A fascinating experiment in visual storytelling and narrative that I'd say is on-par with quite a few respected arthouse movies out there. From the wondrous yet elusive and mysterious steampunk Tsarist Russia to the fever-dream sequences and choices of camera angles, this game goes extremely hard in the cinematography department.

Indika's philosophical backbone is rock solid, positing some intresting reflexions on faith, religion and morality - very well represented by the leveling system, which is the game's only true achievement in gameplay as a ludonarrative device. The ending & its message is also something I won't be forgetting any time soon.

Gameplay, however, is quite janky. Jarring animations, sound mixing that's all over the place, uninteresting transitional setpieces and mediocre puzzles. I never thought I'd say this, but I'd be happier if Indika were even less "game" and more "walking simulator" than what it currently is. Give me more talking and less busywork. I'd have greatly appreciated more delirious sequences and dialogues with the devil.

Still, even though it's far from perfect, I can't help but praise Indika's sheer boldness. Its highs are really high and made me power through the lows. Perfect if you've liked Hellblade.