horror experience. I will never forget the areas splattered with blood, cleansing rituals by a near stream of water, labyrinth style paths that can lead you astray and underground passageways that fill you with dread as you anticipate what lies around the next corner.

There also are many puzzles that reflect the Japanese culture and their love of everything mystical. Spirit cloths also add an interesting twist allowing you to unlock various doors and passageways as no keys are found throughout the game. Once you complete the game and if you found the Sugoroku board and pieces, you can unlock this bonus game from the main menu! Another great piece of the Japanese culture!

Obviously I loved this game. I must have played it about 10 times and have never become bored as it offers excellent replay value. If you love survival horror games and also find the Japanese culture as beautiful as I do, you will definitely love this game and appreciate it immensely! Give it a try and I'm sure you will not be disappointed!

Some Scary @#*!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 11
Date: July 24, 2006
Author: Amazon User

First let me start by saying I consider myself a horror connoisseur. I own an extensive horror movie collection on dvd & I don't scare easy.

Now, I was in an electronics store about a month ago and saw this title KUON for the PS2. I have never heard of this game before (later finding out that it is a rare find).
So after being inticed by the description on the back, I took it home. Also because it was the only copy.
Once I put in the disc and started playing, I was hooked. And let me tell you there are several moments where I felt chills & actually started getting scared with wondering what's coming next. You forget you are playing a game.
The visuals are superb. And the background music only adds to the eeriness.
At times I thought this game would not end (which is a good thing) after finishing the Yin phase, the Yang phase, and then was suprised when the Kuon phase opened up. Add the puzzles and hidden items for a pleasantly complex experience.
I have finished the game and opened up the Sugoroku game. Total time of game play was about 15 hours (which makes this game worth every last penny), not including the times I had to keep going back to my last save spot because I got killed.

I know I am a little late on reviewing this game but since I just discovered it, I had say something about it. I Love It!!!
This game has also inspired me to go back and purchase other survival horror games like all 4 of the Silent Hill series, Haunting Ground, etc.

The best way to play this game is at night with all the lights off. But you probably already know that.

Fun but graphically violent and rather dark....

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: July 01, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This was a great game -- the animation, puzzles, storyline were all excellent. There were certain scenes where the hairs on my arms stood up and I broke out in goosebumps. Ahh, the shivers! Although one of my students described the game as "horrifying", I still immensely enjoyed it and would recommed it most highly.

Japanese Horror in a Video Game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: December 24, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I really like this game, even though I am still playing and don't know the ending of the game yet. It wouldn't change my mind. I have waited since October for this game; after waiting almost 4 months for the release I ordered it as soon as I saw it on AMAZON. And I haven't stop playing it yet. Great for the fans of Japanese Horror movies.

A bit derivative, but over all a very satisfying and scary

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: August 01, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Kuon is a true diamond in the rough. It was barely noticed in the American market, but is a more than worthy entry the survival horror genre. It's a lot like Fatal Frame in atmosphere. One of its more interesting aspects is your ability to play as three different in different yet interlocking storylines to unlock the mystery of Kuon. On the downside, it has many more load points than it should, and while the loading time is only about 6 seconds, it really breaks up the flow of play. I also thought that it was odd that the character's mouths don't move when they speak.

Inany case, though, definitely worth buying if you're a fan of Fatal Frame, Silent Hill, and/or Resident Evil.

well well well...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: January 03, 2007
Author: Amazon User

If your like me, always searching for horror games that leave a deep chill in your bone while giving you plenty of zombie killing action, then is the game for you.The story takes place in japan, your alone with a knife and pitch darkness where evil lurks around every corner.This is by far the best horror game for ps2 yet.Not only is there a lot of blood and gore, theres also creepy creatures, scary monsters, and dark enviroments. Go check it out and see for yourself what im talkin about

Fatal frame fans will like this...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: November 03, 2005
Author: Amazon User

The Genre is very fatal frame like, and as long as you dont expect this game to surpass Fatal Frame...you will enjoy this game in between waiting for the next one to come out. Ive played every Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Fatal Frame game out, and Im enjoying this game. The only setback to me is the lack of saves. I like to save ALOT. I hate to repeat my steps. But, the atomosphere us deliciously creepy, entertaining and I am gratefull for the easy/hard modes.

A real tresure

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: February 02, 2007
Author: Amazon User

In the days when we are all thinking about the fact that everything will be PS3 soon, it's good to know that there are still some largely unrecognized PS2 titles that are seriously worthwhile. Are there some minor problems? Sure. But, hey, if you're a fan of Silent Hill-type games, please give this a try. If you're an old-timer like me, I'm sure you won't be dissappointed.
O.K. Perhaps the characters mouths don't move in the movies. I didn't find this a terrible problem. But, more to the point, I found it to be quite a different concept and a very, very pretty and lyrical game with reasonably fluid character movements. In fact, though I have heard the game criticized on the basis of character movement, it is really the use of widely varied and cool spells that makes the game most fun. (And I didn't really think the character movement was that bad at all.)
My summary: If you're the type of person that really gets into the mood of a game and loved Silent Hill II, I think you'll love this. (And it's fairly intricate and long, if you want a lot of bang for your buck.)

Visually beautiful, but boring to play

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 1 / 11
Date: October 08, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I really don't know how this game could have gotten such high ratings from customers. I hated this game. While the graphics/visuals, and horror scenes were delightfully exotic and spooky, the method of game play was repetitive, boring, and uninteresting!

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