INDIKA

At first I was interested in this game, but after reading some reviews on the internet I thought I'll just pass this one as the reviews were mixed. Then I spotted it on GOG on discount and thought, I'll just buy it now and see for myself if it's any good. And I'm glad I did. It is a bit short game, maybe five or six hours, but I really did enjoy all of it. It is weird in places, but good kind of weird. The puzzles are not too difficult, I felt like I'm stuck in a couple of them but I was simply overthinking them as they turned out to be the kind of "of course, why didn't I think of that in the first place" -type of puzzles. I liked the story, and had no technical issues or bugs. I played on Linux using Heroic Games Launcher, run the game with Proton Experimental. (AMD cpu and gpu). Game version I played was 1.0.3 and it has the Photo Mode in it. One downside in addition to the short-ish length is that there is not a lot of replay value. That said I am a bit interested in playing it again just to see what I missed on the first time. Indika does get a recommendation from me. If you not sure yet and plan to check out some video reviews of it, I'd suggest to watch only those that do not spoil the story too much. Let the game tell it's story rather that some short review on the internet.

Wish the keyboard commands were smoother and easier to control the character

It was fascinating to witness Indika's transformation and inner conflicts through the short and narrative reach journey, happening in front of surrealistic gloomy landscape of rural steampunk alternative Russia. The only complain, that the game is little bit too short, and sometimes visually it could be better in few places. Also voice actors in russian are top notch, it's a joy of listening.

OK, this is not a perfect game, but the only thing I'd really change (or get rid of) were 2 or 3 of the more annoying puzzles. The story, the dialogue, the HUMOUR and the overall message are so strong that those intrusion of clunky "gamyness" just take you out of the experience a little bit. If you like Firewatch and Tarkovsky's films, don't hesitate for a moment and buy it !!!

Very interesting story and subject, russian orthodox theme is unusual and voices are excellent. Gameplay is something you may already have seen elsewhere, even done a bit better, but the overall experience is new and worth the price.