INDIKA
About This Game
FEATURES:
- Play a TPP adventure game that combines an imaginative story with a dark sense of humor
- Join a young nun Indika on her journey of self-discovery
- Meet the devil himself as Indika’s unlikely travel companion
- Explore the hidden depths of Indika’s soul while tackling unique puzzle elements
- Travel through surreal landscapes of Russia seen in a distorted mirror
- Uncover Indika’s troubled past in the form of 2D pixel art mini-games
MEET A NOT-SO-ORDINARY NUN
INDIKA is a third-person, story-driven game set in a strange world where religious visions clash with harsh reality. It tells the story of a young nun who sets off on a journey of self-discovery with the most unusual, horn-headed companion by her side.
On the outside, Indika seems to be a typical nun attempting to adjust to a difficult and monotonous monastery life. Humble and innocent in her appearance, do not be deceived as this young girl has also made a highly unlikely acquaintance—as she speaks with the devil himself.
Indika’s unusual connection with the Evil One leads her on an errand beyond the safe walls of the monastery. The world she discovers can only be described as a wild combination of comedy and tragedy straight out of the novels by Dostoyevski and Bulhakov.
ENJOY AN INDIE GAME WHERE EVERYTHING GOES
The subjects of religion and authority are prevalent throughout Indika’s journey and she’ll be faced with many questions along the way. Guide her to find the answers one by one before she can finish her life-defining odyssey.
Odd Meter is a small, independent studio formerly based in Moscow and now operating out of Kazakhstan. Its members put aesthetics at the forefront and aren’t afraid to tread the fine line of ethical norms. Their game is a great testament to that, as INDIKA constitutes an open challenge to the industry’s established approach to creating video games.
Game Discussion
Chief 0
Finished the game, at first I was about to recommend it, but changed my mind towards the end. And its hard to tell why, without spoilers. But in short, in the end, it feels like radical critique towards traditionalism and culture, represented through a very depressing story. I personally like to study alternative views as a mature man, however you don't throw "Santa doesn't exist" into young kids for no reason, and actually there is a reason Santa exists for kids. Same with the other beliefs. They do help people make orienteers for good and bad deeds, without such orienteers, society would be much more evil. Now some people do that, but imagine EVERYONE taking what they want no matter the costs. Consider that, if you decide to play it. For me it feels, like authors broke the fairy tale, but didn't properly replace it with explanation about reality.
Steam User 107
It's not a long game, but if you want to spend an evening with a slow paced game about faith, regret and free will, with 3D puzzle games, occasional 80's C64 arcade experiences, and an unhealthy dose of surreal catholic guilt, there's nun better.
Steam User 56
Indika is similar to a short art film. It's not looking to be a long, big, enticing game like you're used to, and it's not trying to tell an amazing story that will change how you look at the world. Indika is asking you a question, and leaving you without any answers.
The game will end in what feels like the beginning or middle of the story, and there is no secret to unlock further content. This game will get you just far enough to fully ask its question, and it's up to you to decide on your own answer.
Just a heads up, the beginning of this game requires you to do a boring repetitious task 5 times, this is NOT indicative of how the rest of the game plays
For anyone who is religious, this game is very much poking holes into religious ideology. If that's an issue for you, don't play it.
Steam User 35
When a brook hits a rock, does it choose which way to go?
Overall: 9/10
INDIKA definitely is one of the weirdest games I've ever played.
Blending a retro aesthetic through its flashbacks and music with some pretty realistic visuals and an interestingly short assortment of cut scenes. This is unlike, well, almost anything I've played before.
First half hour of INDIKA will be spending on completing on some, seemingly irrelevant tasks. Though that is definitely intentional by devs. All those tasks serves one purpose: To creating an engaging gameplay loop. To put player in the shoes of Indika as she questions the point of not only these tasks, but her entire faith. To create a sense of contrast between her monotonous life in the monastery and puzzles and exciting sequences found outside of the walls. I do enjoy those puzzles, even though I'm not a puzzle game lover. Genuinely engaging and inventive brain teasers.
This odd position between the honest but boring life of a nun and the sinful but exciting gameplay found in the wider world is exemplified by the voice inside of Indika's head--the devil. She's intensely flawed, but profoundly relatable, what some might describe as the perfect depiction of a sinner.
The narrative I experienced in INDIKA had me engaged, deep in thoughts and above all else disturbed. These are the feelings that stuck with me long after I reached the credits.
The visual of the game is very impressive. Just to remember that this is from a indie dev. The level of detail in every unique environment and interior is absolutely mind-blowing. And I'm not sure what exactly they're using for lighting, but it looks really good.
In summary, INDIKA is an incredibly unique experience that isn't afraid to ask some big questions, with it's interesting and varied visual presentation along with some inventive and engaging puzzles. It's an outstanding display of what Indie dev can offer to this media.
Steam User 34
What a unique game. Very clever adding the pixel art platforming to a modern 3D storytelling. The story is very odd is a great way. If you like games like Firewatch, added with some simple puzzles, you will like this too.
Steam User 39
Amazing game, play it with Russian voiceover and English subtitles to feel like you're playing a surreal Dostoyevsky novel. Up there with Hellblade 1 in terms of quality and outshines Hellblade 2. Wonderful game with great themes and beautiful graphics.
Steam User 210
Amazing work of art.
If you're hesitant to buy this game because it was made by a Russian studio, you should know that the developers fled the country and are against the war in Ukraine.
Steam User 34
I'd recommend this for the audacity and ambition on display alone, but what what really seals the deal is the fact that it pulls off its unhinged ideas more beautifully than I would've ever expected