KARMA: The Dark World – Memories, Madness, and Monochrome Mystery

March 31, 2025
by Micoola

A haunting, Orwellian descent into the subconscious where every memory might be a lie.

Why KARMA: The Dark World isn’t your typical psychological thriller?

Developed by Pollard Studio and released in March 2025, KARMA: The Dark World is an indie gem that blends cinematic visuals, surreal horror, and cerebral puzzles into one unforgettable deep-dive into identity and control. Furthermore, think 1984 meets Inception, but make it interactive.

The Premise: Welcome to Leviathan

Set in a dystopian East Germany in 1984, you play as Daniel McGovern — a Roam Agent for the ominous Leviathan Corporation. Your job? Investigate threats to Leviathan by literally diving into the minds of suspects. What follows is a kaleidoscope of memory fragments, warped realities, and unsettling truths.

In addition, the line between delusion and reality is blurred in the best (and worst) ways. Moreover, one moment you’re watching static on a flickering CRT; the next, you’re drowning in monochrome surrealism and shadowy corridors that whisper your name.

Gameplay: No Guns, Just Guts

KARMA focuses on narrative-driven exploration and environmental puzzle-solving. On the other hand, there’s no combat, but tension simmers constantly. Also, you’ll collect clues, solve strange logic puzzles, and piece together fractured stories hidden in twisted mental landscapes. However, If you enjoy games like Observer or Layers of Fear, this one’s for you.

Aesthetic Brilliance

Built in Unreal Engine 5, the game looks drop-dead gorgeous — or rather, beautifully dead. Furthermore, everything from dusty offices to grayscale dreamscapes is rendered with cinematic quality and oppressive atmosphere. It’s stylish, stark, and more than a little unsettling.

Critical Reception

KARMA: The Dark World launched to generally favorable reviews:

GamingBolt: “A fun interactive story that explores the darkest reaches of the human psyche with excellent surreal horror.” – Full Review
GAMINGbible: “Stunning graphics, meaningful visuals, and a gripping narrative.” – Read More
Gaming Nexus: “A beautifully rendered but ultimately familiar adventure game.” – Full Article

As a result, the game currently holds an average score of 77 on OpenCritic, showing solid appreciation for its visuals and originality.

Watch the Trailer

Get a feel for the game’s twisted tone with this official showcase trailer:

Final Verdict

KARMA: The Dark World is an atmospheric deep-dive into memory, morality, and madness. Also, It’s not for the faint of heart, nor for those craving action — but if you’re looking for a thought-provoking horror experience with stunning visuals and brain-bending puzzles, this is one dark path worth walking.