Karma: The Dark World Reviews
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!
KARMA: The Dark World is a compelling experience with a strong narrative. Do I think it belongs among the horror greats? No. Do I think it’s an impressive feat for an indie studio? Absolutely. If you love dystopian themed psychological horror, this is one to add to the collection. If you’re new to the genre, this is a great entry point. The gameplay is straightforward, and since the collectable puzzles are optional, most players should find it easy enough to pick up and enjoy. Perhaps my hopes were set too high for this game as whilst enjoyable it simply left me wanting more.
Karma: The Dark World has a lot of interesting ideas, but it tells them in such a vague way that will leave many dissatisfied. Couple that with limited gameplay sections, cheap horror moments, a story that feels like huge gaps were cut for the sake of building mystery, and it’s hard to not be a little disappointed. However, that being said, Karma does have standout moments sprinkled throughout that elevates the game past its mediocrity. It’s graphically outstanding, the soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, and even though the game’s story is full of smoke and mirrors it does occasionally provide you with an incredibly well crafted scene or two.
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.
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.
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
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
The Karma Dark World is a well-optimized and visually stunning horror game that still fails to sufficiently distance itself from its influences.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
KARMA: The Dark World is a narrative-driven dystopian game where The Leviathan Corporation’s influence is pervasive; gameplay revolves around exploration, puzzles, and uncovering lore, but limited hints can lead to frustration, making it best suited for fans of psychological horror and story-driven experiences rather than action-seekers.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Karma: The Dark World rises above the crowd of psychological horror indie games thanks to outstanding imagery that showcases endless creativity and technical execution that punches way above its weight class.
Pollard Studio has created something special in KARMA: The Dark World, perfectly depicting Lynchian surrealism with Orwellian dystopian themes in this unique psychological thriller experience. Featuring lifelike character portrayals, ingenious environmental storytelling, and stunning visuals, it delivers an unforgettable journey that will resonate with you long after the end credits roll. While the final hour feels rushed, I loved how the game challenges you to confront the complexities of control, identity, and the human mind, making it a must play for fans of the genre.
Despite some minor pacing issues in its final act and occasionally simplistic puzzle design, KARMA delivers a memorable journey through the dark corners of human consciousness. It's a must-play for fans of psychological horror and anyone interested in games that push the boundaries of narrative storytelling.
KARMA: The Dark World does a great job in immersing you in a dystopian setting. The horror is prominent and challenges you to think. Some of the puzzles feel unnecessary and you have little guidance for the solutions. The experience is great if you can withstand the mature content and give the story time to flesh out.
KARMA: The Dark World is a visually stunning psychological thriller that doesn’t always hit the mark but still delivers a hauntingly unique experience. If you enjoy surreal storytelling and atmospheric horror, it’s worth diving in – just be prepared for a narrative that leaves more questions than it does answers.
Karma Dark World isn't a game for everyone. But if you do love experiencing a strong narrative and cinematic gameplay, you owe it to yourself to experience this gem.
A high concept surreal experience drawing inspiration from the works of David Lynch, Terry Gilliam and George Orwell, Karma: The Dark World is a passable debut work of Shanghai based Pollard Studio. Technically the presentation is solid, but story is all over the place and writing borderline cringe.
Review in Finnish | Read full review
So, to answer the question posed at the beginning of this review, yes, it vary much lived up to the hype. Karma The Dark World is not an action-packed thrill ride, and it never tried to be. Karma is extremely good at a couple of things and doesn’t stray from that, which I enjoy a lot and feel more games need to do. Keep it simple and don’t overstay your welcome.
Despite its weak gameplay and underwhelming horror elements, KARMA: The Dark World stands out as an ambitious Chinese title with a unique story and impressive cinematic direction. Considering it’s the studio’s first game and developed on a modest budget, the end result is quite satisfying—especially for fans of narrative-driven games with a mysterious atmosphere.
Review in Arabic | Read full review