Meshing manga-style horror strips by Minho Kim and T. L. Riven’s narrative with brilliant survival gameplay, The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters is making its way to Steam following the spookiest month of the year. Published by Headup and developed by the Korea-based Devespresso Games, Vicious Sisters evokes similar tropes of the legendary manga Uzumaki by Junji Ito blended with a cultural flavor, much in the same way that Home Sweet Home uses Thai myths to create a realistic and likewise unsettling video game atmosphere.
With Coma 2, every move, every discovery, every moment has a darkness about it like no other game before it. Unsettling to most, this is what horror survival fanatics long for in gaming.
Much like Liberated’s blending of the graphic novel with the action platformer, Coma 2 similarly utilizes comic artistry with horror storytelling to further develop the series. The atmospheric tension and horror, even within this 2D environment, was done so well in the original, it makes sense it would be broadened for the sequel. The setting remains Sehaw High School, though this time players can explore the exterior of the building and surrounding district.
Youngho is no longer the protagonist, replaced by the witty student, Mina Park, who awakens to find her school contorted in a nightmarish realm. Venturing through the halls, collecting clues, solving puzzles and, most importantly, surviving the transfixed teacher and creatures who occupy this unreality spells the nature of one’s playthrough. The more players dive deeper into the madness that riddles Sehaw High and its surrounding border, the more the mystery unravels.
Don’t be fooled by its Korean developing team - Coma 2 is going international, unlike its predecessor. A developer on the game, Tristan Riven, says:
“This time, through our combined efforts, we’re bringing the second exciting chapter of The Coma to gamers around the world. It’s a real privilege to continue the story that started our journey in the game industry together.”
Although 2D may not be for everyone, it’s perfect for both comic readers and horror fanatics, especially after the season of frights. It has a lot of heart, as well as a plethora of lore. Unlike other modern horror games that overuse jump scares to convey their unsettling premises, Coma 2 utilizes exceptional writing and art to breathe life into its nightmarish world. Through adventure, investigation, and witty puzzle-solving, players must navigate Mina back to reality, or fall victim to the nightmare dwellings.
Expect the nightmare on November 7 with early access on Steam, full release for consoles in Q1 2020.
