Inscryption review – a deck-building captivating and atmospheric masterpiece

Inscryption, much like the Blair Witch Project in the realm of horror cinema, emerges as a captivating and atmospheric masterpiece within the genre of deck-building video games. Just as the Blair Witch Project revolutionized found-footage horror movies, this video game pushes the boundaries of its genre, delivering an authentic and unforgettable experience. With its gripping awkward narrative, innovative mechanics, and eerie atmosphere, it excels at immersive storytelling and gameplay fusion. Playing the game evoked the same bone-chilling terror I experienced while watching the Blair Witch Project alone in a dark movie theater. With Inscryption, you are about to enter a world that will leave you questioning your sanity and craving for more.

Inscryption is a roguelike deckbuilding video game, drawing inspiration from titles like Slay the Spire. Yet, it transcends any initial expectations and defies comparison to the saturated deckbuilding genre. It breaks free from genre conventions, offering a thrilling and unpredictable gameplay experience packed with surprises, twists, and turns. Its mechanics constantly evolve, complemented by a vast array of secrets, puzzles, and content. This refreshing and distinctive approach makes Inscryption a standout title within the genre.

Inscryption is a complex game that’s difficult to describe without giving away its surprises. Actually, this review strives to provide spoiler-free assessments of the game. This is one of those games where it’s wise to dive in knowing as little as possible. If you want a fresh and unbiased experience, skip the gameplay section and jump right into our review.

Unraveling the core mechanics of Inscryption’s gameplay

In Inscryption, the game is structured into three acts, each with distinctive visuals and card game mechanics. While deckbuilding remains central throughout all acts, gameplay reinvents itself, presenting a captivating collage of three games in one. Remarkably, each act is spectacular and compelling, dispelling any notion of them being mere bundled demo mini-games. Instead, they deliver fully immersive and tense experiences that are highly intriguing.

We were in for a wild ride when we reached the end of the first act, only to realize that we had barely scratched the surface of what the game had to offer. And to our delight, we were greeted with a delightful surprise, a whole new visual style that took us back to the nostalgic SNES JRPG era with a top-down retro view.

The first act immerses you in a gloomy, low-fi 3D art style. The oppressive creepy, and shadowy atmosphere cast an ominous presence throughout the game. In this roguelike experience, you navigate a non-linear map, making choices along the way as you strive to reach your goal. You find yourself confined within a cabin, with the enigmatic Mysterious Figure taking on the role of Dungeon Master. There are four distinct locations on the map to explore. An intimidating boss awaits the end of each location. Be warned: if you die, you’ll be taken back to the beginning, starting from scratch.

After defeating the final boss in the first act, you’ll step into a whole new realm in Act 2. This pixel-retro world draws inspiration from the SNES era and presents a fresh challenge: facing off against all four Scrybes to claim the title of the newest Scrybe. Act 2 introduces a range of exciting deck options, expanding deck-building possibilities and making it much more intricate than in Act 1. Get ready for a deeper and more complex gameplay experience as you navigate this new chapter of the game.

In Inscryption’s third and final act, the game takes a nostalgic trip back to its roots but with a futuristic, almost cyberpunk twist. The predominant use of blue in the visual art style creates a visually captivating experience. Act 3 introduces several new mechanics that add layers of complexity to the gameplay. Unlike Act 2, where decks were built from packs, Act 3 relies more on strategic decision-making and a bit of luck. This shift in gameplay dynamics makes battles feel more manageable. Yet it is still crucial to carefully consider your deck composition and make wise choices.

Gameplay Mechanics

In the core mechanics, the majority of cards require a Cost before they can be played. However, there are exceptions where some cards can be played without Cost. Cards can have special abilities called Sigils. When you decide to conclude your turn by ringing the bell, the game enters the combat phase. At this stage, your cards that are currently on the field unleash damage equivalent to their Power onto the opposing space on your opponent’s side. The opposing card will then lose Health equal to the Power of your card. If the damage surpasses the opposing card’s Health, it has the potential to overflow onto another card positioned behind it. In situations where there are no opposing cards, each point of damage tips the scale in favour of your opponent. Subsequently, after your cards have undergone their combat phase, your opponent proceeds to play their cards (which are revealed behind the intended space) and enters their combat phase. Likewise, during this phase, your cards can suffer damage from opposing cards, and any direct damage shifts the balance in your favor.

When you first lay eyes on Inscryption, it might give off the impression of a somewhat relaxed deck-building game. However, as you delve into it, you’ll swiftly realize there is far more complexity and depth to uncover than what meets the eye initially. In each act, you’ll encounter a multitude of surprises that introduce twists to the game’s fundamental mechanics, keeping the experience engaging and full of unexpected turns.

In the first act of Inscryption, you’ll learn about the main mechanic, Blood Sacrifices. It becomes the critical method for playing cards, where you can sacrifice each card you place on the board to summon more powerful ones. To start, you’ll want to place a Squirrel as your first move and then sacrifice it to bring out stronger cards. However, Squirrels don’t have any natural attack power, so they won’t deal damage on their own. This introduces a strategic balance between drawing from your main deck or the Squirrel deck at the beginning of your turn. You need cards like Squirrels to sacrifice for playing main deck cards, but you won’t be able to harm the enemy with Squirrels. As you progress, you’ll unlock bones, which serve a similar purpose but remain with you until the battle ends. Combining Blood Sacrifices and bones allows you to create powerful decks. The currencies in this act are Pelts and Teeth. Teeth are earned by dealing excessive damage and can be used to purchase Pelts. Pelts can be traded by cards.

In the second act, players have the thrilling opportunity to handpick their starting deck by selecting from distinct Scribes representing card types like Beast, Undead, Magickal, and Technology. This grants players the freedom to personalize their deck and devise unique strategies that align with their play style. Unlike the first act’s roguelike structure, the second act introduces an innovative twist—losing a battle no longer necessitates starting over. Instead, players can modify their deck, strategize, and retry the battle, fostering experimentation, adaptation, and growth. This fresh approach adds depth to the gameplay experience, empowering players to conquer challenges and improve without the frustration of restarting. Additionally, foils are the currency in the second act, primarily obtained by achieving decisive victories.

In the third act, players will encounter several new mechanics and features. Similar to the first act, there are two separate decks: one for your cards and another for Empty Vessels. However, the main currency in this act is Energy, which serves as the Cost of playing cards. Energy is replenished at the end of each turn and can also be restored during a turn using the Extra Battery item. This energy-based system brings to mind popular card games like Magic The Gathering or Hearthstone.

Additionally, the gameplay expands with the introduction of five lanes of cards instead of four, adding a new layer of strategy and decision-making. Similar to the first act, players don’t construct their deck from scratch, but they have plenty of opportunities to upgrade and improve their cards throughout the act. The currency used in the third act is called Robobucks, which can be earned by winning battles decisively or by discovering hidden Robobucks on the map. As players progress and achieve victories, they will attract the attention of powerful Bounty Hunters, represented by a star above their head. These formidable opponents provide an even greater challenge for players to overcome.

Furthermore, Act 3 takes inspiration from Dark Souls by including Waypoints on the map. If players suffer defeat, they will be transported to the latest Waypoint. However, they will lose their Robobucks at the point of defeat and must return to reclaim them.

Game review – immerse yourself in a rewarding journey in the world of Inscryption

Inscryption is not your ordinary roguelike deck-building game. It surpasses expectations with surprising twists, innovative ideas, and constant variations that breathe new life into the genre. As you progress, the mechanics evolve, providing an engaging experience that continuously challenges your strategies.

Visually and auditorily, Inscryption is a delight. Its eerie and somber atmosphere in Act 1, its pixelated retro adventure style in Act 2, and its futuristic deep blue aesthetic in Act 3 create a unique and captivating world. Immerse yourself fully by putting on your headphones and allowing the atmospheric sounds to transport you.

Prepare for a mind-blowing journey in the story of the game. It ventures into the realm of grotesque art, reminiscent of the masterpieces crafted by David Lynch and David Cronenberg. The characters are intriguing, and the narrative unfolds with gripping momentum, leaving you craving for more.

The gameplay is nothing short of astonishing. While the basics are easy to grasp, Inscryption demands continuous commitment and strategic thinking. Deck construction and deck-building enthusiasts will be enthralled as the game weaves a mesmerizing web of challenges and surprises.

To uncover all of Inscryption’s secrets, solve intricate puzzles, and reach a gripping conclusion, be prepared to invest multiple hours and numerous sessions. The journey may not be easy, but the rewards are truly worth it. From start to finish, the game offers a brilliantly enthralling and addictive experience.

Once the story comes to an end, the replay value may be limited unless you’re eager to delve deeper into the game’s hidden secrets and lore. However, it extends its mystery beyond the digital realm, encouraging players to explore real-world puzzles and riddles connected to the game.

Inscryption is a game that divides players, falling into the love-it-or-hate-it category. As avid gamers ourselves, we were captivated from the very beginning. It flawlessly combines the joy of deck building, deck construction, and rogue-lite elements, gradually evolving into an impressive and exhilarating experience. Prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary game that will ignite your imagination and leave an indelible impression.

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