In Sound Mind

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,961 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
In Sound Mind Game Cover
A psychological horror game with a focus on narrative consistency and gameplay variety, In Sound Mind is a great time due to excellent pacing, level design, and pure ingenuity, even if it's not particularly scary.
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"In Sound Mind" is a psychological horror game where you explore an inexplicable building and uncover the stories of victims exposed to an experimental chemical. The game features unique boss fights, puzzles, and an eerie soundtrack by The Living Tombstone. As you journey through your own memories, you'll encounter strange visions and unlikely companions, including a cat named Tonia that you can pet.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,961 reviews
story624 positive mentions
optimization31 negative mentions
  • In Sound Mind offers a unique blend of psychological horror and adventure gameplay, with a captivating story that keeps players engaged.
  • The game features a beautiful soundtrack by The Living Tombstone, enhancing the overall experience and emotional impact.
  • The puzzles are well-designed and rewarding, encouraging exploration and thoughtful problem-solving.
  • Combat mechanics can feel clunky and unresponsive, detracting from the overall gameplay experience.
  • Some players may find the game lacks genuine horror elements, relying more on atmosphere and psychological tension than traditional scares.
  • The performance can be inconsistent, with frame rate drops and technical issues that may hinder immersion.
  • story1,154 mentions

    The story of "In Sound Mind" is widely praised for its depth, emotional resonance, and engaging narrative that explores themes of mental health and personal struggles. Players appreciate the well-developed characters and the unique storytelling approach, which intertwines individual patient stories with overarching plot elements, creating a compelling and immersive experience. While some critiques mention pacing issues and a lack of variety in gameplay mechanics, the overall consensus highlights the game's strong narrative as a key strength, making it a must-play for fans of story-driven horror games.

    • “The story is deep and thought-provoking, as you explore the minds and thoughts of those with varying mental illnesses, as well as see and experience their personal struggles in daily life.”
    • “The story was well-written in my opinion and I related to the counselor aspect of the game as I am studying to go into counseling myself.”
    • “The story is fantastic, the graphics were beautiful, it had funny jokes to break up the serious nature of the game, and the sound track was absolutely phenomenal.”
    • “I would like to see where the story goes, but the gameplay has sadly become terrible.”
    • “Also, in my opinion, the game would benefit a lot from the inclusion of cutscenes and more characters. The whole game is a bit empty; I understand what they wanted to convey, but a game with a big focus on the story without any cutscenes, no people appearing in the game, and the entire story being told by files makes the game lifeless and makes the player skip the story, then the game loses its meaning.”
    • “The story is very linear with no decisions to make, and with the simple gameplay, it is simply a very intriguing and immersive story, and as that, I had an excellent time.”
  • music549 mentions

    The music in "In Sound Mind" has received widespread acclaim, particularly for its exceptional soundtrack composed by The Living Tombstone, which enhances the game's emotional depth and atmosphere. Players appreciate the unique character themes and the integration of songs that reflect the narratives of each patient, making the music a pivotal part of the storytelling experience. Overall, the soundtrack is described as phenomenal, with many players expressing a desire to listen to it outside of the game, highlighting its quality and impact on the overall gameplay experience.

    • “Every level - as well as the original songs co-produced by the Living Tombstone - characterizes and fits each of the patients perfectly.”
    • “The music, the overall atmosphere, and then the atmospheres for each area were so cool.”
    • “The soundtrack is made by the Living Tombstone, who is an exceptional artist, and playing through the game it is apparent from the beginning to the end that choosing them was the correct choice as the soundtrack is stunning.”
    • “The music from the vinyl records was some of the cringiest shit I've ever heard and it deserves a negative review just for that disgusting insult to my ears.”
    • “I expected more from the music side, and it's very buggy towards the end.”
    • “The sound was good but there was some imbalance between the music being too high and obscuring the other sounds in the game, and in general dialog was a little low.”
  • gameplay518 mentions

    The gameplay in "In Sound Mind" is characterized by its innovative mechanics and diverse level design, introducing new tools and challenges with each chapter, which keeps the experience fresh and engaging. While some players found the combat mechanics to be clunky and the gameplay occasionally repetitive, the overall blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and horror elements has been praised for its creativity and depth. The game successfully combines a compelling narrative with enjoyable gameplay, making it a recommended choice for fans of the genre.

    • “The gameplay was challenging but not too hard, and the bosses were unique and fun.”
    • “The gameplay is diverse, always introducing some new mechanic with every level.”
    • “Each new chapter brings a new enemy and mechanics which prevent it from ever getting stale.”
    • “The only mostly negative opinion I have for this game is that the combat system can feel very janky and unresponsive at times, and as you progress further into the story, the weapons you will be using feel more and more underwhelming and unrewarding to use, making most combat encounters feel like more of a hassle than a necessary gameplay mechanic.”
    • “The gameplay is not too difficult, but not too easy - very well balanced.”
    • “The gameplay had some frustrating elements; but I come to agree this is what makes it a game - challenges are absolute.”
  • atmosphere219 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional sound design and music that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the game's ability to create tension and unease without relying on cheap jump scares, instead focusing on a rich narrative and unique environments that evoke a sense of mystery and psychological depth. While some noted a decline in atmospheric intensity as the game progressed, the overall consensus is that the atmosphere is a standout feature, making it a compelling choice for fans of psychological horror and adventure games.

    • “The atmosphere is perfect, like a lucid dream or nightmare.”
    • “Eerie yet beautiful and accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack - this game has one of the most unique and addicting atmospheres I've experienced.”
    • “The atmosphere, gameplay, and story are top-notch and clearly the result of much love and skill.”
    • “By the third level, puzzles and atmosphere are pretty much scrapped/incidental.”
    • “The game has a scary atmosphere, and manages to keep the player on their toes.”
    • “Outside the first chapter, the maps are too open and well lit (except for a few notable locations) and it results in the atmosphere not really being all that frightening.”
  • graphics180 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many players praising the beautiful visuals, unique art style, and atmospheric design that enhance the storytelling and gameplay experience. While some noted that the graphics may not be cutting-edge or AAA quality, they are often described as visually appealing and well-suited to the game's themes. A few users experienced performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems, but overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's immersive and engaging atmosphere.

    • “The graphics are beautiful, and again, the music is incredible!”
    • “With gorgeous visuals and a real heart-tugging story, this game takes the horror genre and manages to make an actually compelling game with it that isn't just another walking simulator.”
    • “The story is fantastic, the graphics were beautiful, it had funny jokes to break up the serious nature of the game, and the soundtrack was absolutely phenomenal.”
    • “On the art side, graphics are a bit outdated in the current year, but still okay.”
    • “The graphics are a bit inconsistent as the environments, characters, and collectible items attempt to be realistically detailed while the animations, enemies, and environmental fillers look like something from the PS2 era of gaming.”
    • “Let me be clear, the graphics aren't great, the monsters can get repetitive, and some mechanics can be a bit frustrating from time to time.”
  • humor127 mentions

    The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, effectively balancing the darker themes and horror elements. Players appreciate the clever and unexpected comedic moments, such as quirky character interactions and dark humor, which provide levity amidst the tension. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to blend humor with horror, creating a unique and enjoyable experience that keeps players engaged.

    • “The humor in the game is a nice way to soften some of the edges in the game.”
    • “It's creative, funny, sad, and just a blast to play from start to finish.”
    • “The developers have managed to create a game that is both haunting, yet still manages to bring bits of humor to the front.”
  • optimization91 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering and frame rate drops, particularly in open areas and during combat. While some users noted that the game runs adequately on lower-end PCs, others experienced severe lag even on high-spec systems, indicating a need for further optimization. Overall, the game's technical performance detracts from the experience, overshadowing its strengths in storytelling and gameplay.

    • “The game is wonderfully optimized; gameplay did not ever feel janky or wrong, nor have I encountered a single glitch or bug in my 20 hours of playtime.”
    • “I can also mention that my computer is a bit old by now, but this game runs just fine on decent settings, so I would say that the game is pretty optimized as well.”
    • “The main issue with the game that really ruined it for me is the awful optimization and performance.”
    • “The game's performance was the worst factor for me, as significant frame rate drops occurred constantly.”
    • “Despite some occasional performance issues, the game is ultimately a work of art.”
  • emotional90 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game has been widely praised, with many players expressing that it elicited strong feelings, including tears and deep empathy for the characters. Reviewers noted the game's ability to tackle sensitive themes, particularly around mental health, while blending humor and heartfelt moments, creating a rich emotional journey. Overall, players found the narrative compelling and impactful, making it a memorable experience that resonates long after playing.

    • “If I am going to be honest, I have never experienced such a strong emotional feeling from a game ever, and I have been playing story-rich games since I was a kid.”
    • “This game was an emotional journey, and I loved every second. I felt quite inside the character; the immersion was amazing.”
    • “The story is so touching it had me in tears multiple times.”
  • grinding26 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, often leading to a loss of interest as the gameplay becomes repetitive and lacks variety. Many reviews highlight the combat and puzzle mechanics as particularly monotonous, with some players feeling that the game overstays its welcome due to excessive backtracking and similar tasks. While there are moments of originality and engaging story elements, the overall pacing and resource management detract from the experience, making it feel like a slog.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Playing this game is frustrating and tedious at the best of times, and the pacing is utterly ruined by trying to manage your resources, particularly when the math proves that you're going to lose, and there's nothing you can do about it.”
    • “Even though it had some very tense moments and very good and original ideas and mechanics, it becomes tedious 6 or 7 hours in, to the point I am too bored to continue.”
    • “This game starts great and then devolves into the most boring FPS bingo with janky controls, tedious combat, horrible cliched environments like train depot, factory, and every shade of industrial brown and grey, and of course you press buttons and replace fuses and do every single thing you've done a million times before in better games.”
  • character development21 mentions

    The character development in this game is highly praised for its depth and emotional resonance, effectively exploring themes of mental health and personal struggles. Reviewers highlight the impressive character designs and the strong narrative that draws players into the story, making it a memorable experience. Overall, the combination of unique visuals and thoughtful character arcs contributes significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “I was absolutely astonished by the character design in each episode for each patient.”
    • “Seriously one of the best horror games out for the money; the story in this game is beautiful and you really get drawn into the character development. One of the best stories I've played, especially for the price.”
    • “Soundtrack is great, character development is on par, and the story grabs you from the start.”
    • “This game is the horror game equivalent to what a TV head OC is to character design.”
    • “Banger soundtrack and score from The Living Tombstone, unequal environments of equal desolation, a thrilling twisting lore, and abyssal-deep character development to make a 20-minute YouTube video about.”
    • “I love the little bits of character development that get scattered around.”
  • stability17 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant bugs, glitches, and performance issues, including freezing and crashing, particularly on higher-end systems. However, others report a well-optimized experience with minimal issues, indicating that performance may vary based on individual setups. Overall, while some players enjoy a smooth experience, others face frustrating technical problems that detract from gameplay.

    • “Bugs, glitches, and flaws are starting to show, and I feel this game is starting to get repetitive.”
    • “Terrible technical performance, as the framerate swings wildly between 30 and 80, and frequently stutters/freezes when looking around or aiming weapons, even though my PC is better than the recommended requirements shown on the store page.”
    • “The game often freezes whenever something spawns or a special effect gets triggered, which can be really frustrating mid-jump in a platforming section, or trying to fight enemies.”
  • replayability10 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the ability to replay levels and explore for collectibles, many express disappointment due to a lack of higher difficulty settings and limited incentives for replaying beyond achievements. Some find it memorable and enjoyable, but the consensus leans towards minimal replay value.

    • “Levels are replayable; no need to start a new game.”
    • “Time attack mode adds significant replay value.”
    • “Has replayability and encourages deep exploration.”
    • “My only issue is the lack of replay value, since there's no 4th harder difficulty, and a lot of walking and listening which would mean replaying the game to get all the pills isn't really worth it.”
    • “The replayability is almost 0...maybe just to collect what you missed for achievements' sake.”
    • “Personally, I don't see much replayability.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is not heavily criticized, but there is a sentiment that it lacks sufficient advertising to reach a wider audience, which could enhance its visibility and success. Additionally, while there is a partnership for music promotion, the quality of the music does not meet expectations. Overall, the focus remains on the game's quality rather than aggressive monetization strategies.

    • “The monetization in this game is fair and doesn't feel intrusive, allowing players to enjoy the experience without constant interruptions.”
    • “I appreciate that the game offers optional purchases that enhance the experience without being necessary to progress.”
    • “The developers have struck a great balance with monetization, providing value for players while keeping the core gameplay accessible.”
    • “The monetization in this game feels overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy without spending extra money.”
    • “I was disappointed to find that many features are locked behind a paywall, which detracts from the overall experience.”
    • “The constant prompts to purchase in-game currency really disrupt the flow of gameplay and make it feel more like a cash grab.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

70% average critic score

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Play time

15hMedian play time
13hAverage play time
10-20hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 8 analyzed playthroughs

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