With its unique gameplay segments and controversial themes, INDIKA made quite a splash after a few weeks of its release. Read on to learn more about how well the game did, according to other players.
INDIKA Review Compilation
What is INDIKA?
The plot of INDIKA centers on a young nun named Indika. At first glance, she appears to be an ordinary nun—humble and innocent—but don't be fooled—Indika is grieving over past wrongdoings that haunt her and her most unlikely friend—the devil—with whom she can somehow converse mentally. Furthermore, it appears that Indika's environment becomes warped and horrific when she gives in to the devil's temptations and listens to him. Her connection with the Evil One facilitates her voyage beyond the secure confines of the monastery and into the alternate Russia of the 19th century. She is on a self-discovery journey filled with tragedy and comedy.
INDIKA features:
⚫︎ Third-Person Puzzle Adventure Game and Dark Humour
⚫︎ Narrative Driven Game with Religious Themes
⚫︎ Realistic Graphics Mixed with 8-Bit Visuals
⚫︎ Set in an Alternative Version of Late XIX Century Russia
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about INDIKA's gameplay and story.
INDIKA User Reviews and User Score
INDIKA User Reviews of Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Cinematic and Avant-Garde Storytelling Interesting Platforming and Puzzle Elements Gripping Tale of Deep Philosophical Significance |
More of a Short Film Than a Game Dissonant Gameplay Segments Divisive Religious Views |
We here at Game8 gave INDIKA an 88/100 for its gripping narrative, meticulously crafted puzzles, and amazing world building. You can read more about our opinion in detail in the review linked down below. But our opinion isn't the end-all, be-all. We've gone out and collected opinions from across the internet to see what people are saying INDIKA did well, and what they didn't like about it.
What People Liked About INDIKA
| Pros |
|---|
|
Cinematic and Avant-Garde Storytelling Interesting Platforming and Gameplay Elements Gripping Tale of Deep Philosophical Significance |
Cinematic and Avant-Garde Storytelling
Without spoiling too much of what the game is mostly known for, it follows the story of a young nun who’s tasked with delivering a letter outside of her convent but gets involved with an escaped convict who thinks God spoke to him. The game primarily uses cutscenes and its visuals to make it look like an indie film, and it shows with how the game uses the cast and cinematography to tell the seemingly simple story of a nun who is truly discovering herself for the first time.
Interesting Platforming and Puzzle Elements
While the game is more of a third-person narrative adventure, there are some segments in the game that involve platforming. In some areas, you’re dodging fish so that you don’t get pushed into the furnace, and in others, you will need to alter reality by praying, and even more bizarre, there are 8-bit sequences that . They’re not particularly difficult or extremely intricate puzzles, but there are some moments that shine with its various puzzles. they have enough variety to keep you entertained for the most part.
Gripping Tale of Deep Philosophical Significance
In relation to its storytelling, it tells a story that’s gripping from start to finish. It tackles serious themes like religion and morality in the game and even contains graphic violence, nudity, and bizarre humor at times. Indika will start to question her faith and discover just what exactly is haunting her during her journey of self-realization. If the goal was to make the players question themselves as well, then Odd Meter has definitely succeeded with how they used the game as a driving force to tell this unique and different tale.
What People Disliked About INDIKA
| Cons |
|---|
|
More of a Short Film Than a Game Dissonant Gameplay Segments Divisive Religious Views |
More of a Short Film Than a Game
The game is a linear narrative experience with not that much gameplay involved. The setting of fictional 19th century Russia mixed with the story being told through its visuals and gameplay segments. "INDIKA would’ve been great as a movie, but it’s not a movie, it’s a game," is what YouTube content creator nocaps stated in her review of the game. She also described that the game felt like they ran out of budget and even questioned the devs for ending the game on that note as it "made her uncomfortable and kept her up at night."
Additionally, with the game only having an average runtime of four hours in a playthrough, it’s a very short experience. Many players feel that this is way too short of a time, especially when the gameplay isn't as hard-hitting or compelling as the story. While the developers certainly intended for this to be a short game, some consider its length a weakness that didn’t really do the gameplay any favors.
Dissonant Gameplay Segments
Another aspect of the gameplay that people didn’t find appealing was the jarring transition from realistic and bleak visuals to sudden 8-bit colorful tones with even more bizarre gameplay sections. While this did offer to lighten the otherwise completely bleak tone of the game, others found it distracting and jarring that these segments came and went almost instantly as well. There are little warnings when the game decides to go on its 8-bit sequence and then go into its realistic visuals again as well.
Divisive Religious Views
Obviously, the game isn’t for everyone. With heavily divisive themes such as religion and morality, the developers were going for a message to be said with the game. There are certain aspects of the game that will lead you to interact with the devil himself, and this may irk people in the wrong way. This game is for people with an open mind and who are unafraid to tackle such themes, and it completely embraces that with its narrative.
INDIKA User Score and Rating
Odd Meter were certainly able to deliver a unique and narrative experience in their game, as the majority of gamers and critics are in agreement with its positive reviews. On Steam, the game currently has an 89% positive review rating, garnering a "Very Positive" total review rating. On the other hand, INDIKA scored an 80 Metascore on Metacritic, impressing critics with its storytelling and narrative while having a 7.0 User Score which is a good score for the majority of gamers. While it’s no secret that the developers have created quite a controversial game, Odd Meter’s unique take on making games as an art form is certainly something to look forward to.
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INDIKA Product Information
 |
|
| Title | INDIKA |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 2, 2024 |
| Developer | Odd Meter |
| Publisher | 11 bit studios |
| Supported Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series XIS |
| Genre | Puzzle, Adventure |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | Not Rated |
| Official Website | INDIKA Website |
