INDIKA

Psychological adventure games have always been a bit hit or miss. They either provide an imprinted thrill or a dull, esoteric walking simulator. It's INDIKA's turn to try and make its mark as the former, offering another unique setting to compete against the growing number of games in the genre. So, what's this title all about?

INDIKA is a third-person puzzler that whisks players away to the cold front of 19th-century Russia, taking the role of a nun on her journey of self-discovery. While there's no clear objective from the moment you start the game, the interactions with the surreal will shape outcomes and paths as you trudge through the harsh reality of life. Yes, it feels muddled, but isn't that what psychological adventures are?

The Monastery of Madness

You'll begin INDIKA wonder what is going on, considering there isn't much of a narrative establishment and no clear set of objectives. However, that's what makes this third-person puzzler initially intriguing, as you're just there sifting through the challenges of a nun in 19th-century Russia. It's not long before you start to understand and get immersed in the lore of INDIKA and are intrigued by the nun's journey of self-discovery.

As you continue the game, bizarre antics set up puzzles, including conversations with the devil, environmental challenges, and self-doubt. INDIKA is undoubtedly one of the more esoteric psychological games, not intending to scare or force reflection but blending a novel-style narrative with comedy and tragedy.

INDIKA is like you're playing through a Russian classic literature piece, offering a trivial experience that questions existence. The game won't be for everyone, but it can be enjoyable for those who enjoy strangely intricate narratives that branch into the surreal. The world design and odd puzzle mechanics complement that notion but equally frustrate the flow of gameplay.

The developers are challenging standard psychological adventure expectations here, which is admirable. However, the result means that INDIKA could be cluttered for someone trying to reach the endgame with preconceived genre standards. However, one thing that can be agreed upon is that the hardships of the time and place certainly add to an intriguing dynamic.

A Novel Approach

I enjoyed INDIKA simply because of the literary approach taken in the title. The game is more about enjoying the moment rather than thinking ahead to the endgame. The narrative branches between hilarious moments and appallingly tragic moments, throwing in existentialism there.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A unique psychological adventure
• The character development is marvelous
• The 19th-century setting complements the narrative and gameplay

Cons:

• Objectives aren't clear throughout the game
• It won't appeal to those with an endgame in mind
• The storylines feel chaotic at times