Title: Inscryption
Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Initial Release Date:  October 19, 2021
Available On: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X & S, Nintendo Switch
Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch

As part of my 2024 endeavor to chip away at my backlog, this roguelike deck building horror indie game was at the top of my list. In fact, the only reason why it took me so long to play Inscryption was because I was patiently waiting for my physical copy from Special Reserve Games! So, let’s dig in.

Author’s Note: Because of the game’s deep narrative and twists, this review will contain only the lightest of spoilers. Major plot points will be avoided.

SYNOPSIS:

As mentioned above, Inscryption is mostly known for its deckbuilding and horror elements. All cover art and promotional material show you playing head-to-head against a figure cloaked in darkness named Leshy. The only thing you see are his eyes…watching your every move. However, Inscryption is much more than that. This game blends several genres, so it is challenging to provide a comprehensive synopsis without spoiling the story.

At a high level, Inscryption begins as a turned-based, deck builder. You progress across a narrated game board, stumbling across various events and battles laid out by Leshy, much like a Dungeon Master in Dungeon’s and Dragons. As you progress (which involves losing many times), you are able to explore the cabin you are in and slowly unlocking the secrets of the narrative. How did you get here? How can you escape?

Things take a turn when a few cards animate and talk to you. By the time you defeat the final boss of Leshy’s game, you find a way to escape his cabin for good. But…are you really free? Turns out Inscryption has more than one card-playing master, also known as Scrybes, as you also meet Grimora, Scrybe of the Dead, P03, Scrybe of Technology, and Magnificus, Scrybe of Magicks.

ANALYSIS:

Gameplay

As I’ve mentioned a few times by now, Inscryption primarily circles around deckbuilding and battling others with these cards. Each card has a cost to play, health, power (attack), and possible special ability. The goal is to tip the scale completely to win a round. There are also items you may use to your advantage such as destroying an opponent’s card or accessing an additional card.

What stands out the most over any other deckbuilding title is that Inscryption takes these basic mechanics and runs with it. Throughout the three acts, you are introduced to even more decks with even more mechanics and themes. Since there are four Scrybes, you can conclude there are four styles. However, you can pick and choose what style to specialize in.

I refuse to reveal major spoilers, but I do feel obliged to reiterate that Inscryption does span several genres, which, in turn, impacts gameplay. The middle act plays like a pixel2D style adventure game with card playing mechanics added to it. There are live action videos also sprinkled in between. I mention this because I’ve read that the second and third act has received some criticism. Perhaps it was the genre-change that jarred players. It did not bother me, but I feel it is important to let prospective players know that there is more than meets the eye and not to expect the entire game the play out the same. That would be my only caveat to inform prospective players; however, it is not a weakness in my opinion. Each act had a clear theme and style, and it all directs the player into one final–albeit open–ending.

Visual and Audio

I mentioned “stylized” several times already, and Inscryption has a lot of personality going for it. From the card artwork to the actual graphics, there is something eerie yet charming about Inscryption. It holds the not-quite-right quality, even when you are playing through the pixelized adventure section.

The sound design pairs well with the dark, spooky atmosphere. Inscryption pulls you in right from the beginning, and the art and sound are one of its many strengths. Most of what you hear is ambient sounds versus soundtrack music–fitting for its genre. I’ll admit though that some sections had distorted synth sounds, which were great for the first few minutes, but can get old if you’re like me and had the reply that section over several times…

Final Score:

Inscryption is an easy five-star game for me, and I have made it known many times on the Boss Rush podcast that I do not like deckbuilding video games.

Why is it five stars?

There is no other game like this. Inscryption blends so many genres together and yet ties it to a greater story that leaves you thinking about it days after you complete the game. This is why even those who don’t like deckbuilding games should still give Inscryption a shot! There is more to this indie title than battling with cards.

Yes, you will fail. A lot. This is the roguelike spirit within Inscryption. However, you are meant to fail. In fact, the story won’t progress until you fail a few times. New secrets and new mechanics are introduced through your failures, so it is well worth revisiting that board game over and over. And right when you think you’ve gotten it all down…

Inscryption pulls the rug from beneath you. There is a deep, insidious evil lurking within the game Inscryption. Why do the bosses appear sentient? What’s with the vlogs of this dude named Luke Carder, and what has he gotten himself into?

Now, Inscryption isn’t easy. There are lots of trial and error and plenty of twists and turns. However, if you are patient and explore the narrative, you’d find a treasure trove of detail. I’ve put this game down two days ago, and I’m still thinking about it. This is why I am writing a review on a game that is a few years old. If you haven’t played it yet and want a game that really makes you think about the entire experience and potential consequences from the ending, I highly recommend giving Inscryption a shot.

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Featured Image Source: Daniel Mullins Games