Indika is a deeply atypical video game that will never really leave you after finishing it. We were able to test it, we explain to you why you shouldn’t miss it.
The time when video games almost exclusively offered, with a few exceptions, the role of men in their thirties now seems far behind us. Although, in fact, it only dates back a few years, the industry has evolved greatly since then. We won’t complain: without this development, one of the best games of 2024 would likely never have seen the light of day.
You’ve probably seen it on social media at least once this week. Indika makes a lot of talk about him. And for good reason: his proposal is extremely original. Put away your weapons and your irrepressible need to save the world. In Indika, you play a Russian nun at the end of the 19th century. Oh, and you hear the devil’s voice in your head, too.
Indika is surely the most original video game of 2024
Let’s start with the story. The game begins with Indika having a panic attack. — which is therefore also the name of your character — in full prayer. You quickly understand that these crises are frequent and that they earn the nun a very bad reputation among the other residents of the monastery. It’s quite simple: everyone hates you. Who knew that talking directly with the devil would be frowned upon?
Unfortunately, the situation is not getting better for Indika, who is the victim of a new hallucination, disturbing the calm of the place. He is then entrusted with a mission: to deliver a letter outside the monastery. Your adventure begins here, or rather a few moments later, when you meet Ilya, a recently escaped former prisoner. Quickly, he reveals to you that he regularly discusses with God himself. Chance would have it.
We will not go further to avoid spoilers. However, you will certainly have identified the themes addressed by Indika, as well as his inspirations. It is indeed difficult not to think of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice — the sequel to which will be released this year – with its comments on mental health and the way in which it is understood by those around us. Likewise, from the meeting with Ilya, the game takes on the air of The Last of Uswhen the two characters get involved in long discussions which will gradually change their vision of the world.
Then, of course, there will be a lot of talk about religion. Orthodox Christianity to be more precise, but that ultimately doesn’t matter. Since it is rather the faith of its characters thatIndika come here to ask questions. On several occasions, the nun will expose the conflicts and paradoxes between her education, her philosophy and what religion taught her. Ironically, Ilya, whom life has not spared, remains unshakeable for almost the entire duration of the game. He still breaks down from time to time, otherwise it wouldn’t be funny.
No game has the same vibe as Indika
Since then, a profoundly atypical atmosphere emerges from this game. The initial suggestion certainly helps a lot: we challenge you to name another game that makes you play a character similar to Indika. But this is supported by decorations that are sometimes sumptuous, often austere, where it is difficult to find an ounce of color. In addition, and without saying too much, these will be your main indicator of Indika’s psychological state.
As explained above, the real strength of the game is the relationship between its two main characters, which will continue to evolve throughout the adventure. The moment will inevitably come when you will wonder which of the two is more mentally ill. Because if Indika is not left out on the issue, it is her sidekick who takes her on a journey which ultimately has not the slightest meaning.
Indika also has the mark of great games, those who transmit their messages and emotions through their gameplay. Here again, it’s difficult to say too much without spoiling too much, because the discovery of the different mechanics is an integral part of the pleasure of the game. Let’s just say that in this game there is a button to pray and that this is not a problem. gimmick. In Indika, prayer can literally help you pass levels.
In truth, this goes for every mechanic you’ll encounter. If the gameplay is not incredibly rich, it is constantly renewing itself, each time with a very particular meaning on Indika’s psyche. Not convinced ? Also note that one section will require you to slalom between fish carcasses above a giant blaze.
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This game does have some flaws, right?
Yes. Unfortunately, we must admit that Indika suffers slightly from her communication, certainly very effective but which, in reality, focuses mainly on the first hour of play. It is a perfectly understandable choice, since the latter borders on perfection. However, the bellows inevitably falls afterwards, and you will have to hang on to find another pleasure.
In addition, it is important to know where you are putting your feet. To start, Indika is not a game for everyone. If questions about mental health, religion, or even nudity make you uncomfortable, move on. Needless to say, it is not recommended to play in front of children.
Likewise, the gameplay ofIndika is not the most thrilling. We are far from a proposal as radical as a walking simulator for example, but here again, the game is not aimed at players looking above all for nervous games with high challenges. These last points do not constitute faults strictly speaking and are on the contrary the result of a strong proposition, which will amaze receptive players and leave others indifferent.
Are you still hesitant? Here are 5 reasons to play Indika :
- It will keep you busy for a weekend (around 4 hours)
- You will ask yourself questions that you have never asked yourself in front of a video game
- You like works that don’t provide all the answers
- You like pixel art (we won’t tell you more)
- You are looking for a game that will surprise you