Inkulinati

Medieval legends and tapestries have survived through history for their epic tales and impressive art. These stories have formed the basis of books, TV, and movies for as long as those mediums have been around, and that doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon. Another place Medieval times has had an impact on is video games, and one game in particular combines Medieval lore, aesthetics, and strategy into a single package: Inkulinati. This unique turn-based Medieval strategy game was developed by Yaza Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Use advanced tactics to navigate challenging scenarios in an ink-based aesthetic. If that sounds interesting to you, then here is everything you need to know about Inkulinati.

Medieval Memes

Inkulinati derives its aesthetic from the art of Medieval Marginalia, which was an art form that consisted of small illustrations and doodles that would appear in the margins of manuscripts and books at the time. This art that appeared over 700 years ago is being recreated for the modern-day, and much of it is still hilarious. Things like anthropomorphic animals, toot-amplifying trumpets, and much more show that the memes of Medieval times can be just as funny as the memes we have come to know and love. Inkulinati is what you get if you combine the 2D sections of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds with a deep strategy game.

Ink Warriors

The titular Inkulinati is a sect of warriors who practice ink-based battles. These heroes do war across the pages of medieval books instead of on a traditional battlefield. As an Inkulinati, you’ll use a substance called Living Ink to draw beasts and do battle against other Inkulinati. Once your subject has been drawn, the Living Ink does its magic, bringing that character to life to attack or defend. Use careful strategy to make use of obstacles already on the pages to save your Living Ink reserves. Or, you can go all out and recoup your Living Ink in battle and draw even more beasts. How you choose to navigate the scenarios you are presented with will determine your success or failure in intense Ink battles.

Bestiary and Special Moves

The number of beasts at your disposal will expand as you play the game, as will your options in battle. Despite the large number of unlockable beasts, each one is unique and possesses its own abilities that make it suited to specific actions. Unlock all of the beasts and become an impossibly powerful Inkulinati. Or, you can go rogue and use game-changing special moves that go off script from the game’s standard mechanics. Instead of using your hands to draw and direct your beasts, skip the middleman and bring your powerful fist straight down on the paper battlefield, smashing all of the enemy beasts. Or you can draw obstacles to slow your opponent down while you work your tactical magic.

Pros

• Unique, interesting aesthetic
• Deep tactical gameplay that has plenty of challenge while being accessible

Cons

• Battles can get overly difficult
• The overall presentation isn’t for everyone