Diving Deep into Inkbound: A Tactical Treat
Inkbound mingles compelling tactical combat with rogue-lite charm, setting a new standard in turn-based strategies.
last updated Apr 09, 2024
Inkbound reinvents the wheel of tactical roguelikes with an intoxicating blend of strategy and chaos.
Strategic Symphony of Chaos
Inkbound reinvents the wheel of tactical roguelikes with an intoxicating blend of strategy and chaos. The game provides a sandbox of endless item and skill combinations, ensuring no two playthroughs feel the same. Its co-op mode shines as a beacon of sleep-deprivation for friends, promising hours of shared tumbling down the rabbit hole of strategizing your next move. At its heart, Inkbound feels like a love child between Final Fantasy Tactics and Hades, offering a gameplay loop so captivating, it’s hard to put down. Yet, amid its brilliance, the game mechanics might feel a tad stale after umpteenth expeditions, revealing a gameplay loop exciting in bursts but tough to marathon.
Eargasms and Visual Feasts
Inkbound doesn't just play well; it sounds and looks gorgeous. The game's audio remains praiseworthy, with every spell and skill deployment echoing satisfaction through your eardrums. The visuals and art style carry a distinctive charm that meshes well with the overall tone, creating an immersive world that's easy on the eyes and hard to leave. However, beneath its beauty, the game begs for a pinch more variety in enemy types and bosses. Despite this minor gripe, the game's performance remains solid, offering a smooth experience across various settings.
A Co-op Masterpiece with Room to Grow
Inkbound's co-op mode is a shining example of how to do multiplayer right in a turn-based setting. Swapping items with teammates and developing strategies on the fly add layers of depth not often seen in the genre. The game innovates with a freeform turn-based system, liberating players from the conventional grid without sacrificing strategic fidelity. Though, while the vestige system and class variety add replay value, there is a hunger for more content to keep the game feeling fresh after dozens of hours. The game's difficulty curve and quests show promise but could benefit from polishing to truly shine.
An Innovation in Progress
Inkbound stands out as a crown jewel among indie ventures, infusing traditional turn-based gameplay with refreshing rogue-lite elements. With its varied builds and cooperative gameplay, it offers a hearty challenge that's equally rewarding solo or with friends. The game's ambitious approach to combat and item synergies adds a fresh layer to the tactical genre. However, the call for a more robust bestiary and a deeper layer of challenge is palpable. Its potential for greatness is unmistakable, but only time will tell if it can truly live up to it.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Shiny Shoe
Release Date
April 09, 2024
The Verdict
Inkbound is a tactical tour de force that beautifully blends strategy, rogue-lite progression, and cooperative gameplay into a delightful package. Its innovative combat system, diverse builds, and enchanting audiovisuals craft an experience that's hard to forget. While longing for more content and a steeper challenge, its current offerings provide a solid foundation for future greatness. It's a must-try for fans of the genre and a testament to the magic indie developers can create.