6 people found this review helpful
Recommended
0.0 hrs last two weeks / 7.9 hrs on record
Posted: Mar 31 @ 11:40am

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TLDR: KARMA: The Dark World is a gripping psychological thriller set in a dystopian 1984, where players navigate fragmented memories and eerie parallel worlds. While the gameplay is relatively simple, the haunting atmosphere, immersive storytelling, and stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals make it a standout experience.

Full opinion/review

I just finished what is possibly the most mind-bendingly strange game of the year. KARMA: The Dark World takes us on a bleak journey through a desolate world controlled by the ruthless Leviathan Corporation, set in East Germany in 1984. The setting alone immediately piqued my interest, as one of the books that left a lasting impact on me was 1984 by George Orwell.

Players embark on a journey to recover lost memories, navigating a narrative that explores themes of control, identity, and the human psyche. With constant jumps between minds, space, and time, it’s crucial never to lose track of the bigger picture. While the story isn’t overwhelmingly complex, it raises more questions than it answers, leaving room for multiple interpretations.

Playing as Daniel McGrovern, an agent of Leviathan’s Thought Bureau, you have access to advanced technology that allows you to dive into the minds of the accused. This mechanic greatly facilitates the investigation process, but things don’t always go as planned. The game challenges you to investigate crime scenes, interrogate suspects, and, ultimately, report your conclusions.

KARMA: The Dark World is steeped in a mysterious force, as if it were a fusion of Stranger Things, Inception, and a touch of Death Stranding. From the moment I hit "Play," I was glued to my chair. The narrative, woven between parallel universes, fragmented memories, and an ominous future for some characters, drew me in more than I expected.

The game is marketed as a horror experience, and indeed, it has its tense moments: frantic chases down increasingly claustrophobic corridors, unsettling entities lurking in the shadows, and jump scares that might just make you lift off your seat. However, more than explicit terror, what truly captivated me was its dense and corrupted atmosphere, which kept me hooked until the very end—roughly seven hours of gameplay. At its core, it's a linear walking simulator, featuring some puzzles that, while not overly difficult, require attention to detail to solve.

Visually, the game leverages Unreal Engine 5, delivering breathtakingly detailed environments and lifelike character expressions that enhance the immersion. Every movement and glance conveys subtle emotions, making the experience even more engaging.

Overall, KARMA: The Dark World delivers a thought-provoking and immersive experience that challenges players to confront complex themes within a richly crafted dystopian setting. While its gameplay may not be particularly deep, this title shines through its immersive storytelling, making a lasting impact on fans of psychological thrillers.

Gameplay Video

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/slQCVBZcl4s
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2 Comments
ExileCast Apr 1 @ 1:07pm 
Thank you! It's really good.
robilar5500 Mar 31 @ 10:11pm 
Stellar review! This game is definitely on my radar.