Inscryption

Inscryption is a horror-style game with elements of card games, adventure games and roguelikes. The game was developed by Daniel Mullins - an independent developer known for Pony Island and The Hex.

Plot

The action of Inscryption takes place entirely in Leszy's hut. In order to get out of it, the hero has to fight a fierce card duel with an unusual host and come out victorious. Our job is to make sure the victory does not mean his death...

Game mechanics

In Inscryption the action is shown from the first person perspective (FPP). We spend most of the time at the table on which Leshy's has placed the map of the forest. Events, which we encounter while moving our figurine around it, are presented in the form of card battles. During them we play cards with animated (and talkative) images of various forest animals, such as squirrels, birds, wolves or bears. Each of these animals has its own set of strengths and weaknesses; while some are great as "cannon fodder" or meat for more powerful creatures (so the latter can become stronger), others are worth saving for special occasions.

We are informed about who is closer to defeat by the scale, which tilts on the side of the protagonist or Leshy. When we lose and the scales of victory tilt to the side of our grim host, we can use the last chance, which is to sacrifice part of our body in exchange for the possibility to continue the game. Each such decision is worth thinking over, because it is associated with certain consequences. For example, without an eye we are not able to see a part of the table, while without hands ... Well, we can't play any more cards.

It doesn't end here, because Inscryption also allows us to get up from the table and wander around Leshy's hut. It hides a number of items that both serve us to solve various puzzles in the style of escape rooms and provide some information about the place and its host.

Technical aspects

Inscryption features comic book pixel art graphics in a dark and disturbing style.