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KARMA: The Dark World

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2025

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Quick resume

KARMA: The Dark World is a first-person cinematic psychological thriller set in a dystopian world where the Leviathan Corporation is omnipresent. The year is 1984, the place is East Germany, and things are not quite what they seem.

Global score

92/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG)

Pros

  • Stunning visuals and art direction
  • Deep, immersive narrative
  • Excellent sound design and voice acting
  • Thought-provoking psychological themes
  • Well-crafted puzzles integrated with story

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Some puzzles are obtuse or confusing
  • Linear gameplay with limited player agency
  • Lack of replayability for some players
  • Minor technical issues and lack of ultrawide support

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players explore and solve puzzles at their own pace within a narrative-driven walking simulator, allowing some freedom in approach but within a linear story."

  • Competence
    2

    "Puzzles provide some challenge and require observation and logic, but gameplay is generally accessible and not mechanically complex."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; focus is on personal experience and story exploration without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players express strong attachment to the story and atmosphere, with some replaying to uncover more details or understand the narrative better."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience focused on individual exploration and puzzle solving without multiplayer or cooperative play."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Highly creative art direction and narrative design with surreal environments and symbolic storytelling."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are solitary and narrative-focused."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong immersion in a dystopian, surreal world provides escape from reality and emotional engagement."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in story and atmosphere, with no indication of obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Some exploration of narrative layers and puzzle solving encourages trying different approaches, though within a structured framework."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Exploration of detailed, surreal environments and uncovering story elements and collectibles drives curiosity."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited player customization; focus is on experiencing the narrative rather than personalizing characters or environments."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Engages players in a fictional dystopian sci-fi world with surreal and psychological horror elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Experience is solitary with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop understanding of complex narrative and solve puzzles, reflecting cognitive and interpretive growth."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of walking simulators with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to narrative and puzzles; not designed for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited social or emotional connection beyond the narrative; no player-to-player relationships."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; purely single-player experience."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through story and puzzle completion with collectible items, but no character upgrades or power accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Atmospheric pacing and immersive storytelling provide a contemplative and sometimes tense but generally balanced experience."

  • Sensation
    4

    "Strong sensory stimulation through visuals, sound design, and emotional narrative impact."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition mechanics; focus is on personal narrative experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Central to the game; deep narrative immersion with complex psychological and dystopian themes."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Some puzzle-solving and interpretation require mental engagement, but overall gameplay is straightforward."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Tension and suspense arise from psychological horror and narrative mystery rather than fast-paced action."

  • Value
    4

    "Players perceive strong value for price due to quality storytelling, visuals, and immersive experience."

  • Violence
    -4

    "Minimal violence; gameplay emphasizes exploration and psychological themes over combat or destruction."

  • Survival
    -3

    "Limited survival elements; occasional chase sequences but mostly stable, low-risk environments."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026