Sometimes, when a sequel or a new season of a show arrives on the likes of Netflix or Sky, a sense of disorientation sets in. If considerable time has passed since the original, you might struggle to recall the characters, the plot, or even why you enjoyed it in the first place.
This happens to me with games too – and it’s done just that with The Coma 2B: Catacomb. I played the first game, The Coma: Recut, in 2017, and then The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters in 2020. Since then, a global pandemic occurred, and now we are delivered this third installment. Thankfully, a helpful recap video at the start brought me up to speed.
The Coma 2B: Catacomb takes place concurrently with The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters but from a different perspective, acting as a narrative bridge between the two games. Youngho, the protagonist from the first game, has escaped the terrifying alternate dimension known as the Coma and returned to school, attempting to rebuild his life. However, things are not as they seem, and soon Youngho finds himself trapped in another dimension, encountering familiar faces like Mina from the second game.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. While the narrative occasionally veers into confusing territory, I appreciated its unpredictable nature and the well-written dialogue. The horror tropes are effectively employed too, as the game maintains the distinctive atmosphere of Korean horror.
The gameplay retains the 2D perspective of its predecessors. You begin in the ordinary world, attending classes and taking tests, interacting with classmates before things take a sinister turn. From there, it becomes a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and evasion. It’s here where you navigate the 2D environments, conserving stamina while running and utilising a roll move to escape danger. You also have a flashlight, but its use must be judicious, as light attracts unwanted attention.
The Coma 2B: Catacomb incorporates elements of traditional adventure games, with an inventory system and a list of objectives to complete. The puzzles are challenging and occasionally feel a bit random, and while being pursued by the killer is initially thrilling, it can become repetitive. The quick-time events (QTEs) also feel somewhat dated. However, despite these minor flaws, the overall gameplay experience is solid.
The visuals are once again a highlight, with a striking 2D art style, expressive character designs, and stylish cutscenes reminiscent of a graphic novel. The character designs, particularly the contrast between the real world and the Coma dimension, are exceptional. That is complemented by the soundtrack and sound effects which effectively enhance the atmosphere.
Returning to The Coma franchise after a considerable hiatus was a pleasant enough experience. While The Coma 2B: Catacomb doesn’t drastically deviate from its predecessors, it delivers another enjoyable, yet chilling, adventure.
Familiarity with the previous games enhances the experience, though it’s not strictly necessary and so despite some frustrating chase sequences and occasionally obtuse puzzles, The Coma 2B: Catacomb is a worthwhile entry in the series.
Survive The Horrors Of A Mirror Dimension In The Coma 2B: Catacomb – https://www.thexboxhub.com/survive-the-horrors-of-a-mirror-dimension-in-the-coma-2b-catacomb/
Buy The Coma 2B: Catacomb – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/the-coma-2b-catacomb/9mvphqqh64hw
