DaRmaZat Indika introduces the player to the world of the young nun Indika, bound by her vows, yet compelled by a higher, dark calling. Tasked with a seemingly simple errand, namely delivering a mysterious letter, Indika’s journey unfolds into a complex tapestry of puzzles, religious intrigues, and philosophical introspection.
At its core, Indika is a narrative puzzle game, requiring the players to find creative solutions to seemingly insurmountable obstacles, while unfolding a moral story against a backdrop of dark corridors, snowy landscapes, abandoned factory grounds and unfinished construction sites. Each of these evocative settings serve as a canvas for the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery.
A thoughtful schism …
Initially illustrated by paradoxical mockery of fetch quests and, later on, with distinctive retro-like mini-games, Indika seems to deliberately depart from prevailing gaming conventions. Undeniably, several of its seemingly mundane mechanics serve to underscore the senselessness of given actions. After all, the hidden main quest often lies within an invitation to let the player experience and question the very nature of their tasks from a much broader perspective. It’s a thoughtful schism which can be identified in many layers, and couldn’t fit a modern game which is built around holiness and religion, any better.
… with technical imperfections
While not overly original, the incorporation of prayer to switch dynamically between environments adds a welcome addition to the heavy emphasis on climbing, encouraging the player to think outside the box and explore the surroundings.
However, technical imperfections such as clunky animations and graphical stuttering detract a bit from the overall polish of the game. The absence of checkpoints resulting in significant progress loss when quitting the game, and the need to constantly hold down the sprint button might frustrate some players, as well. Additionally, while the soundtrack features a diverse selection of tracks, its impact is somewhat diminished by the inclusion of non-fitting compositions and a lack of memorable melodies.
A moving tale, for those willing to embrace
Despite these shortcomings, Indika succeeds in crafting a moving tale, rich in thematic depth and emotional resonance, while heavily relying on symbolism and abstraction. By the arrival of Ilya, Indika’s enigmatic companion, the story gains depth, revealing layers of intrigue and personal conflict at the same time. The tension and compassion between the protagonists, fueled by shared traumas and personal revelations, form the heart of the game’s narrative experience.
In conclusion, Indika offers a rather short, thought-provoking journey into the intersection of faith, obedience, and personal agency. While its unconventional approach and some technical issues may deter some players, those willing to embrace its religious and philosophical musings will find a captivating tale waiting to be uncovered.
Reviewed on PC.
Download code provided by the publisher.
