Kona (video game)

Kona includes survival and supernatural elements with buildings to explore, which contain loot (tools, light) and can serve as shelters.[4] Some of the threats include cold (solved by setting up fire) and wolves (which can be shot or distracted with raw meat).[5] There is a stress level, which increases by seeing upsetting scenes, dealing with tough situations, or getting into accidents. Having a higher stress level will decrease the sprint speed and add a shakier aim, but Carl can calm himself down by smoking cigarettes and drinking beers that are spread around.[6]

The navigation of the region is done by Carl’s truck in a first-person viewpoint. While driving, Carl can hold the zoomable map in his right hand in case something needs to be checked.[7] The game has Carl's thoughts being narrated as he goes through clues to find out what has happened to the town, along with puzzles that support the story.[8][9]

Kona was developed by Canadian-based company Parabole. Initial funding for the game came through a crowdfunding campaign on the website Kickstarter. The campaign was launched on August 7, 2014 with a goal of CA$40,000; it ended on September 6, 2014 with CA$44,271 raised by 1,304 people.[10] Lead developer Alexandre Fiset later said the funding from Kickstarter would have produced a five-minute game.[11] Later funding for the game came from the Canada Media Fund, which accounted for roughly half.[12] It was released on Steam Early Access in March 2016, later released a year later.[13]

On its release, Kona was met with "mixed or average" reviews from critics on Metacritic, with an aggregate score of 73% for Microsoft Windows, 71% for PlayStation 4, and 63% for Nintendo Switch.[14][15][16]

• Official website