Pros:
+ a one of a kind genre mix
+ the setting is uncanny and memorable
+ graphical presentation befits the setting and atmosphere
+ horror elements are low-key scary without being blunt
+ the card games are genuinely fun and deeper than expected
+ rogue-lite elements constantly extend the amount of available actions
+ paths along the map allow for situation-specific customization
+ items are truly powerful and can quickly be replaced
+ the antagonist is well-designed and transgressively written
+ soundscapes are unmemorable but fitting
+ gameplay changes depend on choice of platform and online or offline play
+ the amount of unique ideas and secrets to find is staggering
+ the extent of the meta-narrative is genuinely shocking
+ Kacey's Mod is a great post-game addition
Cons:
- interface is generally clunky and sometimes confusing
- even the most basic moves cannot be redone
- the rules of the card games are deliberately obscure
- the deck and remaining lives cannot be viewed during a match
- the luck of the draw is a constant, frustrating companion
- events that add cards to your deck cannot be skipped
- ingame hints are not always transparent
- some boss fights situations are unfair or even unwinnable
- the later parts of the game are not as good as to the beginning
- the ending to the meta-narrative is shocking but disappointing
Playtime: 26 hours. All optional sequences played and bosses fought.
Magic Moments: Exploring the cabin for the first time and uncovering its secrets step by step, all while feeling the coldest shiver all over my spine with each new information. Understanding the meta-narrative for the first time. Playing the final match against a suprprising enemy.
Verdict:
Daniel Mullin's third outing continues on the unique path he has set for himself over the last few years: Inscryption offers a one of a kind, meta-narrative experience with a dense atmosphere, a constant stream of surprises and most of all, fun card game mechanics at its core. The different mechanics over the course of the game are deeper than they appear at first, constantly changing as a result of the rogue-lite design, while the escape room element adds to the meta-narrative storyline that becomes more and more intriguing over time. The antagonists ant twists or the story are well-written and uncanny in their unpredictability, even if sudden changes to the rules and presentation of the game lead to an unsteady flow.
At the same time, the UI is a fickle beast throughout that never really becomes any easier to navigate over the course of a playthrough, both while navigating the card games as well as the escape rooms, and the inability to redo even the most basic moves is a real design flaw that leads to many moments of unnecessary frustration. The decision to withhold information from the player even extends to basic aspects like the amount of remaining lives or cards in a deck during a match, and the unclear rules of the draw does make it seem like some situations in the later game are unfairly stacked against the player.
Still, Inscryption smartly and confidently combines elements from different genres to offer a unique journey to a dark cabin at the end of the world, while dazzling and entertaining in equal measure. Don't read anymore about it, just go and play it.
+ a one of a kind genre mix
+ the setting is uncanny and memorable
+ graphical presentation befits the setting and atmosphere
+ horror elements are low-key scary without being blunt
+ the card games are genuinely fun and deeper than expected
+ rogue-lite elements constantly extend the amount of available actions
+ paths along the map allow for situation-specific customization
+ items are truly powerful and can quickly be replaced
+ the antagonist is well-designed and transgressively written
+ soundscapes are unmemorable but fitting
+ gameplay changes depend on choice of platform and online or offline play
+ the amount of unique ideas and secrets to find is staggering
+ the extent of the meta-narrative is genuinely shocking
+ Kacey's Mod is a great post-game addition
Cons:
- interface is generally clunky and sometimes confusing
- even the most basic moves cannot be redone
- the rules of the card games are deliberately obscure
- the deck and remaining lives cannot be viewed during a match
- the luck of the draw is a constant, frustrating companion
- events that add cards to your deck cannot be skipped
- ingame hints are not always transparent
- some boss fights situations are unfair or even unwinnable
- the later parts of the game are not as good as to the beginning
- the ending to the meta-narrative is shocking but disappointing
Playtime: 26 hours. All optional sequences played and bosses fought.
Magic Moments: Exploring the cabin for the first time and uncovering its secrets step by step, all while feeling the coldest shiver all over my spine with each new information. Understanding the meta-narrative for the first time. Playing the final match against a suprprising enemy.
Verdict:
Daniel Mullin's third outing continues on the unique path he has set for himself over the last few years: Inscryption offers a one of a kind, meta-narrative experience with a dense atmosphere, a constant stream of surprises and most of all, fun card game mechanics at its core. The different mechanics over the course of the game are deeper than they appear at first, constantly changing as a result of the rogue-lite design, while the escape room element adds to the meta-narrative storyline that becomes more and more intriguing over time. The antagonists ant twists or the story are well-written and uncanny in their unpredictability, even if sudden changes to the rules and presentation of the game lead to an unsteady flow.
At the same time, the UI is a fickle beast throughout that never really becomes any easier to navigate over the course of a playthrough, both while navigating the card games as well as the escape rooms, and the inability to redo even the most basic moves is a real design flaw that leads to many moments of unnecessary frustration. The decision to withhold information from the player even extends to basic aspects like the amount of remaining lives or cards in a deck during a match, and the unclear rules of the draw does make it seem like some situations in the later game are unfairly stacked against the player.
Still, Inscryption smartly and confidently combines elements from different genres to offer a unique journey to a dark cabin at the end of the world, while dazzling and entertaining in equal measure. Don't read anymore about it, just go and play it.