KARJALA is an adventure game that transports players to the heart of Karelia – a land of rivers, forests, and lakes, where the modern world collides with superstitions and ancient rituals. The developers skilfully combine northern Russian folklore with elements of horror and surrealism, creating a unique experience steeped in mystery. Nature is not just a backdrop here but a character of its own – both beautiful and dangerous.
The main character of KARJALA is soldier Solnyshkov, who, following his command’s orders, agrees to participate in a mysterious experiment. This decision marks the beginning of his journey into the unknown, leading him directly into the so-called Soviet Backrooms – a place where time and space are distorted and reality merges with nightmare. The story blends a military setting with psychological themes, showing just how thin the line between reality and the supernatural can be.
Gameplay in KARJALA focuses on exploration, puzzles, and a growing sense of tension. Players navigate claustrophobic corridors, abandoned bases, and dark forests, where every step might uncover a new secret or bring an encounter with something beyond human. The mechanics encourage careful observation, interpretation of signs, and decision-making that can alter the course of the story.
KARJALA is more than a tale of a soldier and an experiment – it is also a metaphor for humanity’s confrontation with fear and the unknown. With evocative visuals, immersive music, and a carefully crafted narrative, the game brings the folklore of Karelia to life in a modern reinterpretation. It is a must-play for fans of psychological horror and survival storytelling.
