Inscryption (Cross-platform, 2021)

Release date: Tuesday 19th October 2021

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Published by: Devolver Digital

Developed by: Daniel Mullins Games

Genres: Strategy, Roguelite

Story Driveđź“– 15/20
Accessibility🚪 15/20
Depth🤿 12/20
Challengeđź’€ 13/20
Duration⌛ 12/20
Freedom🌎 11/20
Review Scores
5xEEC
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 5
At first glance, Inscryption seems like a straightforward deck-building game, but it slowly unravels into something much bigger. The way it constantly reinvents itself is nothing short of astonishing. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the game throws another curveball, revealing yet another unexpected layer. It’s one of those games that, while undeniably indie, exudes ambition in a way that few others do.
The Flair: E
It’s difficult to put into words what Inscryption’s audiovisual presentation makes you feel, especially in its first act. The game is proof that a “low-fi” art style can carry enormous personality when used effectively. From the moment those two round eyes pierce through the darkness, the game casts its spell on you, immersing you in its eerie, mysterious world. And then there’s the soundtrack, which is nothing short of phenomenal. Every track is distinct, elevating key moments and adding layers of tension, wonder, and unease. It’s an audiovisual triumph, proving that atmosphere isn’t just about graphical fidelity—it’s about direction, tone, and execution.
The Feel: E
Every facet of Inscryption’s gameplay feels incredibly well-crafted. Whether you’re locked in a tense card battle, upgrading your deck, or solving one of its many puzzle sequences, the game knows exactly how to make you feel—afraid, powerful, desperate, cunning… sometimes all at once. The roguelite deck-building mechanics alone are exceptionally satisfying and could have carried the entire game by themselves. But what truly makes Inscryption special is how seamlessly the puzzles and narrative weave into the experience, creating a gameplay loop that constantly surprises and rewards the player. Few games manage to elevate mechanics beyond their core systems quite like this.
The Fuel: C
If Inscryption has any real content-related shortcomings, it’s in how the story unfolds beyond Act 1. The first act is so immersive, so tightly designed, that when the game pivots into Acts 2 and 3, the transition feels more like a genre shift rather than a natural continuation. These later acts are good—great, even—but they struggle to reach the heights of that initial experience. In some ways, Inscryption could have been a shorter, more focused masterpiece if it ended with Act 1. That’s not to say the rest of the game isn’t clever, compelling, or packed with great card variety, but the tonal and structural shifts dilute the impact rather than enhance it. Even so, what’s here remains remarkably strong, delivering a unique, deeply engaging experience that still stands out in the genre.
Excellent
88
Classic Score
Conclusions
Inscryption is more than a game—it’s an experience, one that defines its own genre and challenges expectations at every turn. While not for everyone, and while its later acts may not land as strongly as its opening, it remains an unmissable, truly special title. Whether you stay for its brilliant mechanics, eerie atmosphere, or sheer unpredictability, it’s a game that deserves to be experienced at least once. We highly recommend giving it a shot—even if you think it’s not your thing, you might be surprised.
Inscryption
Inscryption (Cross-platform, 2021)
Badge Cabinet
Release date: Tuesday 19th October 2021
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Published by: Devolver Digital
Developed by: Daniel Mullins Games
Genres: Strategy, Roguelite
Trait Chart
Story Drive đź“– 15/20
Accessibility 🚪 15/20
Depth 🤿 12/20
Challenge đź’€ 13/20
Duration ⌛ 12/20
Freedom 🌎 11/20
Review Scores
5xEEC
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 5
At first glance, Inscryption seems like a straightforward deck-building game, but it slowly unravels into something much bigger. The way it constantly reinvents itself is nothing short of astonishing. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the game throws another curveball, revealing yet another unexpected layer. It’s one of those games that, while undeniably indie, exudes ambition in a way that few others do.
The Flair: E
It’s difficult to put into words what Inscryption’s audiovisual presentation makes you feel, especially in its first act. The game is proof that a “low-fi” art style can carry enormous personality when used effectively. From the moment those two round eyes pierce through the darkness, the game casts its spell on you, immersing you in its eerie, mysterious world. And then there’s the soundtrack, which is nothing short of phenomenal. Every track is distinct, elevating key moments and adding layers of tension, wonder, and unease. It’s an audiovisual triumph, proving that atmosphere isn’t just about graphical fidelity—it’s about direction, tone, and execution.
The Feel: E
Every facet of Inscryption’s gameplay feels incredibly well-crafted. Whether you’re locked in a tense card battle, upgrading your deck, or solving one of its many puzzle sequences, the game knows exactly how to make you feel—afraid, powerful, desperate, cunning… sometimes all at once. The roguelite deck-building mechanics alone are exceptionally satisfying and could have carried the entire game by themselves. But what truly makes Inscryption special is how seamlessly the puzzles and narrative weave into the experience, creating a gameplay loop that constantly surprises and rewards the player. Few games manage to elevate mechanics beyond their core systems quite like this.
The Fuel: C
If Inscryption has any real content-related shortcomings, it’s in how the story unfolds beyond Act 1. The first act is so immersive, so tightly designed, that when the game pivots into Acts 2 and 3, the transition feels more like a genre shift rather than a natural continuation. These later acts are good—great, even—but they struggle to reach the heights of that initial experience. In some ways, Inscryption could have been a shorter, more focused masterpiece if it ended with Act 1. That’s not to say the rest of the game isn’t clever, compelling, or packed with great card variety, but the tonal and structural shifts dilute the impact rather than enhance it. Even so, what’s here remains remarkably strong, delivering a unique, deeply engaging experience that still stands out in the genre.
Conclusions

Inscryption is more than a game—it’s an experience, one that defines its own genre and challenges expectations at every turn. While not for everyone, and while its later acts may not land as strongly as its opening, it remains an unmissable, truly special title. Whether you stay for its brilliant mechanics, eerie atmosphere, or sheer unpredictability, it’s a game that deserves to be experienced at least once. We highly recommend giving it a shot—even if you think it’s not your thing, you might be surprised.

Excellent
88
Classic Score