DaRmaZat The release of KARMA: The Dark World is scheduled for March 27. This first-person psychological thriller, developed by Pollard Studio and published by Wired Productions and Gamera Games, places high-tech at the heart of uncovering people’s thoughts, portraying it both ethically and artistically. Built with Unreal Engine 5, KARMA: The Dark World will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This review focuses on the PC version.
Trapped in His Own Mind
The story opens with protagonist Daniel waking up in a hospital room, dressed in a futuristic suit with tubes in his left arm. His skin has an unnatural grayish hue, the blood seeping from his arm appears jet black, and his body is covered in bruises. When he steps out of bed and looks in the mirror, he no longer recognizes himself. Looking out the window, he sees bizarre things happening outside: cars teleporting, birds and pine trees vanishing, and traffic signs spontaneously flipping. Meanwhile, a lifeless body lies motionless on the street. A mysterious note on the nightstand instructs him to head to the Transition Room, where a robotic voice addresses him as Special Agent 8490, also known as a Roam Agent.
It soon becomes clear that Daniel began working in this role in 1972 for the Thought Bureau department of the Leviathan Corporation, under the leadership of the enigmatic MOTHER. His task is to roam through the minds of those being interrogated, using high-tech equipment that allows him to perform so-called brain dives, virtually immersing himself in their memories to solve crimes more efficiently. However, as the story unfolds, Daniel discovers that the corporation he had blindly devoted himself to may be hiding darker secrets than he ever imagined. Perhaps his own past is more entangled in it than he realizes.
Pushing the boundaries of ethics.
The plot jumps back and forth between the late 1960s and early 1980s, continuously pushing the limits of ethics and deepening its use of symbolism. Themes such as corruption, manipulation, brainwashing, murder, and child neglect are explored—alongside, as expected, the concept of karma itself, where past mistakes return with a vengeance. The game also doesn’t shy away from clear references to philosophers like Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan) and authors like George Orwell (1984).
More Than Just a Walking Simulator
While KARMA: The Dark World initially resembles a typical walking simulator, full of psychological horror and abstract imagery, there is much more to experience. Players frequently need to find keys, crack numerical codes, and think outside the box to break certain gameplay loops. It never quite feels like trial and error, as the puzzles are logically structured. However, the slow pace during extended puzzle sequences can sometimes become tedious—even exhausting.
On the other hand, the game’s trip-like visions add tension, often leading to chase sequences where multiple retries may be necessary. There are also a few, albeit less polished, boss fights where Daniel must use his camera—thankfully, the automatic save system works well in these moments.
This game is all about the journey… or should I say, the trip?
It’s worth noting that this game contains moments of intense horror: throwing a corpse onto a pile of bodies, heads exploding without warning, and hearts being ripped out—this is definitely a game best played after the kids are in bed. However, it never feels like shock for shock’s sake. Instead, KARMA: The Dark World is more about the journey itself, offering deep moral and existential themes that provoke thought.
Audiovisual Inconsistencies
Graphically, KARMA: The Dark World is somewhat inconsistent. While some scenes look at least current-gen and the performance remains stable, other environments, objects, and assets appear too blurry by today’s standards. In other words, while the game frequently shines artistically, it fails to fully utilize the technical potential of Unreal Engine 5.
Voice acting and writing are a mixed bag: some dialogues sound forced with mediocre lip-syncing, while others are well-executed, offering depth and immersion for those invested in the plot. Fortunately, the sound design excels. The soundtrack is impressive, shifting from heavy string arrangements during dark moments to poetic, melancholic tones when romantic themes briefly surface.
Conclusion
KARMA: The Dark World is clearly created with a strong artistic vision, successfully weaving deep symbolism into a layered noir story. However, it has its shortcomings. The shifting perspectives and philosophical undertones may be overly ambitious, as the execution sometimes feels sloppy. Additionally, the balance between lengthy, slow-paced puzzle segments and high-intensity chase or boss fight sections feels somewhat uneven, making one wonder if a more focused gameplay approach would have been better.
Despite these flaws, the game offers many powerful moments. Through its abstract storytelling, deep themes, and seamless transitions between moods and visual styles, it largely succeeds in delivering a unique experience with emotional impact. In short, KARMA: The Dark World lacks the consistency in finesse needed to truly excel, but it may still leave a lasting impression.
Additional Information
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by the publisher and PR agency.
Developer: Pollard Studio
Publisher: Wired Productions, Gamera Games
Official Website: https://www.karmadarkworld.com
Relevant links: KARMA: The Dark World on STEAM
