Hey everyone! Today I’m sharing my thoughts on INDIKA, a third-person, story-driven adventure set in an alternate Russia around 1800. You play as Indika, a young nun on a journey of self-discovery. Her unlikely travel buddy is the devil himself. Released May 2, 2024 by Odd Meter and published by 11 bit studios, INDIKA has drawn strong reactions. Let’s dive in and see what feels cozy…and what doesn’t!
Overall Impressions
INDIKA really surprised me. It’s not your typical cozy sim or casual puzzler—I’d call it a moody, atmospheric tale wrapped in surreal visuals. What stood out most was its art direction and soundtrack, which feel like walking through a dream painting. On the flip side, the story can get a bit heavy-handed and feels over almost as soon as it starts (many players wished it was longer). If you’re used to relaxed gameplay, be ready for an emotional ride that sometimes feels half-baked. Compared to other narrative titles like What Remains of Edith Finch or even smaller indie adventures, INDIKA is shorter and more experimental—think of it as an art-house film rather than a feature-length movie.
Gameplay Mechanics
You explore handcrafted scenes in third-person, trigger cutscenes, and solve small environmental puzzles along the way. Most puzzles are straightforward—slide this, pull that, interpret a symbol—so it never gets frustratingly difficult. A few standout moments had me marveling at how the environment twisted to reflect Indika’s inner turmoil. But I did hit a snag where a needed object didn’t quite react when I expected, echoing one player’s note that “for a puzzle game, it didn’t know where all the pieces belonged.” If you love intricate puzzle design, this might feel too light; if you prefer a low-stress wander with some brain teasers, it’ll be just right.
Story and Characters
Here’s where opinions really diverge. I enjoyed the concept: a nun grappling with faith, guilt, and a devil guide that may—or may not—be helping her heal. The surrealist approach won praise (“boundless creative potential,” said one fan), but some folks felt Indika never really reacts to events, making her growth hard to track. I agree the pacing is odd. One moment you’re deep in religious visions; the next, you’re wandering a cold forest with no clear direction—and then, bam, it ends. Still, the clash between spiritual themes and harsh reality kept me hooked. The devil companion is by turns charming, mocking, and mysterious, which adds a playful edge to an otherwise solemn tale.
Visuals and Graphics
This is hands-down my favorite part. INDIKA looks like a watercolor come to life: soft edges, muted colors, and dreamy lighting that shift as her psyche unravels. Every scene—from candlelit church halls to foggy woods—oozes atmosphere. Odd Meter crafted a world that feels both historic and otherworldly. While the character models can look a bit stiff in close-ups, I found I forgave it because the backgrounds are so lovely. It really sets the mood.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack is haunting and spare—lots of piano, distant choirs, soft percussion—perfect for late-night listening. Sound effects are subtle but effective; the crack of ice underfoot or a whispered prayer in the chapel made me lean in. Voice acting is minimal but well done: Indika’s soft, uncertain tone contrasts nicely with the devil’s confident baritone. Together, they sell the shifting power dynamic between the two. The audio design is a big part of why the world feels so immersive.
Difficulty and Replayability
INDIKA is on the shorter side—most players report 2–3 hours to see everything. It’s not especially tough, and there aren’t many branching paths or hidden collectibles that push you to replay. One reviewer mentioned they wished it was longer just as they were getting into it, and I share that sentiment. If you’re looking for a deep, multi-hour journey or lots of secrets to uncover, you might come away wanting more. That said, because of its unique style and ambiguity, I suspect fans will chat online, speculate on the ending, and maybe revisit key scenes to catch details they missed.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Warsaw-based indie developer Odd Meter in Poland proudly unveils INDIKA, its first narrative-driven title following a string of experimental projects. Meanwhile, publisher 11 bit studios, celebrated for hits like Frostpunk and This War of Mine, embraces a new direction with INDIKA’s dreamlike, personal storytelling. Notably, the team recorded voice lines in an old church to achieve authentic echo acoustics, impressively reflected in the game’s final audio mix.
Final Thoughts
INDIKA is an artful, intimate trip into faith, doubt, and surrealism. It shines brightest in its visuals and audio, crafting a mood that’s hard to shake. If you enjoy slow-burn narratives and don’t mind a story that leaves a few threads hanging, you’ll find plenty to admire here. But if you’re seeking tight puzzle design, robust character development, or a longer playtime, you may come away wishing for more polish and length.
My cozy-game-loving heart still found its moments of wonder. And I’d recommend INDIKA to anyone curious about narrative experiments in gaming. Just don’t expect the usual comfort-food experience—it’s more like sipping a strong, bitter tea that lingers in your thoughts.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
And that’s my take! If you give INDIKA a try, let me know how you felt about its ending and the devil’s advice. Until next time, happy, cozy gaming!
