Karma: The Dark World Reviews
Karma: The Dark World is a compilation of popular movies and games, which in its desire to copy got too carried away, losing its own identity.
Review in Russian |
An horror adventure with a strong cinematic flavour, with aesthetics and themes reminiscent of the works of Lynch, Cronenberg and Nolan. The gameplay is reduced to a minimum and there are a few too many bugs, which however do not compromise the enjoyment of an extremely 'atmospheric' experience with adult content.
Review in Italian | Read full review
A beautifully rendered but ultimately familiar adventure game, Karma: The Dark World is neither scary nor thrilling. Meticulously build and gorgeous to look at, the gameplay is nonetheless a slow roll through a pre-rendered Kafka-inspired story, with little in the way of interaction beyond some environmental puzzle solving. I can appreciate the artistry at work here, if not the final product.
A fantastic soundtrack and handful of excellent scenes aren't enough to give Karma: The Dark World an identity greater than the number of sci-fi and horror classics it bluntly references throughout its story.
Despite an obtuse overarching narrative and minimal gameplay, Karma: The Dark World continually swings for the fences. Pollard Studio's debut heavily leans on artistic direction that will linger with the player long after the story fades from memory.
Karma: The Dark World is a fun interactive story that has you explore the darkest reaches of the human psyche with excellent surreal horror and an interesting story to uncover.
KARMA: The Dark World cannot be called a masterpiece: the gameplay is uneven, and the metaphorical plot is interrupted quite suddenly, as if the story is not told to the end. But it is definitely a worthy psychological thriller, which keeps you in suspense until the very end and cleverly plays with emotions, so much so that you get an uncomfortable feeling of being in this monstrous dystopia.
This kind of came out of nowhere for me but it's really right up my alley. A dystopian world with a well developed story… a splash of sci-fi and stunning visuals. A very tolerable amount of horror (don't get me wrong… some of those moments if played in VR would probably require a pants change)… puzzles that are a challenge but manageable. Not to mention a moving soundtrack (even if I did have trouble making out what the words were in the song near the start of the game). Highly recommended for anyone who likes things a bit weird and thought provoking!
The stylistic choices and the intention to offer a game that challenges the conventions of the sci-fi horror genre are commendable, but the overall feeling is one of a missed opportunity. If you're a fan of the genre and looking for an experience that challenges your perceptions, KARMA: The Dark World is still a title worth exploring, but with the awareness that it never fully reaches the potential greatness it could have.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Karma: The Dark World does a great job of keeping players on the edge of their seat with its immersive atmosphere, intriguing plot twists, melancholic soundtrack, and the addition of a few unique gameplay mechanics throughout the experience. While not every moment hits a high note—and the noticeable dip in quality toward the final act leaves a bittersweet aftertaste—the game's wild and intense journey is undeniably worth experiencing.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Bizarre, unfiltered and mind-blowing. The experience in KARMA: The Dark World is insane, just the way I like it and the way a psychological horror game should be. Although it has some technical issues, it manages to deliver tension without the need for overdoing the famous "jump scares".
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
There are games that make you think - about the universe, the meaning of life, what is important and where we are going, the consequences of our actions. This psychological thriller evokes anything but indifference.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Karma: The Dark World is not a game for those looking for fast-paced action or conventional horror. It is a slow, cerebral experience-as exciting as it is challenging-that relies heavily on atmosphere and symbolism, leaving the player free to interpret what is happening. The plot, rich in moral and philosophical themes, coupled with compassed but functional gameplay and polished graphics (although more variety in the game environments would not have hurt), makes it a recommended title for those looking for something deeper and more thoughtful in today's video game landscape. If you are looking for a dark, disturbing, unique adventure full of meaningful choices, Karma: The Dark World definitely deserves your attention: Get ready for a narrative that leaves more questions than answers!
Review in Italian | Read full review
Karma: The Dark World explores the effects of a dystopian system on both society and the individual, offering a promising psychological horror premise. However, its 8-hour runtime falls short of realizing that potential, ending up as an average experience despite a strong start.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
"Atmospheric dread with emotional depth" Karma: The Dark World stands out as a powerful, artistic horror game, blending surreal visuals with immersive audio to deliver a unique psychological experience. Despite some technical flaws and repetitive gameplay, the game touches on profound human themes in a poignant way. It's not for everyone, but fans of symbolic and artistic stories will appreciate it.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Overall, Karma: The Dark World was an enjoyable experience that managed to keep me on my toes with the gameplay loop as well as have me questioning everything that was going on as I explored some of the most haunting locations both in reality and mind.
KARMA: The Dark World delivers a mind-bending, unsettling, and utterly heartbreaking experience, the likes of which are rarely seen in the realm of walking sims. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. With a runtime of about six hours, it’s perfect for one or two sessions to see everything it has to offer. With a narrative full of twists, compelling mysteries, and a host of well fleshed-out, complex characters, KARMA: The Dark World will have you hooked until the final screen and pondering it long after it’s over.
KARMA: The Dark World is one of the best walking simulators I've played in recent times, purely because of its visual identity, its themes and the way it builds its universe.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Its slow-burn narrative, challenging puzzles, and surreal visuals create a haunting atmosphere that keeps you questioning reality.
KARMA: The Dark World builds fear through disorientation, uncertainty, and mental manipulation. It’s a game that forces you to piece together a reality that refuses to stay still, all while questioning whether you are uncovering the truth, or simply losing your mind. KARMA delivers gripping psychological horror through mind-dives, oppressive world-building, and a haunting soundscape. While occasional technical hiccups detract slightly, they don’t overshadow the game’s unsettling atmosphere and strong narrative ambition.