The Coma 2B: Catacomb Review.

Developer: DVORA STUDIO CO. LTD.

Initial release date: August 20, 2024

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S

Genres: Adventure game, Action game, Indie game, Adventure

Publishers: Headup Games, Nordic Stone Studio

Series: The Coma

A sensation of bewilderment can occur when a sequel or new season of a show is released on platforms such as Netflix or Sky. If it’s been a long time since the original, you could find it difficult to remember the characters, the plot, or even why you liked it in the first.

It is time to explore again.

This happens to me with games as well, and it has done so with The Coma 2B: Catacomb. I initially played The Coma: Recut in 2017, followed by The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters in 2020. Since then, a global pandemic has happened, and we are now receiving this third installment. Thankfully, a helpful recap video at the beginning got me up to speed.

The Coma 2B: Catacomb is set concurrently with The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters, but from a different perspective, serving as a narrative bridge between the two games. Youngho, the first game’s protagonist, has escaped the frightening other reality known as the Coma and returned to school, hoping to restore his life. However, things are not as they appear, and Youngho soon finds himself stuck in another world, where he meets familiar individuals such as Mina from the second game.

I enjoyed both the tale and the characters. While the story occasionally deviates into unclear area, I enjoyed its surprising nature and well-written dialogue. The horror tropes are also skillfully used, since the game retains the peculiar atmosphere of Korean horror.

You should understand what to expect from this one.

The gameplay maintains the 2D perspective of its predecessors. You start off in the typical world, attending classes and taking tests, mingling with peers, before things take a nasty turn. From there, it’s a combination of exploration, problem solving, and evasion. It is here that you will explore the 2D terrain, conserving stamina while running and using a roll maneuver to avoid danger. You also have a flashlight, but use it with caution because light attracts unwelcome attention.

The Coma 2B: Catacomb features components of typical adventure games, such as an inventory system and a list of objectives to complete. The challenges are difficult and sometimes seem arbitrary, and while being hunted by the killer is exciting at first, it can get tedious. The quick-time events (QTEs) are likewise fairly antiquated. However, despite these little shortcomings, the overall gameplay experience is satisfactory.

The visuals are once again a standout, including a striking 2D art style, expressive character designs, and elegant sequences evocative of comic novels. The character designs, especially the contrast between the actual world and the Coma realm, are outstanding. The soundtrack and sound effects add to the atmosphere.

Do not run from The Coma 2B: Catacomb.

Returning to The Coma franchise after a long gap was a delightful experience. While The Coma 2B: Catacomb does not depart significantly from its predecessors, it provides another enjoyable, yet chilling, trip.

Familiarity with the previous games improves the experience, but it is not necessarily required. Despite some stressful pursuit sequences and occasionally difficult riddles, The Coma 2B: Catacomb is a worthwhile chapter in the series.

Review Overview

Gameplay: 83%

Controls: 80%

Aesthetics: 86%

Content: 82%

Accessibility: 79%

Value: 81%

Overall: 82%

SOLID!

Summary:

“The Coma 2B: Catacomb” recreates the unsettling atmosphere of survival horror with suspenseful gameplay and haunting visuals. Its gameplay revolves around evasion and exploration, increasing tension with each step through the gloomy, atmospheric tombs. The controls can seem tight during high-intensity moments, but they add to the overall sense of vulnerability that makes the experience so powerful. Aesthetic details contribute to the gloomy, oppressive atmosphere, yet some players may want for more narrative depth. It’s an immersive experience for horror enthusiasts who appreciate psychological scares and atmospheric narrative.