Karma: The Dark World takes us into a dark, alternative reality of 1984, in which the omnipresent Leviathan Corporation rules East Germany with an iron hand. As Daniel McGovern, an investigator from the Thought Bureau, we infiltrate the minds of suspicious individuals in order to bring hidden truths to light. But is Karma: The Dark World really as oppressive and captivating as the title promises? Our test provides the answer.
A surreal journey
The game begins differently than expected: We wake up in a hospital room, with no memories, disoriented and a feeling that something is wrong. As we explore the building, we make basic settings - sound, FOV and other adjustments - which turn out to be part of the in-game calibration.
From the very first rooms, we are confronted with disturbing images: Bodies growing out of the damp floor in tubs like grotesque plants. As we dispose of a "failure", our character meets a mysterious old man. His first words are not very reassuring: "That doesn't normally happen." He puts headphones on us, puts a tape into a Walkman and says: "We have to remember and find him on the other side." Suddenly we find ourselves in an ocean of dark liquid, where we find another tape - and realize who we are: Daniel McGovern, investigator on behalf of the Leviathan Corporation. Our task? To infiltrate the mind of a suspect and bring him to justice.
A narrative experiment - fascination or frustration?
Even these introductory minutes give an idea of what Karma: The Dark World an interactive work of art, a narrative nightmare, a game that asks more questions than it answers. In terms of gameplay, it is best described as a "walking simulator" with puzzles. If you're looking for fast action, you won't find it here. Instead, a deep, intricate story unfolds that lingers long after the game is over - a rarity in the modern gaming landscape.
The visual and acoustic presentation are undoubtedly the greatest strengths of Karma: The Dark World. The gloomy atmosphere is reinforced by the impressive attention to detail in the surroundings. As Daniel, we investigate an initially inconspicuous incident: a worker has stolen a research object. But it soon becomes clear that there is much more to this theft. The suspect's mind is a labyrinthine construct that actively resists our intrusions. As we delve deeper into his psyche, it becomes apparent that he once played a more important role within the Leviathan corporation - until a work accident cost him everything.
The further we progress, the more surreal the experiences become. We see flying whales that obviously symbolize the omnipresent power of the Leviathan corporation. Surveillance eyes watch us from the sky and from monitors. Again and again we come across banned books - including George Orwell's 1984, a work that should not actually exist in this world. Karma cleverly uses the concept of the unreliable narrator and blurs the boundaries between reality, dream and manipulation.
Strong presentation with weaknesses in accessibility
The narrative style of Karma The Dark World is undoubtedly unique, but this could put some players off. While the plot features profound themes and philosophical questions, much is left deliberately vague. The game requires us to actively work with its symbols and metaphors to draw our own conclusions. This is fascinating on the one hand, but frustrating on the other - especially for players who prefer a clearly structured story.
The dubbing is largely successful. The voice actors deliver solid performances, even if there are a few isolated outliers. The soundtrack and the soundscape further enhance the oppressive atmosphere. Particularly noteworthy is the acoustic design of the thought worlds, which creates a constant tension with whispering voices and distorted noises.
Art or game?
Ultimately, the question remains: Is Karma: The Dark World a good game? Or is it more of an experimental art project? If you value classic gameplay, you won't find much here. The puzzles are often abstract, the pacing is leisurely and the story cannot easily be squeezed into conventional structures. However, if you are looking for a narrative experience that makes you think, you will find it in Karma The Dark World discover a veritable treasure trove of philosophical and socio-critical topics.
The game can best be described as a mixture of Observer and Indica a dystopian sci-fi game with horror elements that is bursting with artistic influences. It is a game that is aware of its otherness and forces the player to engage with their own interpretation. Whether this is off-putting or fascinating ultimately depends on individual expectations.
If you just want to try your hand at it first, there are a demo is still available in the PlayStation Store.
Conclusion
English 
German