Indika is a tsarpunk adventure game, developed by Odd Meter that is set in an alternate history of 19th-century Russia. Read on to learn about this gripping and unconventional cinematic experience that playfully challenges Catholicism.
INDIKA
What is INDIKA about?
INDIKA is a third-person adventure puzzle game set in an alternate 19th-century history. Players take on the role of Indika, a young nun, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging her views on religion and confronting the mysterious being who torments her thoughts—the devil himself.
Step into an enthralling journey through an alternate Russia, where players navigate a tapestry of religious commentary and dark humor. From confronting visions of hell to unraveling intricate puzzles, the journey to reach Spatov is a gripping adventure that feels like it was made to be an art-house film.
INDIKA Release Date Details
The complete version of the game is slated for release on Steam in Q1 2024, likely between February and March. Players can already wishlist the game and download the demo on Steam. As for the game's price, it has not been announced yet, so stay tuned for updates.
INDIKA Demo Review
As a Catholic, the words 'Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned' have never felt more profound after completing the demo. The game immediately captured my interest with its cover art, resembling more of an indie art film than a typical indie game.
True to form, the game proves to be as unconventional and surreal as arthouse movies, delving into and challenging Catholic themes and faith in both its story and gameplay. It's a gripping avant-garde experience that leaves me excited for the full release.
The demo immediately immerses you in a snowy, desolate landscape somewhere in Russia, casting you as Indika, a young nun initially held captive by a man named Ilya. As the story unfolds, Indika joins Ilya on a quest to reach a destination called Spatov, embarking on a journey of self-discovery.
At the heart of the game lies a captivating narrative centered around the engaging battle between Indika and the devil himself. What sets Indika apart is her unique connection with the devil, allowing them to communicate through her thoughts. Unlike conventional narrators, the devil plays an active role in the story, constantly tempting and mocking Indika for her sins. This unconventional approach adds a personal touch to the narrative, transforming Indika from a seemingly flawless nun into a flawed yet likable character.
In just 30 minutes of game time, the demo skillfully reveals its layered and profound writing, challenging Catholicism through dark themes and humor. Surprisingly, the game manages to elicit a few chuckles in me with witty taunts and comebacks coming from Satan himself. And apparently, that was on purpose as the developers have stated that the game is a “wild combination of comedy and tragedy straight out of the novels by Dostoyevski and Bulhakov."
I’m eagerly anticipating more of this clever banter and the unfolding journey of Indika when the full game releases on Steam.
In terms of gameplay, Indika's connection with the Evil One
is stronger than expected. The devil can transform Indika's surroundings into a hellish version of the landscape after she commits a grave sin, trapping her. To escape, Indika relies on prayers. Unlike typical games where players wield powerful weapons like the Master Sword or cast fire spells, Indika's power lies in her ability to pray, which removes the devil's hellish distortions.
To escape the hellish landscape, players control Indika by toggling between reality and hell using the prayer button (in my case, the right bumper of the mouse). Navigating through obstacles and surroundings in both realms, players aim to reach the exit. The point-to-point puzzle mechanic stands out as the demo's highlight due to its unique nature. It contrasts the beauty of hell with the cold reality of Russia, creating a visually striking experience.
It remains uncertain how many of these levels will be in the actual game once it releases however, I’m hopeful that we’ll see more of these captivating puzzles as they certainly distinguish the gameplay and visuals from other games, serving as a key selling point for me.
Apart from those puzzles, the game is a third-person adventure throughout most of the demo. Players solve puzzles such as locating keys or finding routes between points. The demo also featured short sequences where Indika must evade and run away from a giant dog, adding a thrilling dimension to navigating this world. This might suggest that fleeing from enemies will likely be a recurring element in portions of the game.
Notably, a unique aspect is the point system. Players earn points by discovering religious items or performing Catholic gestures, like lighting up a picture of a Saint or praying before a statue. These points contribute to leveling up, and unlocking abilities in a skill tree. However, the system's significance remains unclear in the demo, lacking an explanation of how points affect gameplay. This aspect awaits further clarification once the game is finally released.
While the gameplay may not be that challenging, the visuals elevate the journey to a cinematic experience. Navigating through this fictional, steam-punk rendition of Russia feels like a visual feast. The graphics boast stunning realism, while the meticulously crafted world exudes a captivating steam-punk aesthetic, transforming 19th-century Russia into a unique, cold, dark yet somehow vibrant realm. Stuff like a motorcycle transformed into a steampunk version just gives the world more allure, rendering the aesthetic truly awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping throughout the game. Beyond the menacing giant dog, this alternate reality could very well serve as a reflective mirror to an alternate dimension.
The cutscenes and exploration feel like stepping into a cinematic masterpiece, with brilliant colors, lighting, and camera angles reminiscent of an arthouse film. The highlight of the visuals is undoubtedly the fiery hell landscape traversed by Indika. It offers a vivid depiction of Catholic hell, with mesmerizing yet unsettling proportions with its intensely saturated red hues to further elevate the feeling of dread and wonder. This game’s aesthetic held my attention completely; I couldn't tear my eyes away from the screen for even a moment.
Amidst the amazing aesthetic, the point system presents a notable flaw similar to the gameplay. Its 8-bit appearance feels jarringly out of place with the overall aesthetic. This weird choice occasionally disrupts the immersive experience, leaving me puzzled about its inclusion. Even the text associated with the point system adopts the 8-bit style, further detracting from the game's cohesive vibe and visual appeal.
Unfortunately, the issue extends beyond the point system to the music, which is my main concern. While this game prides itself on its unconventional nature, certain musical selections feel oddly out of place, with segments featuring 8-bit tunes for inexplicable reasons. This sudden shift breaks the immersion and leaves me perplexed as to why such a drastic discordance was chosen compared to the game's overall presentation.
However, the remarkable voice acting compensates for these odd musical choices, especially the performances of Indika and the devil. Their English voices deliver their lines flawlessly, with the devil's portrayal particularly striking. His transition from an angelic narrator to a menacing devil is executed with chilling precision, often leaving me genuinely unsettled as he relentlessly taunts and belittles Indika with his cruel words.
Despite my reservations about the music choices and point system, it’s overall a hell of an experience that is truly captivating and thought-provoking. I hope that in the full version, the game can further enhance its strengths and address these issues.
If you're intrigued by the idea of stepping into an arthouse film, the demo is currently available for download on Steam. Personally, I'm eagerly anticipating the full release, as this game has the potential to be one of the standout titles of the year, particularly in terms of its compelling story.
More about Odd Meter
INDIKA's creators, Odd Meter, are a small independent studio originally from Moscow but now based in Kazakhstan. This marks their second game, following their VR title, SACRALITH: The Archer's Tale. In that game, players control an archer on a quest to obtain the magic stone known as Sacralith, granting power over dragons.
Make sure to check out their previous game if you have VR. Otherwise, you can experience INDIKA very soon on Steam.
