A disturbing horror where faith and morality travel opposing paths, never meant to cross.
INDIKA is a narrative-driven adventure developed by Odd Meter and published by 11 bit studios, released in May 2024. The game blends horror, philosophy, and social critique with grotesque imagery, religious symbolism, and the thematic duality of the sacred and the profane — all underpinned by the existential temptation to choose a “path without light.”
Set in late 19th-century Russia and spanning roughly five hours, INDIKA delivers a powerful, introspective experience. Odd Meter is an independent studio based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, made up of a 16-person team. Originally founded in Russia, the studio relocated in response to the political and moral upheaval brought on by the war in Ukraine. As game director Dmitry Svetlow has openly stated: “By 2024, remaining in Russia had become physically and psychologically terrifying.”
11 bit studios — already acclaimed for emotionally resonant titles such as This War of Mine — chose to support Odd Meter by granting full creative freedom and refraining from interfering with the game’s content. This support enabled Svetlow to pour his personal anguish and existential unrest into the project — emotions that take corporeal form in the complex, conflicted figure of Indika herself.
An Immersive Narrative
Set in late 19th-century Russia, INDIKA follows the story of a nun haunted by a fragile and wavering faith. Marginalized and mistrusted within her convent, she is sent on a mission that feels more like exile. Her journey leads her through claustrophobic, unforgiving landscapes, forcing her to confront not only her spirituality but, most fearsomely, the very embodiment of evil: the Devil himself. Throughout her journey, she is accompanied by the voice of Satan, who acts as both narrator and provocateur—challenging her beliefs and guiding her through the murky boundaries between good and evil, gradually sowing doubt and blurring the lines of her convictions.
Not Just a Game
INDIKA delivers a profound and philosophical narrative that delves into themes of faith, free will, and morality. Through Indika’s journey, the player delves into complex concepts such as sin, redemption, and the nature of the soul, often expressed in a grotesque and surreal tone—where horror is less explicit and more a subtle, persistent undercurrent.
The Devil transcends the role of a mere malevolent force, acting instead as a constant interlocutor who challenges both the protagonist and the player to confront and question their own beliefs. The intense dialogues shared between him, us, and Indika—set against the haunting silence of the Siberian snow—alongside surreal and grotesque events that enrich the narrative, offer a uniquely nuanced perspective on spirituality and human existence, leading us to consider that good and evil may simply be matters of perspective.
This is INDIKA. It is neither religion, nor faith, nor morality.
In this work, Svetlow lays bare his entire self, aspiring to convey a powerful message and leave a lasting imprint on the player. Svetlow’s vision for 2024 is reflected in the portrayal of Russian Orthodox society within the game—a hypocritical institution that divides rather than unites; one that imposes choices we would never willingly make instead of providing genuine guidance.
Indika embodies the timeless and epic conflict between good and evil, belief and doubt, right and wrong, moral and immoral, free will and immutable fate, choosing and enduring.
Here, the Devil, as an omniscient narrator, ceases to be the enemy and instead emerges almost as a beacon of light amid a world shrouded in darkness, falsehood, and hypocrisy—a world where the clergy act as its mouthpiece.
Indika’s journey is both spiritual and metaphorical: it mirrors the universal path of life. It begins with innocence and the joy of existence—the very life capable of corrupting the childlike purity buried deep within every human soul.
Indika leaves the convent as a nun—but will she truly arrive as one? This question provokes deep reflection: you cannot judge a book by its cover. The habit does not always make the monk, and Indika is living proof.
The paradox of the game lies in this: a nun symbolizes good, and the Devil represents evil. Yet, by journey’s end, the player is left with the exact opposite impression.
Eye-Catching Visuals
INDIKA delivers stunning next-gen visuals—an impressive feat for an indie production. Initially developed in Unreal Engine 4, the project later transitioned to Unreal Engine 5 to fully leverage the capabilities of modern hardware. Its environments guide players through a striking contrast of snow-covered vistas and oppressive, claustrophobic interiors—each space rendered with meticulous care and immersive depth. Particularly impressive are the lifelike facial models and nuanced expressions, realized with exceptional fidelity. Lighting plays an equally vital role: dynamic shadows and atmospheric illumination intensify the game’s moody and immersive tone. The art direction seamlessly blends steampunk influences with grotesque undertones, shaping a world that feels at once enchanting and unsettling. In INDIKA’s case, nothing could feel more appropriate.
Sound, the Invisible Architect
The soundtrack of INDIKA features 16-bit-style melodies, an innovative choice that contrasts strikingly with its cutting-edge graphics, helping to cultivate an unsettling atmosphere filled with tension and discomfort. Ambient sounds and evocative music accompany the player throughout the experience, while the Devil’s voice adds an extra layer of depth to the audio landscape—especially when experienced through headphones, inevitably recalling Senua’s haunting odyssey in Hellblade.
Past Meets Present
From a gameplay standpoint, INDIKA seamlessly blends exploration, environmental puzzle-solving, and platforming elements. The richly detailed game world features side quests and collectibles that encourage thorough exploration.
A unique aspect of the game is its retro-inspired pixel-art mini-games, which poignantly depict moments from the protagonist’s childhood as a nun, weaving themes of first love and familial nostalgia into the experience.
Another distinctive feature is the “faith token” system, which prompts a thoughtful reflection on spirituality and progress, challenging traditional game conventions. Notably, skill points and experience do not influence game progression.
There are no combat encounters or traditional enemies. Instead, the true antagonist lies within Indika herself, whose visions—triggered by a satanic voice—open a subterranean, alternate realm during gameplay, reminiscent of the Umbral realm from Lords of the Fallen.
By navigating between the real world and this satanic realm, players advance through the journey. Furthermore, the presence of a traveling companion, Ilya—mutilated and dying—poses an additional test of Indika’s faith as the Bride of Christ, exposing her latent sexual desires—a haunting reminder of her life before taking her vows.
The Critics’ Take
INDIKA has been warmly received by critics, who have praised its originality and narrative depth.
However, not all reviews have been unanimously positive. Some critics pointed to a dissonance between the pixel-art segments and the rest of the game, noting a lack of seamlessness in the transitions across these distinct segments.
Nonetheless, the game has been widely commended for its thought-provoking themes and the overall quality of its storytelling and visual design.
INDIKA has also garnered several notable accolades within the gaming industry, including:
- Game Audio Network Guild Awards 2025: Best Dialogue for an Indie Game
- The Game Awards 2024: Nominated in the “Games for Impact” category
- 28th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards 2025: Nominated for “Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game” and “Outstanding Achievement in Character”
- Independent Games Festival: Nominated for the Seumas McNally Grand Prize, as well as Excellence in Narrative and Audio
- BAFTA Games Awards 2025: Longlisted in the “Game Beyond Entertainment” category
Having experienced the game in a single sitting, I can fully align myself with the widespread critical acclaim it has received.
INDIKA
PRO
- Thought-provoking and emotionally rich narrative;
- Striking and meticulously crafted visuals;
- A haunting, introspective soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere;
- Immersive and detail-rich gameplay mechanics.
CON
- Stylistic dissonance between pixel-art sequences and the core visual aesthetic;
- Transitions between different segments lack fluidity.
7.5/10
