Kowalski

About Kowalski

Kowalski is a narrative adventure game developed by Kissinger Twins and released on PC in February 2026. It centers on a film editor who discovers raw footage that disrupts his understanding of truth and control. The game uses editing mechanics to explore themes of surveillance, identity, and censorship. Players piece together fragmented narratives by selecting frames, shaping stories through deletion or emphasis. The single-player story unfolds in a tense, cerebral atmosphere, blending mystery with existential questions. If you enjoy stories that challenge perception and reward careful observation, this is your hook.

Gameplay

Kowalski revolves around manipulating video clips in a nonlinear timeline. Players sift through hours of raw footage, selecting which frames to preserve or erase. Each choice alters the narrative, revealing hidden details or burying truths. The interface feels like a digital editing suite, with drag-and-drop tools and a focus on precision. Puzzles often require revisiting earlier decisions, as new footage can rewrite context. The game rarely explains its systems, pushing players to experiment. Sessions mix methodical editing with sudden revelations, though the lack of guidance can slow momentum. The single-player campaign demands patience, as every cut reshapes the story’s meaning.

What Players Think

PlayPile users rate Kowalski 78%, with a 8.2/10 score. 42% complete the game, averaging 7.3 hours. Moods are split: 38% Intrigued, 29% Confused, 15% Frustrated. Critics praise its “haunting narrative” (Eurogamer) but note its “frustratingly opaque design” (IGN). The 85/100 critic score highlights bold themes but questions accessibility. Community threads debate whether its abstract approach is clever or obtuse. Achievement data shows 12 total, with 63% earning the “First Cut” badge. Players often restart after new reveals, but 27% abandon it before completion.

PlayPile's Take

Kowalski is $29.99 with 12 achievements. It rewards those who thrive in slow-burn narratives and abstract storytelling but may alienate players seeking clarity. The editing mechanics are clever but under-explained, risking confusion. If you enjoy dissecting fragmented stories and revisiting timelines, it’s worth the price. However, its niche appeal means it’s not for everyone. For the right audience, it’s a thought-provoking experience; others might find it an exercise in frustration.

Storyline

Kowalski is a film editor. Editors remember every frame. They know how narratives are built. How one version replaces hundreds of others. They are paid to decide what disappears. In real life, Kowalski controls nothing. He just follows the line. Until he watched raw footage of an unexplained incident. It changed the rules of how he edits. And what can no longer be hidden. ENTER THE CUT.