We find ourselves in a golden age for uniquely strange games hailing from Eastern Europe. Notable titles include Indika, where you play as a nun engaging with Satan, Militsioner, featuring a town overseen by a gigantic cop, and HROT, a shooter set in socialist Czechoslovakia. The most recent addition to this eclectic lineup is One-Eyed Likho, a horror-puzzle game where two elderly men embark on a journey to understand the notion of ’evil'.

In this game, players take on the role of a village smith, teaming up with a tailor to seek out Likho, one of the various representations of evil in Slavic folklore. This largely puzzle-centric game utilizes fire as a means to solve problems and navigate its black-and-white world, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of silent films by Oleksandr Dovzhenko. The game’s narrative leads you through diverse settings — from eerie woods to a shipwreck, eventually into the depths of the earth, all while engaging with philosophical musings about biblical figures and life’s despair.

The influence of Pathologic is evident throughout, favoring surreal horror over visceral gore. However, players should prepare for some shocking moments, as when Likho makes its appearance and heads roll, all while maintaining a playful banter. The blend of gameplay and narrative compels players to pursue the ultimate truth about evil.