Let me get this out of the way: I don’t do well with jump scares. To be perfectly honest, I’m kind of a baby when it comes to anything scary. That doesn’t mean I don’t like a bit of suspense or fear in my games and entertainment, but I know how much I can tolerate.
WereBuff Studio’s Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit is that perfect amount that I can tolerate.
A game with heavy inspiration from the Little Nightmares franchise, Kumarn gives players a nice mix of horror, suspense, and puzzle platforming. And after getting hands-on time with it at Gamescom, I can say that this is a game that should be on everyone’s radar.
A Suspenseful Adventure
Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit follows the journey of Kumarn, a young child spirit who was once worshipped at a village shrine but has since been ripped away from his home following a forbidden ritual. As you go on your journey of rediscovery, you’ll be joined by a zebra companion named Zeb who will help guide your way.
The game, from Kumarn and Zeb to the spirits you’ll encounter, is influenced by Thai folklore. These spirits are all on the hunt, waiting for you to make a mistake before they attack.
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I was able to play the beginning of the game, where you learn the controls and meet Zeb. The platforming elements at the start are simple enough, as you need to work around obstacles and make various jumps to move forward. They will get progressively more challenging, with some requiring precise jumps to avoid falling to your death.
There were times when the jumping didn’t feel as responsive as it should have, leading to quite a few deaths. That, however, is something the developers know about and are actively working on addressing before the game’s release next year. Beyond that, the movement felt solid, and the overall atmosphere keeps you on your toes, always keeping you looking out for the next fright.
The one spirit I had to escape searched through the halls and listened for every sound, requiring me to creep around slowly, taking advantage of any cover I could find. When it came to the chase sequence, the creature was always just close enough that one little mistake or any hesitation in decision-making meant death.
When I say it was the perfect amount of suspense and fear, I mean it.
The best compliment I can give a game that I’ve only had a short time with is that it left me wanting more. Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit is one of those games. For silent characters, you immediately feel an attachment to Kumarn and Zeb. You feel for them and what they’ve endured, and you hope you can guide them to find their purpose once again.
The game is scheduled for a 2027 release, though a specific window and date will be announced at a later time.
In other news, read about DOOM: The Dark Ages Revelations facing the “worst crunch” in franchise history. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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