Ikai Reviews

Ikai, developed by indie studio Endflame, positions itself as a psychological horror game inspired by Japanese folklore, where you play as a shrine maiden facing supernatural threats. However, my experience felt more like a "spooky walking simulator" than a true horror title. While it delivers some atmospheric tension through sound design and occasional jump scares, it falls short on delivering genuine scares or deep psychological depth. If you're in the mood for a relaxed exploration game with a eerie vibe, this might hit the spot but horror purists will likely walk away disappointed. 1.Gameplay and Horror Elements At its core, Ikai is a first-person adventure where you wander through beautifully rendered environments, solving light puzzles and uncovering lore. The gameplay is straightforward and "normal," as in unremarkable: no complex mechanics, just walking, interacting with objects, and progressing through the story. I encountered no bugs, glitches, or crashes during my playthrough, which is a plus for stability. In the horror department, the game relies heavily on its sound effects to build a creepy atmosphere distant whispers, creaking wood, and ambient noises that keep you on edge. There are a handful of jump scares that provide brief thrills, but that's about it. Don't expect layered psychological elements, intense chases, or mind-bending twists. It's more of a gentle haunt than a nightmare, which might appeal to those who prefer subtle spookiness over outright terror. 2.Graphics and Technical Performance One of the standout positives is the graphics. The game's visuals are impressive for an indie title, with detailed environments that capture the misty, folklore inspired Japanese setting. Shrines, forests, and supernatural entities look polished and immersive, making the world feel alive (or undead, as the case may be). Technically, everything ran smoothly, with no issues to report. Voice Acting and DialogueUnfortunately, this is where Ikai stumbles. The voice acting comes across as annoying and unconvincing, often detracting from the immersion rather than enhancing it. The dialogue doesn't fare much better lines feel nonsensical or poorly translated, breaking the narrative flow and making it hard to connect with the story. These elements could have elevated the psychological horror aspect but instead drag it down. 3. Overall Scores As a Horror Game: 5/10 – It has the basics for atmosphere, but lacks the depth and scares to truly frighten. As a Walking Simulator: 8/10 – If exploration and vibes are your thing, it's a solid, enjoyable experience. Final Thoughts Ikai is a game of contrasts: it's not the terrifying psychological horror it promises, but it shines as a atmospheric walking sim for those who enjoy low stakes wandering with a touch of folklore. If you're seeking a relaxing title to unwind with some mild spooks, this is worth picking up. Hardcore horror fans, however, will be disappointed by the lack of real fear factor. A big thanks to the developers at Endflame for crafting this unique experience I enjoyed it overall, even if it wasn't scary at all. If you're on the fence, check it out during a sale for a chill evening of virtual shrine keeping.