Karma: The Dark World Reviews
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
KARMA: The Dark World skillfully manages to combine a typical walking simulator with elements of creepiness, horror and puzzles. The studio's first work shines with its impressive presentation and is brimming with metaphorical symbolism without being heavy-handed. Those who are not put off by the sometimes challenging riddles should really treat themselves to this psychedelic trip.
Review in German | Read full review
If you are into horror games and like the works of George Orwell, David Lynch or Hideo Kojima, “Karma: The Dark World” is a must for you. The world is disturbing and oppressive. The horror is not heavy-handed with jump scare after jump scare, but subtle and always surprising. It's not monsters that scare me — although they do exist — but the human psyche.
Review in German | Read full review