Inkulinati is the newest addition to the impressive lineup of games on Xbox Game Pass. Following the 2022 release of Pentiment, and the surprise drop of the visually stunning Hi-Fi Rush during the recent Developer_Direct, Inkulinati from Polish studio Yaza Games joins this lineup with high expectations. Here’s our preview of Inkulinati, covering everything you need to know about the game.
Graphics
Inkulinati is a 2D strategy game similar to X-COM but with a side-scrolling twist. It features a unique visual style that, while not overly demanding on your graphics card, captivates with its simple yet beautiful art. The game blends real-life actors in its cutscenes to portray medieval characters and immerses you with a quill-wielding hand that draws ink on parchment, creating a masterful blend of art and graphics.
The game’s visuals are stunning
The imagery in Inkulinati is both simple and diverse, showcasing a variety of units, bosses, and main characters. The visible effort put into these visuals significantly enhances the player’s experience.
The Parchment
As you progress, the parchment—and the background it rests on—becomes more intricate. This detail underscores the developers’ care and dedication. Inkulinati evolves continuously, featuring vivid set pieces both on and off the parchment. In an era of hyper-realistic graphics, Inkulinati’s clean and minimalist aesthetic stands out remarkably.
Gameplay
Inkulinati is challenging, with complex mechanics requiring you to master strategic combat. The main objective is to control the 2D board by pushing enemies off platforms or defeating them with your units.
Ready your army for battle
Your enemy won’t sit idle; they will counter-attack and push your units off the board as well. Even on the easiest difficulty, battles demand meticulous planning and strategic thinking. Although there is a tutorial, fully grasping the mechanics is essential to progressing through levels without endless retries.
Drawn to Life
Each unit in the game comes with its own procedurally generated name, ranging from simple to humorous, adding a unique identity to each unit. This small detail makes players care more about their units.
Combat in Action
Constant vigilance is crucial, as the tide of battle can shift at any moment if you’re not careful. After you ink a unit into existence, you need to end your turn to replenish your ink and allow your units to attack. Consequently, strategic placement of units is key, as they are not always available to attack instantly. This gameplay element emphasizes the importance of careful planning and placement of your units.
Conclusion
If you enjoy visually rich and engaging games, Inkulinati is a must-try. You can also catch it on Game Pass when it launches on January 31st.