Review

Indika

“Indika” is a truly unique game, combining horror and comedy in an innovative way. It delivers a mix of laughter and fear, making it a peculiar experience. The game focuses on psychological elements and mystery, which might not appeal to everyone as it delves into discussions about religion and beliefs. Developed by the independent Russian developer Odd Meter and published by 11 bit studios, let’s dive into the details of this intriguing game.

Story

“Indika” tells the story of a young nun named Indika, set in a remote Orthodox monastery in 19th-century Russia. Her life in the monastery is challenging, marked by routine and a lack of fulfillment. This triggers a deep internal conflict between her faith and personal doubts.

Indika faces difficulties with other nuns and the abbess, who misunderstand her curiosity and unconventional beliefs. Over time, her isolation grows, and she begins to experience psychological struggles. One day, she meets an escaped prisoner who offers her guidance, leading her to discover herself.

As the story unfolds, Indika uncovers secrets about the monastery and village, facing significant challenges to uncover the truth and save others from corruption. The narrative is presented uniquely, from both Indika’s perspective and that of a darker personality within her, adding depth and intrigue.

Voice Acting

“Indika” features outstanding voice performances, adding realism and emotion to the story. The actress portraying Indika excels in conveying the conflicting emotions of doubt, fear, determination, and resolve.

Even the supporting characters are well-acted, with each voice contributing meaningfully to the game’s world, making every interaction impactful.

Gameplay

Players will find themselves in a strange and eerie world filled with challenging puzzles and walking-simulator elements. The game features creepy environments with uneven movement and limited running. The areas range from small, intimate spaces to large, industrial factories filled with massive machinery.

Indika’s engineering skills allow her to manipulate her surroundings, such as riding motorcycles, using cranes, and building temporary bridges. The puzzles are diverse, with none feeling repetitive, and they progressively increase in difficulty.

The gameplay includes surreal moments where the world turns red and hellish, requiring players to solve puzzles that blend reality and infernal visions to escape. Collectibles like religious artifacts and rare prints can be found, rewarding players with gems to upgrade Indika’s abilities through a unique skill tree.

Graphics

“Indika” stands out visually with its unique art style, blending various techniques to create a rich and immersive experience. Dark tones convey fear, while vibrant colors bring moments of hope. The lighting is expertly used to enhance the atmosphere, with dim lights creating suspense and bright lights offering relief.

The level design is diverse, featuring lush forests and devastated villages, each setting aligning perfectly with the story. However, as a linear game, interaction with the environment is limited.

Final Verdict

8/10

“Indika” offers a compelling and mysterious story, blending reality and surrealism seamlessly. Despite a few shortcomings, it’s an intriguing and engaging experience. Its exploration of faith and belief adds depth, making it a unique and thought-provoking game worth playing.