Publisher, 11 bit studios, and developer, Odd Meter’s INDIKA recently released on PC May 2, and releases on consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S) today. I got the chance to check out the game, and it is definitely unlike anything I’ve ever played before.

In the game, “Embarking on a quest to deliver a significant letter, Indika finds herself compelled to confront the very foundations of her faith. Was her devotion to a cause greater than herself a voluntary sacrifice? This deliberate imbalance not only shapes her narrative but also influences the lives of those around her. Indeed, the inherent unfairness of life itself prompts reflection—isn’t that a truth we can all acknowledge?”

While I haven’t had the chance to do a complete playthrough of the game, what I’ve played so far has been really enjoyable. I was surprised how good the game looked, and I’m really enjoying the mix of genres and game styles. When the game first starts, it begins with a retro-style of gaming and then once you make it through that level, you’re instantly immersed in a cinematic, movie-like scene where you’re introduced to Indika, the character you play as throughout the game. This part of the game is a bit slow, but it reinforces the story, letting you know the situation and mental state that Indika is in. She’s an outsider in her convent, and you can empathize with why she wants to leave the group.

As the game progresses, Indika is tasked with delivering a letter. That is when you get into the “walking-simulator” part of the game. However, this is balanced by the mix of 2D minigames and puzzles. The puzzles in the game were quite challenging (for me anyway!), but once you get through them it really is satisfying. While you’re playing, there are definitely some horror vibes; it doesn’t lean too far into the genre, but I did find myself getting scared at times! There are also opportunities in the game to collect items, and you can even level up and choose various skills or buffs for Indika.

As I’ve mentioned before, Indika is a cinematic and story-driven game, and this is reinforced by the great voice-actors. I especially enjoyed the narration, which kept me intrigued in the story, offering hints into Indika’s mental state and what the convent thought of her. Just take a look at the game’s various trailers, which even admit to how it mixes genres and styles.

If you’re into surreal, cinematic and story-driven games, definitely check out Indika! I definitely plan on finishing the game, but just based on what I’ve played so far, I would give it a 4.5.

Check out Part 1 of our gameplay down below!