- DEVELOPER: Morteshka
- PUBLISHER: Morteshka
- PLATFORMS: PC
- GENRE: Horror / Adventure
- RELEASE DATE: July 28, 2025
- STARTING PRICE: 19,50€
- REVIEWED VERSION: PC
One-Eyed Likho plunges you into a grim, first-person horror adventure that’s steeped in 19th-century Slavic folklore. It’s from Morteshka, the same developers who made “Black Book,” and you can feel that distinctly atmospheric and narrative-driven experience. It really sets itself apart from conventional horror games with its straightforward gameplay and puzzles that don’t waste your time.
There’s just something about horror games that don’t rely on cheap jump scares. The ones that actually get under your skin. One-Eyed Likho does exactly that, focusing on atmosphere and storytelling rather than making every single moment scary. It does have a few moments where it tries to get you, like when you turn around and see a wooden weeping angel right behind you. But honestly, even those moments are pretty predictable. It’s more about the constant dread than the sudden shock.
Not your typical horror game
One-Eyed Likho mostly feels like a walking simulator, but it blends that exploration with a good amount of puzzles and some tense moments. You play as a humble smith who, for reasons that become clearer later on, ventures into a cursed forest. Your goal is to find the Likho, an evil creature from Slavic mythology that embodies fate and misfortune.
“You’re committing a lot of arson in this game.”
I remember reading a comment somewhere that said you’re just committing a lot of arson in this game. And while that’s technically true, it’s really not that bad. You have matches you can use at any time to either clear your path or to solve puzzles as you explore this mysterious world.
The main side-quest actually revolves around the “Book of the Worlds”. In it, you unlock chests and discover stories involving one-eyed tales, like cyclops or even the Likho itself. You can find these by opening chests, but the game is pretty linear, so you’re not forced to unlock every single part of it—just the main puzzles and the side ones if you’re interested.
Black & white
The world of One-Eyed Likho feels completely bled of color, perfectly mirroring the bleakness of the folklore it’s based on. The environments are beautiful, ranging from twisted forests to snow-covered landscapes, ancient temples, cliffs, and seas. The artistic flair here is what really makes the world feel otherworldly. And the encounters with Likho herself are particularly memorable. Her design as a towering, skeletal old woman with a single eye is genuinely grotesque, and it does an amazing job of bringing this mythical being to life.
“If you’re looking for constant, heart-pounding horror, you might find this game’s focus on atmosphere and storytelling less terrifying.”
However, the game isn’t without its shortcomings. The puzzles, while there are a lot of them, can feel a little too straightforward, with hints often placed super close by. This kind of takes away from that sense of discovery. The pacing can also feel a bit uneven sometimes, especially between the more intense moments and the exploration. And if you’re looking for constant, heart-pounding horror, you might find this game’s focus on atmosphere and storytelling less terrifying than other horror titles.
Despite those few issues, “ONE-EYED LIKHO” is a truly unique experience. It’s a game for people who appreciate deep folklore, striking visual art, and a story that makes you think, not just react. It’s a testament to Morteshka’s ability to create a playable fairy tale that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it.
For anyone who enjoys atmosphere-driven games
I can easily recommend this title. It has some clever mechanics, and the atmosphere and graphics are very well thought out. But this is definitely not a game for everyone. If you love short experiences that last around four hours, you have nothing to lose with this title.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful greyscale visuals. | Puzzle can be too simple. |
| Rich Slavic folklore. | Lack of horror tension. |
| Clever “burn” mechanics. | Limited exploration freedom. |
| Surreal storytelling. |
Review copy provided by the publisher
4
