There Will Be Ink

About

"There Will Be Ink" is a challenging tactical action game for 1-8 players, where stick figure armies battle on a paper notepad. Players must use strategy and assess the battlefield to win, as charging forward is rarely effective. As units gain experience, they become more proficient in battle, with increased attributes and evasive maneuvers. An "Arcade Mode" is available for those who prefer a more run-and-gun style.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Co-Op Team up with friends to complete levels or missions together
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
PvP Player versus Player - Fight against other players in real-time, often in arena-style combat
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 50 reviews

graphics6 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

The game is fun and enjoyable, especially in local co-op mode, providing a nostalgic and humorous experience.
The art style and graphics are charming, reminiscent of childhood stick figure drawings, adding to the overall appeal.
Gameplay is challenging yet rewarding, with the potential for unit upgrades and a variety of tactical options.

The game can feel repetitive after a few missions, and there are issues with troop control and AI behavior.
Some players find the RNG mechanics frustrating, as it can feel unfair when shots miss despite aiming.
The music is repetitive, and there is a lack of a clear tutorial, which may hinder new players from fully grasping the game mechanics.

story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
38%
The game's story is described as simple and somewhat repetitive, with a lack of control over troop movements that can detract from the experience. While the campaign missions may not be perfectly balanced, players find enjoyment in the gameplay itself, which includes features like a quick battle generator and a map editor. Overall, the narrative aspect does not significantly enhance the game, but it remains engaging through its mechanics.
- “The gameplay is fun in and of itself so it really doesn't rely on the campaign missions, there is a quick battle generator and a map editor as well.”
- “Warning though: it is difficult, and it includes missions that were clearly before the developer figured out what makes for a balanced level in this game - it is pretty upfront about it though.”
- “Nice simple game, a bit repetitive after 4-5 missions... feels like it lacks control over your troops; tell them to defend/advance/etc., they simply spawn and move.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics are praised for their fun art style, reminiscent of childhood stick figures, which adds a nostalgic charm to the game. Players appreciate the combination of engaging visuals and enjoyable music, enhancing the overall experience.
- “The art style is definitely fun.”
- “Graphics are great and take you back to childhood stick men.”
- “So far, I have really enjoyed the challenge, and the aesthetic/music always brings a smile to my face.”
music
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The music in the game is noted for being somewhat repetitive, but many players find it enjoyable enough to leave on in the background at low volume. Despite its repetitiveness, the aesthetic and overall vibe of the music contribute positively to the gaming experience, often bringing a smile to players' faces.
- “I have really enjoyed the challenge, and the aesthetic and music always bring a smile to my face.”
- “The music was really repetitive but leaving it on in the background with a very low volume proved to work for me and my friends.”
- “The music is perhaps a bit repetitive.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay is described as fun and challenging, featuring a cool isometric twin-stick shooter design with deep mechanics such as cover, stamina, and environmental effects on bullets. Players appreciate the standalone enjoyment of the gameplay, which includes a quick battle generator and a map editor, making it engaging beyond just the campaign missions.
- “The gameplay is fun in and of itself, so it really doesn't rely on the campaign missions. There is a quick battle generator and a map editor as well.”
- “Cool isometric twin-stick shooter with a fun theme and surprisingly deep gameplay (cover mechanics, stamina, dodge-roll, wind affects bullets, etc.).”
- “Gameplay is fun and challenging.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is noted for its simplicity and humor, with players finding it amusing and entertaining.
- “It's a simple but a funny game.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, as it often requires replaying levels multiple times to upgrade units effectively.
- “Replaying levels numerous times to be able to upgrade units can be a bit tedious.”