The 'Karma' version of East Germany feels real and surreal at the same time. — Wired Productions/dpa
BERLIN: Karma: The Dark World is a psychological thriller set in East Germany in 1984, now out for PS5, Xbox and Steam.
In this horror game the Leviathan Corporation brings to life an alternate version of this surveillance state, one where control is exercised through a class system and mind-altering drugs. And one where you can't trust anyone, not even yourself.
Players slip into the role of Daniel McGovern, an investigator in the so-called Thought Office of the Leviathan Corporation. To solve crimes, you naturally also rely on traditional methods: such as analysing evidence at crime scenes or interviewing witnesses and suspects.
Retro aesthetics, strange technology and state surveillance is everywhere this version of 1984 East Germany. — Wired Productions/dpa
But there's also a special investigative method: a journey into the consciousness of the accused. However, there’s a problem: the mind doesn't always reflect reality. Events are influenced by emotions and things get mixed up. This complicates the search for the truth.
The game not only impresses with its storytelling, but also with its detailed visuals, which convey an oppressive, dystopian world. From gloomy alleys to surreal landscapes of consciousness, everything is convincingly portrayed.
The year the game’s set in is, of course, no coincidence. The game is inspired by George Orwell's novel 1984, but also by the filmmaking techniques of game developer Hideo Kojima and the narrative style of director David Lynch.
Karma: The Dark World is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Series X/S consoles, as well as on Steam for around €25/$25. – dpa
