Morteshka, the independent Russian studio behind The Mooseman, developed and published One-Eyed Likho, a first-person horror adventure. The game launched on July 28, 2025, on PC via Steam, taking players to 19th-century rural Russia to hunt a legendary creature from Slavic folklore: the Likho, a one-eyed being that embodies misfortune and malevolent fate.
The work stands out for its black-and-white aesthetic choice and a sound design that blends melancholy with unease. It doesn’t rely on jump scares or moments of explicit terror, but rather on a dark, dreamlike atmosphere that envelops the entire experience.
A cryptic yet captivating narrative
In One-Eyed Likho, players step into the role of a blacksmith who travels with a tailor on a linear journey through abandoned villages, snowy forests, and settings suspended between dream and reality. Poetic Russian dialogues drive the story, while clear voice acting and intense performances bring it to life.


Players unfamiliar with Slavic folklore may find the story cryptic, but this narrative opacity enhances the game’s appeal. The two protagonists, distant at first, grow closer to the player and lead them to an ending that closes the narrative loop without offering alternate conclusions.
Black, white, and evocative sounds
The art direction is the most distinctive element of One-Eyed Likho. The entire game is rendered in monochrome, a choice that enhances immersion and gives each scene the charm of a moving vintage photograph. Deep shadows and sharp contrasts transform landscapes and architecture into suspended settings, heightening the feeling of being inside an ancient folk tale.



The sound design is equally well-crafted: ambient noises, footsteps in the snow, and the crackle of matches blend seamlessly with a minimalist soundtrack that highlights key moments without ever becoming intrusive. There are also more tense sequences, such as chases, which create a mild sense of anxiety without ever descending into outright fear.
Simple puzzles and linear structure
The gameplay revolves around using matches to light environments, activate mechanisms, and solve environmental puzzles. While well integrated into the atmosphere, the puzzles tend to be simple and repetitive, favoring narrative flow over logical challenge.



The structure is entirely linear: the story is played from start to finish with no branching paths or replayability options. This choice, consistent with the author’s intent, makes the title unsuitable for those who prefer the open exploration typical of open worlds, but perfect for those who appreciate a compact, guided interactive narrative.
Conclusion
One-Eyed Likho targets a specific audience. These are players who enjoy narrative experiences with strong artistic impact. It blends myth, atmosphere, and introspection in a carefully crafted journey. The game’s black-and-white visuals enhance its mood and artistic identity. High-quality voice acting adds emotional depth to the experience. The setting, rooted in Slavic folklore, creates a unique presence in the horror landscape.
The game doesn’t suit players seeking constant adrenaline or fast-paced combat. It also avoids overly complex puzzles. Instead, it offers a short but intense adventure. Fear builds gradually, guided by subtle tension rather than sudden scares. The allure of the unknown drives every step. This path leads inevitably toward an encounter with the Likho.
Buy One-Eyed Likho on Steam.
One-Eyed Likho
PRO
- Unique atmosphere thanks to the black-and-white art direction and detailed sound design.
- Poetic and immersive storytelling rooted in Slavic folklore.
- High-quality Russian voice acting with strong performances.
CON
- Simple and repetitive puzzles with little mechanical variety.
- Fully linear structure, with no replay value.
- Slow pacing, not suited for players seeking constant action or tension.