So here is a game that has completely fallen under the radar. I’ll occasionally see press emails on it, but nothing about the promotional art really stood out, it almost looked like a live action interactive narrative film. But during this quiet period in new releases, I was itching to do another review and started to do more digging. Stumbling upon “Indika” once again, I finally gave it the attention it should have gotten from me all along. From the developers at Odd Meter, this debut game is incredibly unique in almost every way. It has a clear vision and fully sees it through.
The narrative of “Indika” follows the intriguing life of a young nun named Indika. Beneath her outward appearance of humility and innocence lies a woman haunted by a troubled past and an extraordinary mental link with the devil. This unusual connection allows Indika to communicate with the devil telepathically, and whenever she succumbs to his temptations, her reality distorts into grotesque and terrifying visions. Indika’s dark alliance drives her to venture beyond the sanctuary of her monastery, plunging her into a surreal and alternate version of 19th-century Russia. Her quest becomes an odyssey of self-discovery, interwoven with elements of both tragedy and absurdity. As she traverses this eerie landscape, Indika grapples with her own inner turmoil and the sinister influence of the devil, leading her to uncover profound truths about her identity and the nature of her haunting past.
The visual presentation is quite astounding for this being an indie title, and a first game from these developers. The visuals and the direction are possibly the most integral part of what draws you into the game. This is a game that took notes on several classic films from different eras and counties, none of which would necessarily be obvious to base a video game out of, yet somehow it all comes together very well. There are a ton of purposeful tonal shifts to comedy and dread, with a very impactful soundtrack that consistently will make you feel uneasy. “Indika” showcases a remarkable English cast that breathes life into its characters, with the devil emerging as a standout thanks to his surprisingly charismatic performance, which captured my attention effortlessly. As far as the gameplay goes, it’s also quite diverse. Going in I thought this would be the standard run-of-the-mill walking horror simulator, and while some of that is here the game presents a compelling linear adventure that combines puzzles, platforming, and a variety of engaging segments. An intriguing aspect of the game is the inclusion of 8-bit style gaming elements, which, though seemingly out of place at first, enhance the game’s unique charm and integrate surprisingly well with its eccentric narrative. One notable flaw, however, is the point and level-up system, which feels redundant and overall doesn’t feel like it’s even needed. Knowing how bizarre this game is I wouldn’t be surprised if that was even the point.
For a six-hour experience, “Indika” offers something really unique to the table that I can’t help but still think about even when I’m no longer playing it. The tone can be a bit dreary and depressing for some, but if you are someone that enjoys the indie film scene where filmmakers push boundaries and try different things, this is the perfect definition of that in video game form.
8.5/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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