Karma: The Dark World is a mind-bending thriller | Hands-on preview

Karma: The Dark World is a mind-bending thriller | Hands-on preview

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Karma: The Dark World has left me utterly bewildered and intrigued – a perfect recipe for an unforgettable gaming experience. With its eerie atmosphere, mind-bending puzzles, and David Lynch-inspired narrative, this game has taken residence in the darker corners of my gaming memory, refusing to let go.


Taylor Swift once expressed that the concept of karma is comforting, but as I navigated through Karma: The Dark World, I found myself doubting her words. Immersed in the Leviathan Corporation and struggling to understand the unfolding events, my senses were on high alert, and there was hardly a moment of peace. A blend of David Lynch’s style and survival horror, this self-proclaimed “first-person cinematic psychological thriller” only deepened the mystery with each new enigma it presented.

I was lucky enough to preview Karma: The Dark World, and it scratched every itch when it comes to the surreal nature of its dystopian world. It’s 1984 East Germany, and the Leviathan Corporation oversees everything, controlling the people with a drug called Bluebottle. This drug is supposed to increase productivity and focus, but what it seemed to be doing was ruining people’s lives. I wasn’t able to see much about the world outside the walls of the building I was in, but I witnessed some weird goings-on that left me feeling uneasy.

Karma: The Dark World is a mind-bending thriller | Hands-on preview

A pile of old televisions accumulated in the office, with statues of dogs holding memos between their jaws, and computer monitors displaying praise for the company. After taking a seat at a desk, tediously stamping paperwork while weeping onto it, I found myself standing up again, returning to the office to discover that the screens were now suspended from the ceiling, taunting me with messages about my worthlessness, and spewing negativity and despair. What on earth is happening here? What’s this drug doing to people? Most crucially, though, how on Earth can I escape from here?

In addition to the unsettling atmosphere and oppression, there was an encounter with a grotesque monster that pursued me through hallways that morphed, shrinking, flipping, and contorting as I played my character in terror. This creature had multiple sets of hands around its torso, revealing a talking head once I managed to escape from its twisted labyrinth. These psychological aspects made it even more intriguing, and I eagerly anticipate uncovering what awaits me when the complete version is released.

Karma: The Dark World is a mind-bending thriller | Hands-on preview

In this sneak peek, we get a glimpse into one of Daniel McGovern’s minds, an agent for Leviathan’s Thought Bureau. The anticipation of unraveling the mystery and discovering more intriguing details is palpable. Are there additional beasts for the player to confront, and what hidden truths will we uncover about this organization? With Unreal Engine 5, Karma: The Dark World boasts stunning visuals, and even on Steam Deck, it’s a breathtaking thriller. I’m eagerly awaiting further exploration; I just can’t decide how long I can endure the wait.

So far, Karma: The Dark World showcases exceptional craftsmanship, boasting excellent voice acting and stunning visuals. Its psychological elements appear to draw heavily from David Lynch’s works, such as Twin Peaks, which I find intriguing. Despite the presence of horror elements, there is an underlying impression that this story has a profound and intimate narrative waiting to unfold, one that I am eagerly anticipating. The music score is outstanding, skillfully creating a tense and eerie ambiance, while its sound design sets it apart from others. All in all, Karma: The Dark World promises to be something truly unique.

Karma: The Dark World is coming to PC via Steam.

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2024-10-10 16:15