Inscryption

Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Release: Oct 19th 2021
Platforms:
Adventure
Indie
Strategy
Innovative
Atmospheric
Addictive
Creative
Complex
Inscryption Poster

" Innovative adventure strategy with immersive card-based horror and complex puzzles, but uneven pacing "

Inscryption Review

Inscryption is a genre-defying and innovative card game that masterfully blends deck-building mechanics with psychological horror, roguelike elements, and meta-narrative storytelling. Players start in a dark, atmospheric cabin facing off against a mysterious figure, Leshy, with gameplay that evolves dramatically across multiple acts, introducing new rules and game modes that keep the experience fresh and unpredictable. The game is praised for its immersive art style, haunting sound design, and cleverly layered story that challenges players' perceptions and expectations.

While the first act is widely regarded as the strongest, subsequent acts introduce more complex mechanics and narrative shifts that some players found less appealing or more challenging. The puzzles and mysteries embedded throughout reward exploration and curiosity, adding depth and replay value. Despite some mixed feelings about the latter parts, Inscryption is celebrated as a deeply rewarding, unique journey that pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling and gameplay.

Highlights

Players especially praise Inscryption's innovative and strategic card gameplay, which skillfully combines deck-building with puzzle-solving. The dark, eerie atmosphere and art style create a deeply immersive experience, enhanced by a haunting soundtrack and excellent voice acting. The storyline is mysterious and thought-provoking, delivering unexpected twists and a meta-narrative that blurs the lines between player and game. The game's evolving mechanics across acts and the inclusion of challenging puzzles keep gameplay engaging and fresh throughout. Many reviewers highlight the game's emotional depth and unique blending of genres as standout features.

Criticisms

Some players found the later acts less enjoyable compared to the first, citing repetitive mechanics and art style changes that detracted from the initial experience. The second act, in particular, was noted for lacking the escape-room charm and atmospheric music of the first. A few felt the story's complexity and puzzle difficulty could be overwhelming or confusing, with some narrative elements feeling underexplained without external sources. Additionally, certain boss fights and gameplay segments were described as unbalanced or exhausting. Overall, the game's unconventional structure may not appeal to those preferring straightforward experiences.

Pros

  • Innovative blend of card game, horror, and narrative keeps gameplay fresh and engaging.
  • Deeply immersive atmosphere created by eerie art style and haunting soundtrack.
  • Strategic deck-building combined with puzzle-solving offers rewarding challenges.
  • Meta-narrative storytelling adds layers of mystery and emotional depth.
  • Multiple endings and secrets provide high replay value for curious players.
  • Forgiving roguelike mechanics make the game accessible yet challenging.
  • Well-designed characters and intriguing plot twists enhance player investment.

Cons

  • Later acts introduce mechanics and art styles that some find less appealing.
  • Story complexity and puzzles may confuse players without external explanations.
  • Certain boss battles and segments can feel unbalanced or exhausting.
  • Second act lacks the charm and atmosphere of the first act.
  • Unconventional structure may not suit players favoring straightforward gameplay.
  • Some players feel the narrative’s shock-value style is overused.
  • Occasional pacing issues with parts of the story dragging slightly.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards...

Release Date Oct 19th 2021
Publisher Devolver Digital
Developer Daniel Mullins Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (70,788)
97% Positive 3% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
85