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Inscryption

The creepiest hand of cards you'll ever play, and one of the best pieces of interactive fiction I've seen in years.
92%Game Brain Score
Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization
97% User Score Based on 131,036 reviews
Critic Score 82%Based on 4 reviews

Platforms

Windows
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About Inscryption

Inscryption is a single player action game with a horror theme. It was developed by Daniel Mullins Games and was released on October 19, 2021. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

From the creator of Pony Island and The Hex comes the latest mind melting, self-destructing love letter to video games. Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards... Features Acquire a deck of woodland creature cards by …

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Reviews

97%Audience ScoreBased on 131,036 reviews
story13k positive mentions
grinding458 negative mentions

  • story

    26,174 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    50% positive mentions, 48% neutral mentions, 2% negative mentions

    The story of "Inscryption" is widely praised for its depth, creativity, and unexpected twists, captivating players with a unique blend of horror and mystery. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to intertwine engaging gameplay with a compelling narrative, often recommending players to experience it without prior knowledge to fully appreciate its surprises. While some players found the latter acts less satisfying compared to the gripping first act, the overall storytelling and atmosphere have left a lasting impression, making it a standout title in the indie game scene.

    • “Inscryption, at its core, is a story-based roguelike deckbuilder, and what I would consider my favorite game of all time.”
    • “The story is captivating, so I strongly recommend avoiding any spoilers before experiencing it yourself.”
    • “The storytelling, ambience, and game mechanics are absolutely stunning!”
    • “The story mode is a slog, rules exposed piecemeal and painfully slowly, failure built into the gameplay loop to expose you to new mechanics as opposed to letting you explore and learn through trial and error.”
    • “The story is difficult to follow and undercuts the player's effort in learning the game by ending in a sort of 'creepy-pasta' style ending that leaves you feeling like 'things sure happened' at the end of the game.”
    • “The story is not very well fleshed out and had much more potential to go deeper.”

  • gameplay

    21,895 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    46% positive mentions, 52% neutral mentions, 2% negative mentions

    The gameplay of *Inscryption* is widely praised for its innovative mechanics and engaging card-battling system, which evolves throughout the game, introducing new elements and strategies that keep players invested. While the first act is often highlighted as the most enjoyable, with a perfect blend of atmosphere and gameplay, opinions vary on the subsequent acts, with some players finding them less compelling due to significant shifts in mechanics and aesthetics. Overall, the game is recognized for its unique storytelling and immersive experience, making it a standout title in the deck-building genre.

    • “Inscryption gifts you a truly unique gameplay experience and atmosphere.”
    • “The way all of its mechanics blend together seamlessly is so amazing, and the gameplay loop is very intuitive.”
    • “The gameplay is so good that even if you saw Markiplier play this, you are going to have an amazing experience.”
    • “The only thing I could actually say negatively about the gameplay itself for something like Act 1 or Kaycee's mod is the pre-determined RNG for things such as starting hands or how your deck is shuffled can quite literally make winning a battle impossible and by extension end your run with no way of stopping it.”
    • “The gameplay starts off slow, lacking in its later complexity, and brutal.”
    • “Act 2 was a little less interesting than Act 1, but still kept the charm of the card battle mechanic.”

  • atmosphere

    5,601 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    63% positive mentions, 35% neutral mentions, 2% negative mentions

    The atmosphere in *Inscryption* is widely praised for its unique blend of eerie visuals, haunting sound design, and immersive storytelling, creating a deeply engaging experience that captivates players from the start. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke a sense of dread and mystery, particularly in the first act, where the setting and tone are most effective. However, some players express disappointment with the subsequent acts, noting a shift in atmosphere that detracts from the initial suspense and intrigue, leading to a less cohesive experience overall.

    • “The atmosphere alone is enough to make you engaged.”
    • “The atmosphere is thick with tension, and every game feels like a high-stakes gamble.”
    • “From the moment you start, the game grips you with its eerie atmosphere and deep, immersive storytelling.”
    • “The atmosphere was dripping with oppressiveness at first, then excitement as I grew closer to beating act 1.”
    • “The second act completely changes the atmosphere and gameplay, and plays a lot like the Pokémon card game for the Game Boy (a spinoff of Pokémon).”
    • “Once you beat the cabin guy (his name is Leshy), all the personality/feel/atmosphere of the game gets sucked dry, and the fun dwindles.”

  • graphics

    5,330 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    49% positive mentions, 48% neutral mentions, 3% negative mentions

    The graphics of *Inscryption* have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the unique art style and atmospheric visuals, particularly in Act 1, which features a dark, gritty aesthetic that enhances the horror elements of the game. However, a significant number of players expressed disappointment with the drastic shift to pixelated graphics in Act 2, which they felt detracted from the overall experience and immersion. Despite this, the game's varied aesthetics and engaging gameplay mechanics have left a lasting impression on many, making it a standout title in the indie game scene.

    • “The atmosphere of it all is so amazing, too; it has a lovely aesthetic.”
    • “The art style, the ambience, the gameplay, even the menu UI, it's all really well done and super mysterious.”
    • “The art style is original and is also very appealing, adding a lot to the atmosphere and charm of the game, which makes it stand out from the crowd.”
    • “Solid card game hidden behind tedious narrative and primitive graphics.”
    • “Act 1 was awesome, then act 2 came and ruined the experience for me immediately, it baffles me that this game has overwhelming positive reviews, I don't get it, changing everything about the game from graphics to even the core mechanic mid-game is just nonsense for me.”
    • “The graphics turn into an 8-bit RPG-maker wannabe, the talking cards removed, the random stuff like sacrificing cards for powerups, or merging cards together, or trading sigils, all gone.”

  • music

    2,664 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    57% positive mentions, 42% neutral mentions, 1% negative mentions

    The music in *Inscryption* has been widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, enhancing the game's eerie and suspenseful tone. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack's ability to complement the gameplay and narrative, with many tracks being described as memorable and fitting for various game moments, particularly during boss fights. While some players noted a decline in music quality in later acts, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack is a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's unique experience.

    • “The music is fantastic, the characters, the intricate way Mullins creeps you out while wiggling a fascinating story thread in front of you to grab it with shaky hands... the mechanism of this card game is so unique and so well oiled and smart...”
    • “The soundtrack beautifully fits the game.”
    • “The music, the gameplay, the aesthetics, you could talk about them for hours.”
    • “Finally, this doesn't have to do with the game itself, but with its soundtrack: do not buy it on Steam.”
    • “This isn't a Bandcamp ad, it's just... I was disappointed buying the OST on Steam and not seeing some secret boss themes, I'll be real.”
    • “The music is a bit lackluster, and while the little music that is there does a lot to elevate the experience, I do wish it had at least one or two memorable tunes.”

  • replayability

    2,356 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    40% positive mentions, 54% neutral mentions, 6% negative mentions

    The replayability of "Inscryption" is notably enhanced by the addition of Kaycee's mod, which transforms the first act into an infinitely replayable roguelike experience, offering new challenges and card mechanics. While the main story provides a compelling narrative that can be enjoyed in a single playthrough, many players feel that the later acts lack the same replay value, making the game more of a one-time experience. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging gameplay and depth, but its replayability largely hinges on the post-game content introduced by Kaycee's mod.

    • “I had a lot of fun with this part of the game, and learning more about the lore adds to the replayability of the game for me.”
    • “The story you'll beat in about 15 hours, but there's a roguelike playthrough system you'll unlock in the end which has tons of replay value.”
    • “Kaycee's mod provides nearly endless replayability and unique challenges, and for all its flaws, what I found was most lacking in the game was that it left me wanting more.”
    • “The only downside to this game is the lack of replayability.”
    • “I will note this game does not have 'replayability' because once you know what's going on, the replayable factor will be based just on how much you like the core game.”
    • “The story is not particularly replayable, but luckily the challenge mode allows you to play the main gameplay loop as much as you like.”

  • humor

    1,102 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    99% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 1% negative mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending dark, quirky, and often absurd elements that keep players engaged and entertained. Many reviewers noted moments that made them laugh out loud, with clever dialogue and unexpected twists that balance the game's eerie atmosphere. Overall, the humor is described as both refreshing and integral to the experience, making it a memorable and enjoyable journey through a unique narrative.

    • “I had a great ride, laughing out loud and yelling 'what' at some of the meta moments.”
    • “The game's twists and turns had me laughing out loud one moment and feeling a shiver down my spine the next.”
    • “It's such an amazing game, very humorous and eerie at the same time.”
    • “Inscryption is simply unfunny and unfair to play.”
    • “A friend of mine is currently finding this very not funny.”
    • “And to top everything, for some reason they had to put in so much bad and really cringey 'humor' or 'jokes' if you can really call them that, which happens quite often in Act 3.”

  • emotional

    880 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Inscryption" has been widely praised, with many players expressing deep emotional connections to the characters and story, often leading to tears during the game's impactful ending. Reviewers noted the game's ability to evoke a full spectrum of emotions, from joy to sadness, and highlighted its unexpected depth for a card game, making it a memorable and immersive experience. Overall, players found themselves emotionally invested, with many stating it was one of the most emotionally resonant games they had ever played.

    • “This game is an emotional whirlwind, and I honestly believe that is the highest praise I’m able to give – not just to Daniel Mullins, his team, and this project, but to any game.”
    • “Never in my life have I ever cried to a game as hard as I cried to this.”
    • “The story and character development was richer than I expected and I even found myself a little emotional near the end.”
    • “Expected fun roguelite, ended up being a boring story with simple puzzles and a boring non-ending.”
    • “Made me feel nauseous.”
    • “Made me feel nauseous.”

  • grinding

    576 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    1% positive mentions, 19% neutral mentions, 80% negative mentions

    The aspect of "grinding" in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious, especially in the later acts. While the first act is generally praised for its engaging gameplay, subsequent acts are often described as repetitive and overly grindy, leading to frustration and a sense of boredom. Some players appreciate the challenge and depth of the card mechanics, but overall, the grinding experience can detract from the enjoyment of the game.

    • “No grinding involved, challenging but fair.”
    • “You aren't grinding the exact same thing over and over.”
    • “I've never seen so many mechanics being thrown at me in a way that isn't tedious.”
    • “Act 3: tediously awful, bordering on unplayable.”
    • “I really wanted to like this game, but it's extremely tedious, slow, repetitive, and simply not fun.”
    • “The base game is extremely fun, but everything after act 1 is grindy, boring, or lore related cutscenes which seem incredibly unnecessary and weaken the cool setup the game had.”

  • monetization

    196 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    2% positive mentions, 5% neutral mentions, 93% negative mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players criticizing the misleading advertising that primarily showcases only the first act, which leads to feelings of betrayal once the game shifts dramatically in style and gameplay. While there are no microtransactions, the lack of transparency regarding the game's structure has left some players feeling scammed, as they expected a consistent experience throughout based on the promotional materials. Overall, the game is praised for its lack of monetization schemes, but the deceptive marketing practices have overshadowed its positive attributes.

    • “Fun and quirky card game with endless mods and 0 microtransactions!”
    • “Tldr: this game is phenomenal and you absolutely should give it a try if you like card games without the nonsense of 'games as a service,' and microtransactions - this game has all the love and none of that bs!”
    • “An absolute breath of fresh air instead of a lot of the so-called 'AAA' games with tons of bugs and price gouging monetization schemes.”
    • “The game's advertising is misleading as the game you see in the trailers is only a tiny part of the overall experience before it takes a drastic turn in a different direction.”
    • “Unfortunately, the game shown in the advertisements is only 1/3rd of the game, and is quickly abandoned for a worse version of itself.”
    • “The entire advertising for what you get when you play this game, the whole store page, is a lie.”

  • character development

    118 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    56% positive mentions, 41% neutral mentions, 3% negative mentions

    Character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, with players noting the rich storytelling and unique personalities of characters like the scrybes. The combination of intricate character designs, engaging dialogue, and a compelling narrative creates a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. Many reviewers highlight that the character development not only supports the gameplay but also elevates the emotional stakes, making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “The story and character development was richer than I expected and I even found myself a little emotional near the end.”
    • “Great character development and storytelling, fun and challenging mechanics, solid ending, overall 10/10 game <3”
    • “Inscryption is a masterfully crafted card game with balanced, interesting gameplay and mechanics that stay fresh; a perfect blend of well-made pixel art and perfectly made 3D models; great character designs, not just in models but in written personalities; extremely satisfying sound design and a gripping story the likes of which I don't believe I will ever forget.”
    • “Past this point in the later chapters we get barely any character development for anyone.”
    • “I want more lore, more character development, more of the mystery of this strange game being revealed.”
    • “The game also adds some slight character development, humor, and even small horror elements.”

  • stability

    102 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    16% positive mentions, 6% neutral mentions, 78% negative mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with some players reporting a generally bug-free experience, while others encounter frequent freezes, particularly after major events or during specific acts. Issues with save files and performance on certain platforms, like the Nintendo Switch and Proton, have also been noted. Overall, while many enjoy the game, the presence of glitches and freezing can detract from the experience for some users.

    • “Runs great on Linux.”
    • “The game runs great on low-end PCs.”
    • “Only encountered two crashes to desktop, but otherwise a bug-free experience.”
    • “It's a good game, but it freezes when I got past Act 2.”
    • “Game freezes after every boss and uberboss.”
    • “I'm currently at a point where I don't even know if I can continue, because it freezes when loading my save.”

  • optimization

    64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    44% positive mentions, 47% neutral mentions, 9% negative mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its solid performance across a range of hardware, including low-end rigs, with no significant bugs or glitches reported. However, some players noted that while the game runs well, it can be resource-intensive, draining battery life quickly, and there are suggestions for further graphical adjustments to enhance performance. Despite minor criticisms, the game is generally regarded as a well-optimized experience that balances narrative and gameplay effectively.

    • “The game does a fantastic job at encouraging and rewarding experimentation, even for someone like myself that enjoys game knowledge and optimization.”
    • “Performance was perfectly fine with there being no bugs or glitches.”
    • “Absolutely phenomenal beyond expectation and incredible in all-around performance.”
    • “Instead of being a technical game, optimized for hundreds of hours of replayability, it's balanced for a specific narrative experience, so don't be afraid if you are not really into deckbuilders or roguelites.”
    • “The visuals, sounds, and overall performance is akin to something you might expect from 'a strange game you found at random coordinates you receive.' Therefore, I don't feel like I have to defend the stiff movements, grainy filter (which you can disable in the settings), hard edges, and the like.”
    • “I really enjoyed the game for 3-4 hours, then it felt kinda mediocre, and later I started having performance issues.”
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Critic Reviews

82%Critics’ scoreBased on 4 critic reviews
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Play Times

12h Median play time
33h Average play time
8-20h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 520 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Inscryption is a action game with horror theme. Common tags for Inscryption include indie.

Inscryption is available on Windows.

On average players spend around 33 hours playing Inscryption.

Inscryption was released on October 19, 2021.

Inscryption was developed by Daniel Mullins Games.

Inscryption has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked Inscryption for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Inscryption is a single player game.