Inkbound

Shiny Shoe has released Inkbound, an online turn-based roguelike game that combines the best aspects of their award-winning titles with a magical universe where the written word comes to life. In this review, we'll take a closer look at Inkbound's gameplay, story, and overall entertainment value. This is a game with a big goal set in mind and has built some really high expectatives on the gamers, so let’s see what this game is all about!

About the game

Inkbound reinvents the turn-based gameplay experience, bringing fluidity and flexibility to a genre typically known for static decision making. Outside of combat, players move freely like an action game. Within Inkbound’s unique turn-based combat system players move freely between squares, act simultaneously in multiplayer, and can rapidly utilize abilities. When the decisions are easy and instinctual, time continues to move at a breakneck pace. When enemies prove more problematic and strategic planning is required, time obediently grinds to a halt to satisfy the player’s need to evaluate each possible move. It’s the best of both worlds.

Inkbound contains a rich and continually expanding universe filled with magical oaths. Each book becomes a portal to another world where you will face sorrows and delights alike. Inkbound’s universe will continue expanding with time, birthing new books, characters to meet, and challenges to overcome.

Though the lands vary, Inkbound allows for diverse builds and classes. Players can explore a set of character classes while adapting strategy during runs to craft powerful builds. With draftable abilities, ability upgrades, and hundreds of items discovered there are many possible ways to play.

Rich, Expanding Universe

The magical Atheneum contains all stories ever written, and each book becomes a portal to another world where players will face unique threats. Inkbound's universe will continue to expand over time with new books, characters to meet, and challenges to overcome. This rich, expanding universe creates an immersive and intriguing gameplay experience that keeps players engaged.

Inkbound offers a varied set of character classes to explore, allowing players to adapt their strategy during runs to craft powerful builds. With draftable abilities, ability upgrades, and hundreds of items to find, there are many possible ways to play. This diversity in builds and classes adds replay value to the game and allows players to experiment with different playstyles.

Inkbound shares some similarities with other popular roguelike games, such as Hades and Dead cells. All three games offer unique combat systems, diverse character builds, and immersive universes to explore. However, Inkbound's turn-based combat system and online multiplayer capabilities set it apart from other roguelike games.

Review: 8/10

In summary, Inkbound receives a score of 8.3 out of 10. The fluidity of movement and flexibility of decision making sets it apart from other titles in the genre while the continual expansion of its universe and variety of builds and classes keep the experience fresh. The only downside is the requirement of an internet connection to play, though four player co-op helps mitigate this issue. Inkbound is a brilliant reinvention of turn-based gameplay that fans of the genre and those looking to explore its depths alike will adore.

Pros:

• Unique and innovative turn-based combat system that combines action and strategy
• Rich, expanding universe with unique threats to face and characters to meet
• Diverse character classes and ability upgrades offer many possible ways to play
• Online multiplayer capabilities allow players to party up and strategize together

Cons:

• Requires an internet connection to play
• Some players may find the gameplay repetitive
• The game's mechanics may not be accessible to all players