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Inner Ashes

The story here is the golden key to it all, and it shouldn’t go to waste, but either Inner Ashes should be something completely different or it needs a lot more time to be developed into something a lot more in-depth than what is here right now.
Inner Ashes Game Cover
58%Game Brain Score
story, emotional
music, gameplay
93% User Score Based on 15 reviews
Critic Score 55%Based on 2 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X|SPCPlaystation 5Playstation 4Xbox OneXboxWindowsPlayStation
Inner Ashes Game Cover

About

Inner Ashes is a single player and multiplayer casual platformer game. It was developed by Calathea Game Studio and was released on June 29, 2023. It received neutral reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

Inner Ashes is a first person, narrative, puzzle adventure, where the player puts himself in Henry's shoes, a forest guard diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. He has to travel through his mind to discover why his only daughter Enid disappeared from his life.

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93%
Audience ScoreBased on 15 reviews
story7 positive mentions

  • The game offers a beautifully crafted narrative that sensitively portrays the struggles of Alzheimer's, making it an emotional and introspective experience.
  • Visually stunning with charming art styles and immersive environments that enhance the storytelling.
  • Gameplay mechanics, such as tangram puzzles and memory aids, provide a unique and engaging way to experience the protagonist's journey.
  • The game suffers from technical issues, including being capped at 30fps, extreme motion blur, and a lack of video settings, which can detract from the experience.
  • Accessibility concerns are significant, with warnings for photosensitivity and poor UI contrast, making it challenging for some players to engage fully.
  • Voice acting quality varies, with some players finding the English voiceovers lacking compared to the native Spanish version, which may affect immersion.
  • story
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story centers on the emotional journey of single father Henry Hughes, his daughter Enid, and his best friend Joseph, exploring themes of Alzheimer's and personal connection. While the narrative is praised for its depth and emotional impact, some reviewers note that its execution could be improved for a more profound experience. Overall, the combination of captivating storytelling, beautiful visuals, and a well-researched premise creates a meaningful narrative adventure, though it may be challenging for sensitive players.

    • “This game is the story of single father Henry Hughes and his daughter Enid, plus Henry's best friend Joseph, who is an important link between past and present.”
    • “The story was beautiful and brought me to tears; the visuals are very impressive.”
    • “It beautifully combines storytelling, gameplay, and art to deliver a truly unforgettable journey.”
    • “The story here is the golden key to it all, and it shouldn’t go to waste, but either inner ashes should be something completely different or it needs a lot more time to be developed into something a lot more in-depth than what is here right now.”
    • “I understand the story might be hard for those vulnerable to these kinds of themes (like me), but it unravels in a somewhat uplifting tone.”
    • “The story seems to be well researched as far as Alzheimer's symptoms and treatments go, and what someone with the condition or someone caring for a person with the condition may experience.”
  • emotional
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its deeply immersive narrative, which explores themes of love, memory, and loss, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease. Players often find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster, shedding tears as they connect with the poignant stories and experiences presented. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to evoke strong feelings and provoke introspection, making it a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate emotionally-driven narratives.

    • “The narrative is a retrospective journey into Henry's mind about the past, and what an emotional rollercoaster it is!”
    • “It's a touching portrayal of a father's love and the power of memories.”
    • “Inner Ashes is not just a game; it's an emotional and introspective experience that raises awareness about Alzheimer's disease.”
  • music
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised for its sublime and evocative quality, effectively enhancing the emotional depth of various scenes. It adapts well to the narrative, shifting between moody, charming, and energetic tones, although some players noted accessibility issues for deaf individuals in specific chapters. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant asset to the gaming experience.

    • “The music in this game was sublime and evocative in particular scenes.”
    • “The last chapter's music was exceptional, which is where I totally lost it!!!”
    • “The music is fantastic - moody, charming, calming, energetic, dark - changing to suit the scenes and story well.”
    • “But it is difficult for deaf people to hear the music in this chapter.”
    • “One other thing is that there is a chapter where there is music involved, so you have to follow the sound.”
    • “Music is actually an aid for ad sufferers and calms them.”
  • graphics
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics are praised for their bright, colorful presentation and diverse art styles, including a comic aesthetic in cutscenes and a stylized, psychedelic look in the game world. Reviewers highlight the impressive visuals that enhance the emotional storytelling, creating an immersive experience that resonates deeply with players. Overall, the game's graphics are considered outstanding and meticulously crafted.

    • “The graphics were bright and colorful and went through the seasons.”
    • “The art styles are quite good - both the comic style used in cutscenes and the stylized, almost psychedelic style used in the playable game world.”
    • “From the captivating storytelling to the stunning visuals, every aspect of this game is meticulously crafted.”
  • gameplay
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by its immersive mechanics inspired by real therapy methods, allowing players to experience the protagonist Henry's struggles and memory challenges. While the story begins slowly, it deepens over time, and the visually appealing art enhances the overall experience, reminiscent of the interaction between worlds in Silent Hill 4. This combination of storytelling, gameplay, and aesthetics creates a memorable journey.

    • “You experience the day-to-day struggle of Henry and see the many mechanics used to jog his memory.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics, inspired by real therapy methods, offer a unique and immersive experience.”
    • “It beautifully combines storytelling, gameplay, and art to deliver a truly unforgettable journey.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics are clunky and often frustrating, making it difficult to fully engage with the story.”
    • “The pacing of the gameplay is inconsistent, leading to moments of boredom and disconnection from the narrative.”
    • “The controls feel unresponsive at times, which detracts from the overall experience and immersion.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

Inner Ashes is a casual platformer game.

Inner Ashes is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.

Inner Ashes was released on June 29, 2023.

Inner Ashes was developed by Calathea Game Studio.

Inner Ashes has received neutral reviews from players and neutral reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its music.

Inner Ashes is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, Helianthus, Old Man's Journey, The Shattering, The Cat Lady and others.