Realm of Ink

Release Date: September 27, 2024 Early Access

Action, fantasy, roguelike, isometric view, RPG elements, 2D, indie games, action adventure, singleplayer

93%

Steam

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An action game with an isometric view and roguelite elements, taking a lot of inspiration from Hades. Realm of Ink features 3 playable characters who discovered they're part of a fictional fantasy book. They embark on a dangerous adventure and gradually become stronger.

Plot
Mechanics
Technical aspects

Realm of Ink is an action adventure game with clearly outlined roguelike elements. The development of this game was handled by independent teams Leap Studio and Maple Leaf Studio.

Plot

The action of Realm of Ink takes place in a land that is the world depicted in the titular collection of stories. The main character of the game is a fencer known as Red, who is chasing the Fox Demon. Red discovers that she and all the other inhabitants of the Realm of Ink are only fictional characters. A mysterious Spirit of the Book watches over their fate, ensuring that their lives follow the designated path.

Red decides to embark on a long and dangerous journey to uncover the dark secrets of the Spirit of the Book and to face her destiny, thereby influencing the future of the entire world known to her. She will not be condemned to travel alone. During the adventure, Red is be joined by other daredevils, including hunter of nightmares Wang Ding and judge Ning Ye, whom we can also play as.

Mechanics

In Realm of Ink we watch events from an isometric view. Adventure leads us through various places - from green forests, through the frosty land of monkeys and water-flooded territories, ending at the ruins of a mighty mausoleum. They were divided into smaller locations, and a specific challenge awaits us in each of them. Once we deal with it, we can decide where to go next, choosing one of the available directions.

It is also worth to visit our hideout regularly that serves as our base, where we have conversations with other characters and prepare for future adventures. Additionally, special locations await those who are interested, such as the Trial Valley and a special Endless Challenge mode where we can put our skills to the ultimate test.

The highlight of the game are dynamic battles with opponents inspired by creatures from Chinese mythology. Apart from the regular adversaries defeated in large quantities, much more powerful bosses also stand in our way. On the battlefield, we must be constantly moving, and our primary way of defeating enemies is a melee weapon. We can also use ink gems that provide us with various active and passive skills.

In order to get out of oppression unscathed, we must merge attacks into spectacular and deadly combos. Ink animals also play a significant role in battles. Their combat potential largely depends on the gems we use. Over time, we develop our character and accumulate better equipment, as well as acquire numerous artifacts that provide additional enhancements.