This review contains spoilers
It's nice when you pick up a creepy roguelike and there's a sequel to the 1998 Pokémon Trading Card Game Game lying around in the middle of it
A fantastic rogue-like card-builder with elements of mystery, nostalgia, dark comedy, and an ever present undertone of unease. I’ll mirror what everyone else who’s played Inscryption says and recommend that you go into this game blind. Knowing as little as possible makes every twist that much sweeter. That out of the way, let's get into some mild spoilers if you’re not convinced yet and give a general overview of the game.
The game is spread into three distinct acts. They all feature the basic structure of a 1 vs 1 card game but implement unique mechanics and art styles. The first act very much reminded me of a Jumanji/D&D/Yugioh mashup, where you traverse a game board at the behest of gamemaster Leshy, choosing paths and facing off against bosses as you do your best to learn the mechanics and build the best deck you can. This is the absolute peak of Inscryption for me. Listening to an immersed narrator guide you through your meta expedition with both humor and unease in equal parts is a truly fun experience. It helps that the card game is addictive and easy to grasp. While initially challenging, I began to like how the restrictive spaces really force you to maximize where you can in strategy and deck. Each gamemaster’s gimmick was fun to learn and they weaved them together very well, with multiple cards working best in a hybrid deck. Which becomes more prominent later in the game.
In both the first and third act you’re able to get up from the table and explore the room. It’s here where you’ll also be introduced to the wider narrative. Talking cards and secrets throughout the cabin are the first hints that there’s something more than an overly-passionate gamemaster to be understood here. Along with the captivating, retro glitchcore music scored by Jonah Senzel I felt super invested in learning more. You’ll most certainly fail a few times before you really get the hang of the game, but each run you do a bit better. Helped by the introduction of death cards, a way to create a custom powerful card to help you stack the deck in your favor. If you really know what you’re doing and with a little bit of luck you can even create the optimal deck by stacking sigil effects to build an infinitely recycling card with stacking damage. Which can be oh so satisfying when all the pieces fall into your lap.
If you’re still undecided, just a word of warning, I’m now going to get into some major spoilers. Soon after the first act you’ll find that you’re actually playing as Luke Carder, a youtuber and gamer that found the only known copy of Inscryption on a floppy disk, as revealed in short live action videos made to resemble candid found footage. And I've got to give props, the actor for Luke did really well at nailing the youtuber mannerisms, and the ARG itself was quite intriguing. I usually find them too cheesy to participate in but something about it clicked for me here. Plus Inscryption knew when to pull back the curtains and not show too much too quickly.
Talking about the separate acts, here’s where most people would say that the game falls off swiftly after the first act. I would fight against that notion though. What I will admit is that the first part is indeed the strongest, and my preferred art style for the game. The 2D old-school look was cool in the second act, yet beyond making the retro connection just a little bit stronger I’m not sure it did too much here. Maybe if they changed up the gameplay a bit more, sort of like a more archaic version of the game, but it really was just the same thing on a more charming background. I still enjoyed it, I just would have preferred playing with the fuzzy PS3 era look that the first one had. It’s not like my suspension of disbelief would not have been broken by maintaining that. That said, props to the second act for trying a more traditional deck-building setup. It was a hoot to really experiment with what worked and what didn’t with little punishment for choosing wrong.
The third act is a return to form, just slightly modified. Instead of Leshy’s cabin you’re in P03’s factory, with dead and defunct replacing dreary and funky. I actually adored this section almost as much as the first one. The new traits like permanent progression, bounties, refilling items, an items store and 5 line combat make for a different enough time to warrant its existence. The one thing I will say is it did go on a little long, maybe a handful of encounters could have been cut here, especially seeing as a good chunk of them were very quick and very easy. Even that being so, Act 3 had the best boss fights of the game, only rivaled by that of Leshy’s fight in Act 1. I was always on the edge of my seat to see what they would throw at me next in the special encounters, and they never disappointed me on that.
For such a foreboding game it has quite the bittersweet end, with just a dash of WTF. While some parts of the game are better than others it never felt like a slog to get through. I really can’t recommend it enough. Even if you don’t love high-strategy card games, Inscryption will most certainly flip your perception of what an indie title can be using just some ambience and a few tabletop rules. Some added good news for those who wanted more like the first act: you can always play Kaycee’s Mod, an expansion based on that part of the game. But who knows, there’s a large chance you’ll love Inscryption as much as I did even without the expansion.
The game is spread into three distinct acts. They all feature the basic structure of a 1 vs 1 card game but implement unique mechanics and art styles. The first act very much reminded me of a Jumanji/D&D/Yugioh mashup, where you traverse a game board at the behest of gamemaster Leshy, choosing paths and facing off against bosses as you do your best to learn the mechanics and build the best deck you can. This is the absolute peak of Inscryption for me. Listening to an immersed narrator guide you through your meta expedition with both humor and unease in equal parts is a truly fun experience. It helps that the card game is addictive and easy to grasp. While initially challenging, I began to like how the restrictive spaces really force you to maximize where you can in strategy and deck. Each gamemaster’s gimmick was fun to learn and they weaved them together very well, with multiple cards working best in a hybrid deck. Which becomes more prominent later in the game.
In both the first and third act you’re able to get up from the table and explore the room. It’s here where you’ll also be introduced to the wider narrative. Talking cards and secrets throughout the cabin are the first hints that there’s something more than an overly-passionate gamemaster to be understood here. Along with the captivating, retro glitchcore music scored by Jonah Senzel I felt super invested in learning more. You’ll most certainly fail a few times before you really get the hang of the game, but each run you do a bit better. Helped by the introduction of death cards, a way to create a custom powerful card to help you stack the deck in your favor. If you really know what you’re doing and with a little bit of luck you can even create the optimal deck by stacking sigil effects to build an infinitely recycling card with stacking damage. Which can be oh so satisfying when all the pieces fall into your lap.
If you’re still undecided, just a word of warning, I’m now going to get into some major spoilers. Soon after the first act you’ll find that you’re actually playing as Luke Carder, a youtuber and gamer that found the only known copy of Inscryption on a floppy disk, as revealed in short live action videos made to resemble candid found footage. And I've got to give props, the actor for Luke did really well at nailing the youtuber mannerisms, and the ARG itself was quite intriguing. I usually find them too cheesy to participate in but something about it clicked for me here. Plus Inscryption knew when to pull back the curtains and not show too much too quickly.
Talking about the separate acts, here’s where most people would say that the game falls off swiftly after the first act. I would fight against that notion though. What I will admit is that the first part is indeed the strongest, and my preferred art style for the game. The 2D old-school look was cool in the second act, yet beyond making the retro connection just a little bit stronger I’m not sure it did too much here. Maybe if they changed up the gameplay a bit more, sort of like a more archaic version of the game, but it really was just the same thing on a more charming background. I still enjoyed it, I just would have preferred playing with the fuzzy PS3 era look that the first one had. It’s not like my suspension of disbelief would not have been broken by maintaining that. That said, props to the second act for trying a more traditional deck-building setup. It was a hoot to really experiment with what worked and what didn’t with little punishment for choosing wrong.
The third act is a return to form, just slightly modified. Instead of Leshy’s cabin you’re in P03’s factory, with dead and defunct replacing dreary and funky. I actually adored this section almost as much as the first one. The new traits like permanent progression, bounties, refilling items, an items store and 5 line combat make for a different enough time to warrant its existence. The one thing I will say is it did go on a little long, maybe a handful of encounters could have been cut here, especially seeing as a good chunk of them were very quick and very easy. Even that being so, Act 3 had the best boss fights of the game, only rivaled by that of Leshy’s fight in Act 1. I was always on the edge of my seat to see what they would throw at me next in the special encounters, and they never disappointed me on that.
For such a foreboding game it has quite the bittersweet end, with just a dash of WTF. While some parts of the game are better than others it never felt like a slog to get through. I really can’t recommend it enough. Even if you don’t love high-strategy card games, Inscryption will most certainly flip your perception of what an indie title can be using just some ambience and a few tabletop rules. Some added good news for those who wanted more like the first act: you can always play Kaycee’s Mod, an expansion based on that part of the game. But who knows, there’s a large chance you’ll love Inscryption as much as I did even without the expansion.
Brilliant but flawed, That first act is genuinely fantastic and one of the most engrossing gameplay experiences I've had in ages but unfortunately loses its mystery and dread after the first act. Turns into a repetitive slog, the meta narrative elements are predictable and don't feel deep or compelling enough to excuse how dull the reveals are. I can still recommend this despite the many things holding me back from truly wanting to call this a fantastic experience because its bold enough to want to try and go places that most games wouldn't do in fear of alienating its audience.
play this game. there's nothing else to say.
A really fucking cool game with a nice, straightforward plot, at least if you ignore when it interrupts you with a 2013 creepypasta
played with my fiance watching me. he could not handle my big brain hyper aggressive playstyle but it’s okay i love him. thank you to the 12 damage triple strike wolf card i made for carrying me through act one
P03: Is that your f#ing fursona? That's cri-
Leshy: It's yours -CLICK-
10/10
Leshy: It's yours -CLICK-
10/10
This review contains spoilers
I just finished the story and man... that ending made me feel nostalgic for the beginning of the game.
Leshy just wanted to play his game
Good game indeed pal
Edit:
I kept playing and got the platinum trophy. It got frustrating but the main game is still an amazing experience. I also got to dive deep into the lore of the game, the arg and everything.
I don't know how to feel about Hitler being the spooky reason the game behaves like it does but... that dammed stoat, he got what he wanted and transcended! He was the one who uploaded the game we played with the video footage that was on Luke's pc.
Leshy just wanted to play his game
Good game indeed pal
Edit:
I kept playing and got the platinum trophy. It got frustrating but the main game is still an amazing experience. I also got to dive deep into the lore of the game, the arg and everything.
I don't know how to feel about Hitler being the spooky reason the game behaves like it does but... that dammed stoat, he got what he wanted and transcended! He was the one who uploaded the game we played with the video footage that was on Luke's pc.
The gameplay allows for you to break the system in the best ways imaginable
The story's also great and got to me a lot more than I thought it would
The story's also great and got to me a lot more than I thought it would
Only the first 3rd of the game is good in my opinion.
Go play Slay the spire if you like this.
Go play Slay the spire if you like this.
A true masterpiece with plenty of twists and turn that keep you on your toes!
Every time I thought I completed the game, or thought I knew how it would end, the game completely surprised me. In short, the storytelling here is phenomenal. Everything from the cards, to the walls, to the FREAKING PIPES have a secret to uncover.
On top of the story, Inscryption is a masterclass in creating a compelling card game and deckbuilding experience. I usually find it rare that a single player card game can keep me intrigued for 15+ hours, but this one can. The borrowing of rogue lite elements and constant shifting of the theme really send everything to the next level. AND THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT CARDS AND PLAYSTYLES!!!
Of course, this game isn't a perfect title. I think there are some areas that could be cut down and reduce the playtime of the game by a couple of hours. And I also believe that act 2 is a little hard to read, and can lose a little bit of what gives the game so much charm in the first place.
However, this has to be one of the all time must plays for fans of card games, deck builders, mystery solvers, and anyone else who wants to explore one of the most unique worlds I have ever seen.
Every time I thought I completed the game, or thought I knew how it would end, the game completely surprised me. In short, the storytelling here is phenomenal. Everything from the cards, to the walls, to the FREAKING PIPES have a secret to uncover.
On top of the story, Inscryption is a masterclass in creating a compelling card game and deckbuilding experience. I usually find it rare that a single player card game can keep me intrigued for 15+ hours, but this one can. The borrowing of rogue lite elements and constant shifting of the theme really send everything to the next level. AND THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT CARDS AND PLAYSTYLES!!!
Of course, this game isn't a perfect title. I think there are some areas that could be cut down and reduce the playtime of the game by a couple of hours. And I also believe that act 2 is a little hard to read, and can lose a little bit of what gives the game so much charm in the first place.
However, this has to be one of the all time must plays for fans of card games, deck builders, mystery solvers, and anyone else who wants to explore one of the most unique worlds I have ever seen.
Isso não é um jogo, é uma experiência metanarrativa transcendental sobre o fascínio do ser humano por card games
This review contains spoilers
que absurdo...
o uso absoluto que a mídia dele pode proporcionar, acho que nunca senti algo assim com qualquer outro jogo. Esse jogo vai alem dele mesmo, e ele ainda se subverte mudando a gameplay em seus 3 atos, é algo que eu sinceramente nunca vi antes
A cada fim de ato mais e mais eu ficava confuso e queria saber mais, e mais ficava maravilhado de como tudo aqui é extremamente imersivo e bem feito. A trilha sonora enervante com sintetizadores e batidas com ecos, o estilo de jogo que e iluminação que muda o estilo e o clima da gameplay, podendo ser algo mais dark (ato 1 e 3) ou algo mais amigavelzinho e fofinho (ato 2), ou ate a história do cara que ta jogando o inscryption que quase que um meta game do jogador, onde o jogador joga um jogador que joga um jogo e esse jogador é o jogador original (doidera pura)
Esse jogo é único, lindo, e mesmo se tirasse toda a parte do mistério ele ainda seria incrivel porque a gameplay das cartas é muito foda com varios estilos que se baseiam em card games na vida real. A mecânica de sacrifício é desafiadora mas satisfatória de aprender, com o jogo sempre te fazendo questionar entre sua escolha de pegar a carta certa, de cogitar escolher mais um sacrifício ou apostar na sorte pegar uma boa carta de sangue, osso, energia ou cristal.
Ate a parte mais "Peba" do jogo que é o ato 2 é muito foda e divertida, então real não consigo ver algum defeito significante aqui (isso e tirando o fato que o deck de magia é meio chatinho)
Jogo FODA
o uso absoluto que a mídia dele pode proporcionar, acho que nunca senti algo assim com qualquer outro jogo. Esse jogo vai alem dele mesmo, e ele ainda se subverte mudando a gameplay em seus 3 atos, é algo que eu sinceramente nunca vi antes
A cada fim de ato mais e mais eu ficava confuso e queria saber mais, e mais ficava maravilhado de como tudo aqui é extremamente imersivo e bem feito. A trilha sonora enervante com sintetizadores e batidas com ecos, o estilo de jogo que e iluminação que muda o estilo e o clima da gameplay, podendo ser algo mais dark (ato 1 e 3) ou algo mais amigavelzinho e fofinho (ato 2), ou ate a história do cara que ta jogando o inscryption que quase que um meta game do jogador, onde o jogador joga um jogador que joga um jogo e esse jogador é o jogador original (doidera pura)
Esse jogo é único, lindo, e mesmo se tirasse toda a parte do mistério ele ainda seria incrivel porque a gameplay das cartas é muito foda com varios estilos que se baseiam em card games na vida real. A mecânica de sacrifício é desafiadora mas satisfatória de aprender, com o jogo sempre te fazendo questionar entre sua escolha de pegar a carta certa, de cogitar escolher mais um sacrifício ou apostar na sorte pegar uma boa carta de sangue, osso, energia ou cristal.
Ate a parte mais "Peba" do jogo que é o ato 2 é muito foda e divertida, então real não consigo ver algum defeito significante aqui (isso e tirando o fato que o deck de magia é meio chatinho)
Jogo FODA
Though this game is good overall, it just wasn't for me.
The game aesthetic is great, it has a very mysterious and creepy feel to it. I found though that I was mostly staying for that and not the gameplay. I'm sure there's more depth here to the card system and if I put in a lot of hours there might actually be a lot to unpack, but it was hard not to just compare it to something like StS and ask myself why I wasn't just playing that instead, which in all honesty, justt has a better, more fun card system.
I get that single player deckbuilder roguelikes want to have their own identity, but 90% of the time when they try to make their own unique rule system and card system it just falls flat for me.
It's like Magic: The Gathering - no other system is as good. I'd rather play a bad game of magic than any other card system.
This game felt a bit like that, though I could see others getting into it more than I did especially for the story and vibes.
Still worth a try though if you like the genre.
The game aesthetic is great, it has a very mysterious and creepy feel to it. I found though that I was mostly staying for that and not the gameplay. I'm sure there's more depth here to the card system and if I put in a lot of hours there might actually be a lot to unpack, but it was hard not to just compare it to something like StS and ask myself why I wasn't just playing that instead, which in all honesty, justt has a better, more fun card system.
I get that single player deckbuilder roguelikes want to have their own identity, but 90% of the time when they try to make their own unique rule system and card system it just falls flat for me.
It's like Magic: The Gathering - no other system is as good. I'd rather play a bad game of magic than any other card system.
This game felt a bit like that, though I could see others getting into it more than I did especially for the story and vibes.
Still worth a try though if you like the genre.
This review contains spoilers
i had to delete system32 because of this game
10/10
10/10
Impossible to put into words without ruining a lot of the fun. Well worth the money if the game's mythical status has intrigued you.
This review contains spoilers
This was one of the chilling, atmospheric, unique games I've ever played. I'm not even sure where to begin considering the game switches styles throughout, so I will break it down overarching story and then by act.
Overarching Story
The overarching story of the game follows Luke Carder, host of a YouTube card opening channel, who mysteriously happens upon a video game version of a short-lived card game: the titular Inscryption.
I love how the game sprinkles in elements of Lukes journey throughout the game, careful to only give you bits of information at a time. I was bought in on the intrigue of it, but I was most impressed by the presentation. Having to view the story bits at a time through videos he'd been taking to document this event was an unique idea that worked really well for me.
In the end, he met his doom, but I was a little relieved that he was at least in the starting talks with a news reporter. My headcannon is that this reporter got to the bottom of it with the little information he was provided. I'm not sure if that was the intention, but that's what I want to believe.
Act 1
This was probably my favorite bit of the game overall. The mystery behind it all fascinated me and the aesthetic was chilling and spooky. The roguelike deckbuilding system was implemented to near perfection. When I was first playing this, I thought it was going to fall in line with traditional roguelike deckbuilders, with Slay the Spire being the one I have most experience with: 3 acts, each act has a boss, with a hidden 4th act boss where you really "beat" the game. I wasn't entirely wrong, but I couldn't possible foresee everything else this game had in store.
The gameplay itself was a blast. I've played a lot of other roguelike deckbuilders, and a lot of them are boring. This one was not boring. The different events that let you alter your cards and your deck were neat ways to keep it fresh and make your deck as strong as possible. It was a little too easy to find broken combos, though. And at the end of each run, being able to craft a custom card based on cards you died with was cool, too. Though again, you could truly break the game with some of these combos.
Being able to explore the shack between (or in the middle of runs) added an extra layer to all of it. Each little nook and cranny held a different secret, and you needed to discover these secrets in order to ultimately beat Leshy and move on with the game. This was such a fascinating mechanic. The design of the shack was haunting and made me feel a sense of unease while walking around, all the while having Leshy stare at me wherever I went. There were some neat puzzles hidden throughout, though some were a little frustrating as they didn't really explain it, so I ended up just using process of elimination until they clicked complete. Finding all 3 talking cards was fun and made your starting deck a bit stronger, and having them talk and interact with each other was fun. I think the intention was that each three was a different scribe, but maybe not.
Embarrassingly... the first time I beat Leshy, I thought I beat the game. I put it down satisfied with my experience and moved onto the next game. Almost a year later I was told that I was no where NEAR done with the game, so I picked it back up and continued and ended up not being able to put it back down.
Act 2
This may have been the least impactful act for me, but it was still pretty cool in its own way. I had a WTF moment when the game completely switched from 3D to 2D. The design, gameplay system, and map layout felt inspired by Chrono Trigger but with cards instead of traditional turn-by-turn.
This act expanded on the "world" of Inscryption in many ways. It revealed how Leshy was only one of FOUR different scribes and it added different deck schools beyond just Beasts; Magic, Undead, and Technology. This was a bit overwhelming at first, but after a bit I got used to it and started to enjoy it more.
Moving around the top-down screen and solving puzzles was entertaining and it still had the intrigue and spookiness of the first act. Although, I was missing the 3D style of the first act while playing it. Being able to straight up build a 20 card deck rather a traditional roguelike build-as-you-go was a change of pace from the first act, that was cool, but again, I missed the roguelike elements of the first act. But by the end it all clicked and I had a broken deck that was dominating over all my foes.
Act 3
It was nice getting a return to form to 3D. This fell more in line with Act 1 in system, but introduced a new style while keeping its creepy aesthetic. The fact that the Stoat took over and was the BBEG was a fun twist.
However, unlike the first acts more straightforward three-act structure where you have branching paths but all ultimately leading to the same place, this one had a more open world map. After a bit of mindless wandering it clicked that this was the same map layout from Act 2, and that made it a bit easier to find my way around.
The best part about this act were the boss fights. They were inventive and unique from one another. Having to dig through your personal computer files in one fight and then having my Steam friends show up as enemy monsters in another was insane and reminiscent of the old Metal Gear Solid game that would read your PS2 memory card and make jokes about the other games you're playing. This breaking of the 4th wall fell in line with the overarching story of how Luke Carder lost his mine and eventually perished because of his discovery of this forbidden game. The final boss fight where you chose the mechanics was also cool, albeit challenging. Though I was chuffed that I beat it in one try with zero cards remaining in my deck, down to the wire.
After beating all four Uberbots I was expecting a challenging final fight, but was pleasantly surprised that they opted out of challenge and went for aesthetics instead. The final boss gauntlet was easy, but really cool. Seeing the other two scribes in the 3D style was something I was hoping the game would do, and having to fight the two new ones in their own 3D environments was another fantastic art choice. This game put so much effort into creating these 3D boards that are only used once throughout the game, and I appreciate that kind of dedication. All the while having the game be deleted and the environments around you destroyed because of it. I felt a twinge bit of sad when I shook each of their hands at the end, before they met their end. Especially my boy Leshy.
Conlcusion
Overall this game was a wild ride from start to finish. I'm so glad a video game like this can exist in our world of AAA money grabbing games. I will likely check out Kaycees Mod at some point in the near future as I hear it is a great time. The developers, Daniel Mullins Games, have a new fan in me and I will check out whatever game they make next, though it may be hard to top this near-masterpiece of a game.
94/100
Overarching Story
The overarching story of the game follows Luke Carder, host of a YouTube card opening channel, who mysteriously happens upon a video game version of a short-lived card game: the titular Inscryption.
I love how the game sprinkles in elements of Lukes journey throughout the game, careful to only give you bits of information at a time. I was bought in on the intrigue of it, but I was most impressed by the presentation. Having to view the story bits at a time through videos he'd been taking to document this event was an unique idea that worked really well for me.
In the end, he met his doom, but I was a little relieved that he was at least in the starting talks with a news reporter. My headcannon is that this reporter got to the bottom of it with the little information he was provided. I'm not sure if that was the intention, but that's what I want to believe.
Act 1
This was probably my favorite bit of the game overall. The mystery behind it all fascinated me and the aesthetic was chilling and spooky. The roguelike deckbuilding system was implemented to near perfection. When I was first playing this, I thought it was going to fall in line with traditional roguelike deckbuilders, with Slay the Spire being the one I have most experience with: 3 acts, each act has a boss, with a hidden 4th act boss where you really "beat" the game. I wasn't entirely wrong, but I couldn't possible foresee everything else this game had in store.
The gameplay itself was a blast. I've played a lot of other roguelike deckbuilders, and a lot of them are boring. This one was not boring. The different events that let you alter your cards and your deck were neat ways to keep it fresh and make your deck as strong as possible. It was a little too easy to find broken combos, though. And at the end of each run, being able to craft a custom card based on cards you died with was cool, too. Though again, you could truly break the game with some of these combos.
Being able to explore the shack between (or in the middle of runs) added an extra layer to all of it. Each little nook and cranny held a different secret, and you needed to discover these secrets in order to ultimately beat Leshy and move on with the game. This was such a fascinating mechanic. The design of the shack was haunting and made me feel a sense of unease while walking around, all the while having Leshy stare at me wherever I went. There were some neat puzzles hidden throughout, though some were a little frustrating as they didn't really explain it, so I ended up just using process of elimination until they clicked complete. Finding all 3 talking cards was fun and made your starting deck a bit stronger, and having them talk and interact with each other was fun. I think the intention was that each three was a different scribe, but maybe not.
Embarrassingly... the first time I beat Leshy, I thought I beat the game. I put it down satisfied with my experience and moved onto the next game. Almost a year later I was told that I was no where NEAR done with the game, so I picked it back up and continued and ended up not being able to put it back down.
Act 2
This may have been the least impactful act for me, but it was still pretty cool in its own way. I had a WTF moment when the game completely switched from 3D to 2D. The design, gameplay system, and map layout felt inspired by Chrono Trigger but with cards instead of traditional turn-by-turn.
This act expanded on the "world" of Inscryption in many ways. It revealed how Leshy was only one of FOUR different scribes and it added different deck schools beyond just Beasts; Magic, Undead, and Technology. This was a bit overwhelming at first, but after a bit I got used to it and started to enjoy it more.
Moving around the top-down screen and solving puzzles was entertaining and it still had the intrigue and spookiness of the first act. Although, I was missing the 3D style of the first act while playing it. Being able to straight up build a 20 card deck rather a traditional roguelike build-as-you-go was a change of pace from the first act, that was cool, but again, I missed the roguelike elements of the first act. But by the end it all clicked and I had a broken deck that was dominating over all my foes.
Act 3
It was nice getting a return to form to 3D. This fell more in line with Act 1 in system, but introduced a new style while keeping its creepy aesthetic. The fact that the Stoat took over and was the BBEG was a fun twist.
However, unlike the first acts more straightforward three-act structure where you have branching paths but all ultimately leading to the same place, this one had a more open world map. After a bit of mindless wandering it clicked that this was the same map layout from Act 2, and that made it a bit easier to find my way around.
The best part about this act were the boss fights. They were inventive and unique from one another. Having to dig through your personal computer files in one fight and then having my Steam friends show up as enemy monsters in another was insane and reminiscent of the old Metal Gear Solid game that would read your PS2 memory card and make jokes about the other games you're playing. This breaking of the 4th wall fell in line with the overarching story of how Luke Carder lost his mine and eventually perished because of his discovery of this forbidden game. The final boss fight where you chose the mechanics was also cool, albeit challenging. Though I was chuffed that I beat it in one try with zero cards remaining in my deck, down to the wire.
After beating all four Uberbots I was expecting a challenging final fight, but was pleasantly surprised that they opted out of challenge and went for aesthetics instead. The final boss gauntlet was easy, but really cool. Seeing the other two scribes in the 3D style was something I was hoping the game would do, and having to fight the two new ones in their own 3D environments was another fantastic art choice. This game put so much effort into creating these 3D boards that are only used once throughout the game, and I appreciate that kind of dedication. All the while having the game be deleted and the environments around you destroyed because of it. I felt a twinge bit of sad when I shook each of their hands at the end, before they met their end. Especially my boy Leshy.
Conlcusion
Overall this game was a wild ride from start to finish. I'm so glad a video game like this can exist in our world of AAA money grabbing games. I will likely check out Kaycees Mod at some point in the near future as I hear it is a great time. The developers, Daniel Mullins Games, have a new fan in me and I will check out whatever game they make next, though it may be hard to top this near-masterpiece of a game.
94/100
First act by far the most interesting and engaging.
This review contains spoilers
watched (and helped) my fiancee play. i liked watching her go from saying "i like the stoat" to "FUCK the stoat"
um dos melhores jogos que já joguei eu to incrédulo até agora… fui jogar ele pq vi alguém falando sobre a experiência única que é jogar ele pela primeira vez sem saber de nada e ai pensei “nossa nem deve ser pra tanto” E É PRA TANTO. cada ato, cada parte da história, cada dialogo é tudo tao genial e pensado pro universo do jogo. amei muito e nunca me esquecerei da minha reação quando passei o pro ato 2 e no final
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.
This review contains spoilers
Act 2 wore me out but Act 3 did so even more. Act 1 was quite frankly amazing though
It wasn't just the expertly crafted card gameplay.
It wasn't just the spooky atmosphere.
It wasn't just the unexpected and captivating meta narrative.
It was all of these things.
This game is fucking great.
It wasn't just the spooky atmosphere.
It wasn't just the unexpected and captivating meta narrative.
It was all of these things.
This game is fucking great.
I've never experienced something like this.
Top notch addictive card/deck building game with amazing and most of the time mind blowing brilliant ideas. It's almost impossible to get bored while playing Inscryption.
A Solid 10/10.. This is peak indie gaming!
Top notch addictive card/deck building game with amazing and most of the time mind blowing brilliant ideas. It's almost impossible to get bored while playing Inscryption.
A Solid 10/10.. This is peak indie gaming!
Excellency.
This game captures the early 90s PC vibe like no other. It is like having an RPG session being conducted by a creepy, old sex-offender, which adds that thriller-movie layer into the mix as well.
The gameplay itself is marvelous, showing very clever card-game design, always making you crave for more cards and more upgrades along the way.
We REALLY need a physical, board/card game of this, right? Who is with me?!
This game captures the early 90s PC vibe like no other. It is like having an RPG session being conducted by a creepy, old sex-offender, which adds that thriller-movie layer into the mix as well.
The gameplay itself is marvelous, showing very clever card-game design, always making you crave for more cards and more upgrades along the way.
We REALLY need a physical, board/card game of this, right? Who is with me?!
An Incredible Game on All Fronts.
This game truly shocked me, I genuinely didn't think I was going to enjoy this game as much as I did, especially from what I knew going into it (thankfully it was very little, as being spoiled in any way would have probably hindered my enjoyment of the game overall)
Every moment of this game left me in awe, the ambiance and overall tone and vibe of the game made you uncomfortable at times, but in a very mood setting way, makes perfectly for the game you're immersed in. This game undergoes a few contextual changes and essentially makes you feel like you're playing three games into one, but at the same time only ever playing one game throughout it all.
The characters, sound design, gameplay, were all an absolute pleasure to take in, the one thing that had rubbed me the wrong way at first, was the irl skits in and between the game, it all wrapped itself well towards the end but throughout the game it made me scratch my head at times. In general anything irl in video games is always quite strange, so perhaps that's why, but regardless, unexpected and a tad bit strange here and there.
Overall, an incredible must play for anyone, regardless of who you are, this game has enjoyable qualities oozing out left right and centre.
This game truly shocked me, I genuinely didn't think I was going to enjoy this game as much as I did, especially from what I knew going into it (thankfully it was very little, as being spoiled in any way would have probably hindered my enjoyment of the game overall)
Every moment of this game left me in awe, the ambiance and overall tone and vibe of the game made you uncomfortable at times, but in a very mood setting way, makes perfectly for the game you're immersed in. This game undergoes a few contextual changes and essentially makes you feel like you're playing three games into one, but at the same time only ever playing one game throughout it all.
The characters, sound design, gameplay, were all an absolute pleasure to take in, the one thing that had rubbed me the wrong way at first, was the irl skits in and between the game, it all wrapped itself well towards the end but throughout the game it made me scratch my head at times. In general anything irl in video games is always quite strange, so perhaps that's why, but regardless, unexpected and a tad bit strange here and there.
Overall, an incredible must play for anyone, regardless of who you are, this game has enjoyable qualities oozing out left right and centre.
I'm not big on card games but this one keeps getting better and better the longer it goes. It's just full of surprises and keeps reinventing itself constantly that it never gets stagnant and keeps you on your toes.
I also loved the gloomy atmosphere and vibes.
I also loved the gloomy atmosphere and vibes.
Another great game by Daniel Mullins. The game can be split into three parts, my ranking of them goes like this 1>>>3>>2. I'm not really into card games but this game was incredibly fun. I don't really care for the overarching story in-between games but for those who do there's a lot to enjoy.
The more I say about this game, the more likely I am to spoil something, so I'll just say that having a few porn movies lying around my hard drive has finally paid off.
Inscryption starts off as a simple yet enjoyable card game, then throws in puzzle elements while ramping up the complexity with new mechanics. All of it is surrounded by the unnerving atmosphere that isn't quite "horror", but still spices the game quite nicely.
I just wish the main story was longer.
Inscryption starts off as a simple yet enjoyable card game, then throws in puzzle elements while ramping up the complexity with new mechanics. All of it is surrounded by the unnerving atmosphere that isn't quite "horror", but still spices the game quite nicely.
I just wish the main story was longer.
very unique card game it had a lot more surprises than i thought it would so i would recommend going into it as blind as possible