Introduction

Playing KARMA: The Dark World is like engaging in a Rorschach Test. One player might see a lemonade stand; another might see a cat hanging for its life. That’s how strange this experience is—but it’s exactly what makes this title so compelling.

In this narrative-driven psychological thriller, you take on the role of Daniel McGovern, an agent working for a bizarre and corrupt agency. What starts as a routine investigation unravels into a journey filled with monsters, lies, and the eerie truths behind human consciousness. Here’s my full review of KARMA: The Dark World on the PS5—huge thanks to Wired Productions and POLLARD STUDIO for the early review copy!

Gameplay

KARMA: The Dark World is a first-person psychological horror adventure that blends memory exploration with slow-burning narrative puzzles. As Daniel, you enter memories using a system called Brain Dive, exploring haunting environments, collecting clues, and solving puzzles rooted in twisted logic and emotional trauma.

Much of the early gameplay involves familiar tropes—solving environmental puzzles, crawling through air ducts, running from monsters—but as the story progresses, the game becomes more surreal, shocking, and introspective. Later moments explore philosophical dilemmas, emotional horror, and even existential questions.

Initially, I felt like the game borrowed too much from titles like Observer and SOMA, but it eventually breaks free with clever design and bold narrative risks. It takes time, but when it gets going, it truly hits.

Graphics

This game is visually stunning. From realistic tears rolling down cheeks to sprawling dystopian landscapes, KARMA: The Dark World never fails to impress. The dreamlike visuals enhance the surreal experience, making you feel lost in a dark, spiraling nightmare.

Aside from a few minor inconsistencies in cutscenes, the game holds up remarkably well visually. Its gritty, atmospheric aesthetic is an essential part of the experience.

Sound

The sound design is near flawless. The OST is haunting, the voice acting is top-tier, and every ambient noise amplifies the tension. The cast delivers their lines with conviction, and no performance ever pulled me out of the world.

Whether using headphones or surround sound, the game sounds exceptional and further immerses you in Daniel’s crumbling reality.

Story

This is where KARMA: The Dark World absolutely shines. You play as Daniel, a ROAM Agent for the Thought Bureau, a division of the Leviathan Corporation—a group that allegedly saved the world from extinction. As you dig deeper into a disturbing case, you learn Leviathan’s truth may not be so noble.

Everything in the game is drenched in narrative—from cryptic posters to fear-driven propaganda. Optional puzzles even reward you with lore, encouraging exploration and replayability. The entire experience is laced with philosophical and psychological undertones, and the ending leaves room for multiple interpretations. It’s haunting, thought-provoking, and unforgettable.

Overall Impression

KARMA: The Dark World may start slow, but it blossoms into one of the most engaging and intellectually challenging experiences I’ve had in recent memory. While the formulaic gameplay in the early hours may push some players away, those who stick with it will be rewarded with a story that lingers long after the credits roll.

Conclusion

KARMA: The Dark World surprised me. What I initially mistook as another generic indie horror turned out to be a masterful dive into the human psyche. Every step deeper into Daniel’s story revealed more layers, more truths, and more questions.

POLLARD Studio has created a smart, terrifying, and unforgettable title that elevates the psychological horror genre. I can’t wait to revisit this dark world and uncover even more secrets I may have missed the first time around.

—Aaron