The unusual game “Inscryption” has a really good rating on Steam and is now set to captivate players on PS4 and PS5 as well. However, players warn: It’s best to go in as blind as possible.
What kind of game is this? Inscryption describes itself on Steam as a “pitch-black, card-based odyssey that blends deckbuilding roguelike, escape room-style puzzles, and psychological horror into a bloody smoothie.”
The unusual card game was released on October 19, 2021, on Steam and has such a good average rating that it is among the absolute best titles published on the platform in 2021.
97% of the total 68,143 reviews are positive, with recent reviews (from the last 30 days) standing at 96% from 2,571 reviews.
What’s new? After a port for PS4 and PS5 was already announced, there is now a date for the indie favorite: On August 30, 2022, Inscryption will officially be released in the PS Store for €19.99.
This will soon allow PlayStation players to determine whether Inscryption is deserving of its great ratings. However, those who want to research beforehand whether the game is a good fit for their collection should think twice about how deep they want to dive: Many players recommend going in as “blind” as possible.
Many keep a big secret about Inscryption
A special game: When the port was officially announced on the PlayStation Blog, developer Daniel Mullins emphasized again the aforementioned mix of various genres. A bit of cards, brain power, and horror elements, indeed. But also prepare for one surprise or another: Mullins already has experience with “quirky games on Steam” – he was also responsible for the similarly popular “Pony Island.”
Regarding Inscryption, he says: “This combination of video game genres has huge potential. What begins as a devilish deckbuilding game soon takes a surprising turn, but I leave it to you to discover the darkest secrets for yourself.”
This credo also seems to be followed by many reviewers on Steam. For while there is ample praise for the game, many choose to share as little as possible about it:
- “I haven’t played anything like this before. Even if you invest just a few hours, not only the game’s mechanics but also the game itself will surprise you. I have never experienced such mechanics and ideas before. I’m glad I got to play it,” writes a user (via Steam).
- “Inscryption is something that no one will replicate anytime soon. Unbelievably fun gameplay, varied design, good pacing, really beautiful and sophisticated art styles, and now and then a plot twist that makes you rethink. The less you know about the game, the more fun it is. An uncompromising recommendation for anyone looking for challenging entertainment (best in one sitting) that is extremely enjoyable,” agrees another (via Steam).
- “The less you know, the better the game is,” writes another (via Steam).
There is overall a lot of praise for the atmosphere, the gameplay mechanics, and the creative ideas that define the game. However, looking at the comparatively few critical comments, there are also some players who are not satisfied with some of the abrupt changes in the game. One should approach the game openly and expect surprises.
If you want to get an impression, you can find the trailer here. While it doesn’t provide much insight into the contents, some players also recommend skipping the video:
How was the game received otherwise? Also outside of Steam reviews, Inscryption has made quite an impact. For example, it was nominated for the “Game Awards” 2021 as the best indie game but lost to Kena: Bridge of Spirits.
However, it did win the “Game of the Year” title at the Game Developers Choice Awards and also triumphed at the Independent Games Festival Awards. Additionally, it received further nominations as best game at other award shows.
You can also find numerous videos on YouTube praising the game, calling it particularly creative, or naming it the best game of 2021.
Is the PS version different? As developer Daniel Mullins explains, you can expect basically the same unusual experience on the console as on the PC. However, there are some extras: For example, a lighting of the PS controllers tailored to the game, or sounds coming directly from your pad. Additionally, haptic feedback on the PS5 is incorporated into the game – all in the spirit of the atmosphere.
What do you think of the mysterious game? Do you know it already? Do you also think one should go in blind? Do you enjoy such unusual games? Or is it not your thing? Tell us in the comments!
