Inmost

Cover of Inmost

Inmost is an atmospheric, story-driven puzzle-platformer developed by Hidden Layer Games and published by Chuckelfish. The game was released for various platforms including PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and macOS in 2020. Inmost stands out for its distinctive pixel art style, emotional narrative, and the intertwining stories of its three main characters, each with their unique gameplay mechanics and perspectives.

Gameplay

Inmost features a mix of puzzle-solving, platforming, and adventure elements. Players control three characters with different abilities and stories: a young girl navigating a mysterious house, a knight on a quest to fight darkness, and a man searching for answers in a bleak, decaying world. The gameplay shifts between these characters, offering a variety of challenges and puzzles that require players to think creatively and use the characters' unique abilities to advance.

The game is notable for its minimalistic approach to tutorials and guidance, encouraging players to explore and figure out the mechanics on their own. This design choice complements the game's atmospheric and immersive experience, drawing players deeper into its dark, emotional narrative.

Plot

The narrative of Inmost is one of its most compelling features, weaving a dark and emotional story about loss, pain, and the impact of our choices. The game's story is revealed through environmental storytelling, character interactions, and flashbacks, gradually uncovering the connections between the characters and the dark world they inhabit.

Without spoiling the intricate details of the plot, Inmost explores themes of sacrifice, hope, and redemption, as the characters' stories converge towards a poignant conclusion. The game's narrative is enhanced by its atmospheric pixel art and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, which together create a deeply immersive and emotional experience.

Development

Developed by Hidden Layer Games, a small independent studio, Inmost was a project born out of personal experiences and a desire to tell a meaningful story. The game's development took several years, with the team focusing on creating a rich, atmospheric world and a narrative that would leave a lasting impact on players. The developers utilized pixel art not just for its aesthetic appeal but as a means to convey the game's emotional depth and complexity.

Reception

Upon release, Inmost received praise for its art style, storytelling, and unique blend of gameplay mechanics. Critics and players alike lauded the game for its emotional depth, atmospheric world, and the way it handles dark and mature themes. However, some noted that the game's puzzles and platforming elements, while inventive, could sometimes be frustrating or obscure, slightly marring an otherwise immersive experience.

Despite these minor criticisms, Inmost is considered a standout title in the indie game scene, particularly for those who appreciate narrative-driven games and the emotional power of storytelling in video games.

See Also

• Puzzle-platformer
• Indie game
• Narrative-driven game